PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Young mom pursues higher ed to support family

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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.

Sidelined during high school by a pregnancy, “Ariel” always intended to finish school. But the struggle of being a new mom, getting married and taking care of her infant was overwhelming.

“I kept putting it off,” Ariel told Press Christmas for All.

The couple worked hard in preparing for the arrival of their daughter so Ariel focused on working as many hours as possible while school was put on the back burner.

When their child was born, both mom and baby had some complications. Ariel and her husband decided it would be best that she stay at home. When the pandemic hit, things became even more difficult for them.

“Gas prices were up, housing costs went up, everything went up,” Ariel said. “My husband’s wages couldn’t support the family.”

The family made slightly too much to qualify for state assistance with child care or other help, so they did the best they could to make ends meet.

Ariel took it upon herself to find work that she could do from home while still caring for the couple’s little girl. She pursued options at the NIC Workforce Training Center and discovered that she could obtain certification to do medical billing and coding, which would provide well for the family while still giving her the flexibility she needed.

The Workforce Training Center was wonderful, Ariel said. But the fact that she didn't have her high school diploma was a looming obstacle.

Ariel put all of her energy and focus into getting her GED at that point.

“My family didn’t believe I could do it,” Ariel said. “But I studied hard and got my GED in a month.”

Ariel didn’t always have her family’s support growing up, she said. At 17 she had been kicked out of the house because her parents “considered (her) too much to handle,” she said.

Ariel has had some mental health issues and struggles with focus. However, she told Press Christmas for All she's now working with her family doctor and a medication manager to help her get those things under her control.

With her GED in hand, Ariel also received a grant from North Idaho College that will pay for most of her medical billing program. The last portion needed was elusive, so Ariel reached out to Press Christmas for All to help cover the last 10 percent of her tuition.

“I am so excited to attend NIC,” Ariel said.

Things are looking up for the young family. Ariel’s husband is a department manager at a local restaurant and is close to getting a promotion, she said. And their daughter is now 19 months old and is walking and talking.

“She is getting big so fast and is so smart,” Ariel said.

A hand-up will help this young family reach a place of security.

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, 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.

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