CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Single mom credits local program for her success

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.

For any child, losing a parent can be catastrophic. For Brenda, 38, losing her father to suicide when she was only 6 years old was something she really didn’t even comprehend at the time, she said. Her mother was a single parent to Brenda and her three siblings until Brenda’s stepfather joined the family, when years of emotional and psychological abuse began, she said.

“My childhood was extremely volatile,” Brenda told Press Christmas for All. “There was not a lot of stability in the home.”

Growing up can be confusing for any young person, but Brenda’s situation made the process even more challenging. These struggles during her formative years led to an 18-year substance abuse problem for Brenda.

A bipolar disorder diagnosis at 18 years old further complicated Brenda’s life.

Working with the Mental Health Court has been the impetus Brenda needed to turn things around.

“It is really hard in the beginning of the program,” Brenda said. “But time has flown by for me. I put in a lot of effort in this long and difficult program but it’s been super beneficial.”

She will be graduating to phase four which is the last six months of the program, Brenda told Press Christmas for All.

“It’s unreal to have a full year of sobriety,” Brenda said. She knew she couldn’t tackle the drug-addiction on her own, she said.

“I needed intervention, and I am so grateful for programs like this that help people like me,” she said.

The program is intense, but Brenda is committed.

“Brenda has come so far. She works part-time and is completely sober,” said a referring partner who works often with Brenda. “She is now mentoring new participants in our program and consistently keeps a positive attitude.”

For now, Brenda remains focused on raising her 9-year-old daughter and continuing on the path towards a brighter future. Maintaining employment long-term is something she has been unable to do for more than 10 years, she said. And she has learned to manage her mental health condition in an effective way.

Brenda is hoping that the Press Christmas for All campaign can help provide a bunkbed for her daughter, something the child has been wishing for for quite some time, Brenda said.

Brenda also has extensive dental work she is seeking help for and her car is in need of a tune-up.

“It would be incredible to get some help,” Brenda said. “The amount of stress it would relieve is enormous. I worry about these things constantly.”

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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.

If readers are moved to donate towards this worthy cause, 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 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

Members of the 3c's; Connie Cox- Wesson; In Memory Of Steve Wesson; Randy & Mary Ingarsoll; Cheryl Haughton; Jim Pattis; Hank & Betsy Martin; Mike & Michele Robison

DONORS OVER $500

Dean & Carol Griffin; Julie & Marty Westbrook; 3c's Bowling League