Rider University is set to host an exhibit of In Their Shoes on April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In Their Shoes is a campaign put together by Attitudes in Reverse. Attitudes in Reverse is a nonprofit organization established by Tricia, Kurt and Katelyn Baker soon after their son/brother committed suicide. The organization seeks to educate students about mental health and suicide prevention.
The exhibit displays shoes to represent the 234 New Jersey youth who committed suicide between 2009 and 2011.
Attached to each pair of shoes is a tag printed with a statement that represents thoughts and feelings that could lead to youths’ suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Examples include, “I have a good life. Why am I so miserable?”; “I drink to fit in.”; “Everyone thinks I have so much to live for…except me.”; and “Will I ever have a boyfriend?”
The Bakers plan on adding to the exhibit and bringing it to more events.
Rider University is located at 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence Township.
More information is online at attitudesinreverse.org.
