CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Single mom thriving after CFA help

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.

Providing necessities that many people take for granted, Press Christmas for All helped “Sadie” replace her severely cracked windshield, get some new work clothes, shoes for her teenage son, bedding for them both and a complete set of silverware.

At the time, these things were impossible for Sadie to acquire on her own.

In 2016, Sadie hit rock bottom after a history of extreme anxiety and childhood abuse. Those struggles led to a pattern of drug-use that began when she was 12.

Placed on felony probation in 2016, Sadie started working with the Mental Health Court program in 2019 and began her inspiring turnaround.

“Before Mental Health Court I was basically homeless. I couldn’t pay rent and had lost my apartment,” Sadie told Press Christmas for All. “I felt really bad about myself and was just running into all kinds of problems.”

She lost her housing, her freedom and custody of her son. But despite a disability, she's reached a new pinnacle in her life.

Sadie works part-time and cares for her son full-time. She even homeschooled him when schools were closed due to COVID-19. Pushing hard to work through the program, she has turned her life around. But she said she could not have done it without the support of the people around her.

Sadie has been sober for more than two years, has kept the same apartment for two years and has created a stable home for her 14-year-old son.

“I needed all this help to get here,” Sadie said. “But I got through it all. I’m so glad I did everything that I did and I’m glad that I’m sober now.”

While holding down a part-time job for the past year, Sadie completed the dental assisting program through Carrington College.

She's ready to move forward and pursue her dreams, she said. Those who work with her in Mental Health Court say Sadie “has come so far in her life since January 2019.”

Just keeping her job for over a year is an accomplishment because of the extreme nature of her anxiety.

Perhaps the biggest difference has been her outlook on life.

“Her attitude has changed from angry and sad to joy filled and hopeful,” said a referring partner.

Now a graduate of the Mental Health Court program, Sadie will be released to unsupervised probation in February.

“I’m really excited that I get to pursue my dreams,” she said. “I don’t think I could have done it on my own.”

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Press Christmas For All takes great pride in sharing the stories of those who have been helped and the difference it made in their lives.

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, veterans, homeless and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level.

Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All 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.