Single mom overcomes her addiction through faith

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All Campaign, we share with readers the stories of the people applying for help. Here’s one of them.

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A single mom recovering from addiction, “Lisa” has weathered many storms in her life.

She says that’s where her strength comes from.

Lisa grew up in what she described as a broken home. Her parents split up when she was young. Her relationship with her mom was strained.

“We just didn’t have the answers to know how to succeed and feel loved,” Lisa said.

She spent her adolescence in and out of juvenile court and bad relationships. She turned to drugs to escape her pain, which led to meth addiction and homelessness.

“I lost touch with reality and who I was,” she said.

After going through a custody battle over her now 3-year-old daughter, Lisa connected with Union Gospel Mission—and her life changed.

“I realized there was hope,” she said.

Early in her recovery, Lisa struggled with feelings of guilt and shame. Her faith helped her cope.

“I didn’t really feel that I deserved to be my daughter’s mom,” she said. “God had to show me how to forgive myself and how He’s forgiven me.”

Lisa’s greatest challenge since graduating from UGM’s recovery program has been getting through this year on her own. She’s had to use the tools and strategies she learned at UGM to face her problems and take responsibility for herself.

“It was up to me to decide what my life was going to look like,” she said. “The biggest struggle was not falling back into old thinking, like feeling victimized or feeling that I didn’t have a choice.”

Lisa said she’s realized that she is in control of her life. She no longer feels powerless. Each day, she makes positive choices for herself and for her daughter.

For now, Lisa is focused on growing as a person and being the best possible mom to her daughter. In the future, she hopes to become a teacher, so she can help others the way the staff at UGM helped her.

“Change is possible,” she said. “It’s messy, it’s beautiful and it’s worth it.”

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This is the 34th year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need. Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. Every penny raised is distributed to Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp.

The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, disabled, homeless and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level.

The beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All are going to keep their dignity intact while the community provides a hand up to help get them back on their feet.

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from Charity Reimagined. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.

With a shorter holiday giving season than usual, please make your donation sooner than later. Here are four ways to do it:

- Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, 83814

- Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176

- Go to cdapress.com. Click on the MENU button, then click on Christmas for All 2019.

- Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d’Alene.