PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Climbing toward independence

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.

“Kamie” had struggled with substance abuse in her youth but had been clean and sober for almost three years, the 59-year-old told Press Christmas for All. That was, until she became involved with a romantic partner who turned out to be an alcoholic.

Kamie isn’t the first to be drawn into a relationship that is ultimately harmful, but she realized she needed to get out of this one.

“It was a really bad situation,” Kamie said. “I knew it wasn’t going to work.”

With no family in the area and limited means, she wasn’t sure where to turn.

Around the same time she was preparing to leave, Kamie also suffered a fall that resulted in a broken arm and loss of sight in her right eye. Her arm required two metal plates and multiple pins for reconstruction. The loss of sight is permanent.

Still healing from her injuries, she applied for help from Union Gospel Mission and was accepted into the women’s program.

“It’s a dream to be here,” Kamie said of the program. “I didn’t have anywhere else to go and I’m so grateful that I got in.”

The limitations of the position she found herself in at the time haven't stopped Kamie from moving forward and bettering her life. Now working through phase five, which is the last part of her program, she eagerly awaits graduation in June.

The UGM people are like family, Kamie said, providing a “safe, secure environment.”

The program initially required about five to eight hours a day of structured classes, counseling and workshops.

“I learned about why I went down the path I went down and examined other past hurts,” Kamie said. “I realized that I couldn’t keep blaming others and learned how to constructively deal with issues instead of using past coping mechanisms.”

The whole experience has been “very personal and introspective,” with lots of one-on-one counseling and working through personal issues alongside other people in the UGM community.

Kamie has transitioned to the “supportive housing” unit, which offers more independence while still providing a safe environment. She works over 40 hours a week between two jobs — one in the kitchen of a restaurant and the other as a kennel attendant for a dog trainer.

“I like the unconditional love and acceptance of the dogs,” Kamie said. “I enjoy the work, keeping them happy and groomed.”

Kamie has asked Christmas for All for help with car repairs so she can maintain the independence she's worked so hard for.

With high praise for UGM, Kamie said she recommends the program to those who are “willing to put in the work.”

“It has definitely been a journey, but it’s been well worth it,” she said.

•••

Press Christmas for All takes 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 in poverty.

Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All keep their dignity 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, ID 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

Paul & Shirley Binfield; John & Clara Boller; Cindy & Mike Clabby; Gilbert & Rita Rossner; Diane Domijan; Leslie Pirelli; Frank Wolff; George & Katherine Vivian; Troy & Christy Francis; James & Marti Stow; Richard & Barbara Breitenberg; Reek & Bones Kasum

DONORS OVER $500

Northwest Specialty Hospital; John & Mary Snedden; Mountain Lakes Construction; Cathy & Jerry Sebby; Leo Notar; Sandberg Family; Anthony Oss