PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Mom overcomes addiction, mental illness
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.
After a tumultuous childhood, “Ava” began using hard drugs at age 16.
She soon fell into a pattern of substance abuse, legal troubles and abusive relationships. For the sake of her small children, she managed stints of sobriety but continually relapsed. Mental illness complicated her recovery.
“It’s not easy for an addict to get clean,” she said.
But she’s finally breaking out of that pattern, thanks to Kootenai County’s Mental Health Court program.
Mental Health Court is a voluntary post-conviction program for controlled substance offenders who live with persistent mental illness.
The intensive program consists of close supervision by a mental health professional, frequent appearances before a judge, mandatory counseling, substance abuse treatment and random drug testing.
“You’re so busy, you can’t get in trouble,” Ava said. “You’re held accountable.”
Ava has been sober for two years. She’s on track to graduate from the program in the spring.
She credits the support she received through Mental Health Court for her success. The program has helped her process the trauma in her past so she can live a better life in the future.
“It’s not a downward spiral,” she said. “It’s all uphill.”
When Ava needed new tires in order to safely drive to work and to her Mental Health Court appointments last year, Christmas for All made it happen.
“It helped tremendously,” she said. “It got us through the winter.”
Last month, Ava settled into a new apartment with her family. The kids are excelling in school and excited to spend the holidays baking Christmas cookies and crafting handmade gifts for their extended family members.
“Now that I’ve rebuilt those relationships and restored them, we spend a lot of time with my family,” Ava said.
None of it would be possible if Ava hadn’t committed to changing her life.
“It’s not been easy, but I’ve made it,” Ava said. “After all the hard work, I’m glad that it’s paid off.”
Each year, Press readers donate generously to Press Christmas for All. 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, people with disabilities, veterans, the homeless and those with mental illnesses. 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
• Visit cdapress.com. Click on Christmas for All 2022 and make a secure, online donation.
• 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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