New mom loses job during pandemic

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All Campaign, we share with readers the stories of those applying for help. This is one of them.

During the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Kathryn” lost her job because the business she worked for was forced to close. Pregnant with her first child at the time, Kathryn was unable to find work. With the impending birth of her baby, she focused on necessary preparations.

Kathryn’s partner, “Michael,” was in the middle of an intense program to become a licensed massage therapist along with working full-time. Once their child arrived, the 12-hour days alone with a new baby were difficult for Kathryn.

Welcoming a new baby can be daunting for any parent, but the challenges of preparing for the baby amid a pandemic when programs were closed and support was very limited was even more extreme for the young couple.

The family has pulled closer together, and through grit and determination they're moving forward in life, growing ever closer to stability as they press on.

Michael graduated from the massage therapy program and is now working full-time while also covering clinical shifts. Kathryn stays home and cares for their daughter, who is now 7 months old.

“On top of my partner graduating and finally becoming a licensed massage therapist, navigating the challenges of being first-time parents has been very rewarding,” Kathryn said. “We are showing our daughter that no matter what the uphill battles are, you can do anything. It may take longer at times, but we want to show her that she, too, can accomplish anything.”

With winter weather encroaching and the family having only a single income to support them, they're in need of all-season tires. They simply don't have money for tires after other necessities are covered.

Help from the Press Christmas For All Campaign would provide a measure of safety for the young family while ensuring Michael can get to work.

Referring partners from The Nurse Family Partnership, which Kathryn has been working with, say she is “the epitome of resiliency! Kathryn has not only provided support to allow her partner to achieve his dreams but she has been the primary caregiver to their beautiful daughter. She has been the rock for their household despite the challenges of being first-time parents in the middle of a pandemic and put her own goals and dreams on hold to be a stay-at-home mom.”

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Each year, Press readers donate generously to Christmas for All. 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, veterans, 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 CharityReimagined.Org. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.

Here are three ways to donate:

• 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
• 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.