PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Coming back from childhood trauma

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.

"Jonathan," who was adopted at birth, along with two sisters, grew up in a financially comfortable family, he told Press Christmas For All. But it was the emotional trauma and rejection from his adoptive mother he felt damaged him.

As a child, Jonathan said he struggled with mental health issues, but often was just being a regular kid. His parents took him to a psychiatrist and he spent years on "all sorts of crazy medications."

When he was 14, his mother threatened to leave the family if Jonathan wasn't sent to boarding school. So away he went. His experience at the all-boys school was nothing short of destructive to his young mind.

He describes the experience as wholly traumatizing. He said it destroyed his relationship with his sisters, as family contact was limited to 15 minutes every other week.

Eventually he graduated and went out on his own. As his family had visited the Coeur d'Alene area for yearly vacations and they always really enjoyed it, he moved here to start his new life, he said.

Though he hadn't been one to ever experiment with drugs, he said something was missing in his life. An overwhelming sadness and lack of motivation plagued him.

"I didn't know how to deal with the trauma of my past," Jonathan said. Diagnosed with bipolar II and PTSD, he didn't know how to cope or process his experiences growing up.

Then a former co-worker introduced him to methamphetamine. He said the experience gave him the feelings he had been missing but led to addiction by the time he was 20.

These events led to Jonathan being incarcerated at 21. He cycled in and out of the jail system for quite some time. In his early 30s, he reached a turning point and was able to get into the Mental Health Court program. Now he's turning his life around.

Diligently working the intense and exhaustive program has not been easy, but Jonathan has stayed fully committed to doing the work and has now been sober for over 16 months.

Press Christmas for All seeks to highlight applicants who have genuinely invested in pursuing their own betterment and healing. Jonathan is a shining example.

Jonathan’s dedication to his program is evident as he maintains regular employment, remains committed to his sobriety and supports his children. All are evidence of the brighter future Jonathan is building.

Along with regular employment, Jonathan began taking welding courses through North Idaho College and will be done with the welding program next month.

"I'm not blaming anyone for my experience," Jonathan said. "I'm taking responsibility for my life, and my choices. I just want to provide a better life for my kids."

A single father, Jonathan worked hard to earn shared custody of his 7-month-old and now enjoys regular visits with his older child as well.

Through the Mental Health Court program, Jonathan is learning to better manage his mental health and is processing many of the traumatic events of his youth.

“He is focused on moving forwards,” said a Mental Health Court representative who works with Jonathan.

Jonathan’s Christmas wish is for help with new tires, an alignment and a fuel pump. Receiving this additional support will help further Jonathan along the upward trajectory he has already begun.

"I have been given opportunities that I really don't deserve," Jonathan said.

Press Christmas for All says yes, Jonathan, you do.

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 CharityReimagined.Org. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.

Here are four 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
• Go to cdapress.com. Click on the MENU button, then click on Christmas for All 2021.
• 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.

DONORS

Thomas and Stephanie Trtee; Richard and Marylin Moore; William and Kris Wood; Ron and Paula Adams; Ron, Sandy and Stacie McCoy; Mark and Marlo Faulkner, in honor of Grayen Stanley; Anonymous in Post Falls; Beverly Hyde; Kathleen Austin; Robert and Sally Wallace; Marshall Mend; Harry Robertson; William and Donna Armbruster, in honor of grandson Tyler Cordle with love from Nana and Grampy; Christine “Cricket” Pierce; Joe and Diane Dahlheim; Cecil and Patricia Booth; Larry and Bobbie Wolf; Richard Lund, in memory of Arlene Lund; Raymond and Patricia Pollard; Joette and Kurt Katzer; Laura Augusta; Dorothy Clark; Aloys A. Glose Trustee; Eileen Davidson; Evalyn Adams and Karen Worthley; Richard Belzer; Donald Johnston, in memorial for Ron Edinger.

OVER $500

Robert and Marilyn Hunt; Coeur d’Alene Elks Lodge No. 1254; Cancer and Community Charities; Corby Locke and G. Gary Shaffer