Meet Christmas for All's Unsung Heroes

Christmas for All's referring partners are Kootenai County's unsung heroes. 

They walk alongside clients in need and refer them to Charity Reimagined for specific assistance from Christmas for All, this newspaper's holiday charity campaign that through the great generosity of our readers helps recipients throughout the year. 

It is an honor to work with these outstanding men, women and organizations, and we are excited to introduce them to you. 

Founded in 1951 by a group of Christian businesspeople, Union Gospel Mission exists to provide food, shelter and individualized pathways out of homelessness to men, women and children in need across Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Services include comprehensive addiction and trauma recovery, legal and financial services, jobs and job-training, one-on-one counseling and much more.

Union Gospel Mission Center for Women and Children in Coeur d’Alene has an aftercare coordinator who supports women transitioning out of UGM’s Life Recovery program into independent living and with ongoing needs. 

“Most of our program residents and graduates are single and many are moms. They have received tools and help with moving forward from addiction, homelessness, and/or abuse, but still often struggle with making it financially,” the coordinator said. 

The coordinator’s team assists with housing, budgeting, employment search, legal direction, ongoing recovery support and parenting, helping with tools that will empower program residents and graduates to move forward in independent living.

“Having resources and help from Christmas for All has helped greatly in giving our women the extra support to move forward on their own,” the coordinator said. “I have seen that practical assistance is huge in bringing hope into hard situations. That hope helps many to be able to keep doing the next right thing and take the steps needed toward independence and being able to make it on their own. It has helped with the ability to support their kids, vehicle safety, groceries and many more practical needs.”

To donate to Christmas for All, visit cdapress.com and click on Christmas for All at the top of the page.