PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Young mom makes fresh start
At 20 years old, “Sophia” was homeless and surrounded by people who used illegal drugs. Becoming a mom gave her the impetus to change her path in life.
“It has been an absolute joy for me,” Sophia said of raising her now 4-month-old son. “It almost feels like it was meant to happen. My entire family thinks being a mom suits my personality and who I am.”
The road has been bumpy. In January of this year, Sophia was in a car wreck that shattered her right knee. She was couch surfing as she learned how to walk again and living in a tent in a friend’s yard during part of her pregnancy.
These days, Sophia and her partner live with their baby in Post Falls. The three of them have a bedroom to themselves and share a kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities with other tenants.
“We’ve been struggling to get on our feet,” she said.
Before their son was born, Sophia and her partner were struggling to afford food. They often shared just one meal a day. Then Panhandle Health District recommended them to Christmas for All, which provided gift cards for food.
“It was extremely helpful,” Sophia said. “We were able to make multiple meals a day and healthier meals for us.”
The young family is saving money to move into their own place and create a stable home for their son. Sophia wants to enroll in college and eventually have a career where she works with the homeless and other people in crisis.
For now, Sophia said she’s grateful for the help her family received from Christmas for All in their time of need.
“Even though things might get rough or you might feel like you’re in a super dark spot, there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. “It’s worth the battle.”
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 including families with young children, the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, the homeless and those with mental illnesses. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working but unable to make ends meet, especially with the dramatic increase in the cost of living in Kootenai County.
Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All keep their dignity while the community provides a hand-up to help get them back on their feet. They are asked to pitch in a little bit toward their award to remind them of their capacity and resourcefulness. The “co-pay” is small and calculated on a sliding scale of income, but ensures these neighbors actively participate in their award.
Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from CharityReimagined.Org. Christmas for All is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
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 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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