"There are so many people in this community who believe in making a difference, they've just never had the team there to do it," Messina said.
- NEW HAMPSHIRE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, COMMUNITY HAPPENS WHEN GOOD IS BUILT FROM TRAGEDY
LINDSEY MESSINA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lindsey grew up most of her life in Fremont and attended both Ellis and Sanborn Regional High School, graduating in 2012. Her younger siblings grew up with Austin and knew him well. After Austin passed away there was an increase in young deaths because of drug addiction and suicide. Lindsey grew up in the same town and knew some of these individuals from her time in school.
"It really shook the community. There was this numbness that came over the community, and kids were wondering who would be gone next",
I decided to get involved because I genuinely cared about the youth that were growing up, surrounded by loss and hopelessness. I had no degree or job experience in starting a non-profit but I had passion and eagerness to learn.
"My passion for this comes from my four younger siblings," she said. "They have so much talent and so much driving them to be successful. When things don't play out, it's too easy for people to turn to drugs and bad things. Society says success is one-track, but it's not. This place is the community's," she added. "We're just here to guide them."
"Community center born from grief" - Eagle Tribune 2017
Lindsey has spent four and a half years volunteering her time learning, implementing and helping Austin17House become an established organization. In 2021 the Board of Directors received funding to hire her full-time. Her goal is to continue to develop ways of building confidence, creativity and resilience in the youth and families that participate at Austin17House.
IN THE NEWS
“Lindsey was an aesthetician, I am a mechanic,” Mark said. “We’d no idea what we were doing. We’re just ordinary people.”
- Mark Anderson, 2019
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
IN AUSTIN'S MEMORY
SEACOAST ONLINE
HADLEY BARNDOLLAR
APRIL 20, 2017
IN THE NEWS
 Fight Club 17Lindsey and Fight Club 17 Director Jessie on a field trip with youth. |  Creative Arts ShowcaseLindsey is participating and acting in our Creative Arts Showcase 2024. The play was written by Austin17House youth attendee Kai. |  Golf Gala 2024Lindsey speaking to guests and donors at the Austin17House Annual Golf Gala in 2024. |  Masquerade BallLindsey and leadership team of Fight Club 17 at the second Annual Masquerade Ball for youth recovery. |
|---|---|---|---|
 Holiday PartyHanging out with youth and Staff at Holiday Party. |  Subaru Food DriveExeter Subaru dropping off items from their first food drive for the Austin17House. Lindsey is accompanied by youth Delila, and Communications Coordinator Eileen. |  Volunteer TeamLindsey and Staff with Award from DEA in 2021. |  The DoorFounder Mark and Lindsey standing next to the freshly painted 17 on the door. |
 Fight Club 17Lindsey and Fight Club Director Jessie during their first meeting to brain storm Fight Club in 2021. |  Youth Summit 2018Founder Mark and Lindsey at the Prevention Youth Summit in 2018, to bring awareness about the Austin17House. |
Austin17House, Inc. is a certified 501(c) (3) non-profit organization,
**Your contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.**
Through community support and fundraising efforts, we have been able to provide a safe place for youth and families to enjoy life, provide meals, and provide educational workshops surrounding suicide prevention, mental health, and substance prevention for free!