PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Future nurse strives for daughter
As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those who have received help from the program. This is one of them.
While working as a phlebotomist, “Julie” often watched the nurses around her and wondered if she could do the same thing.
“It definitely sparked something in me,” she said.
The 30-year-old single mom wanted a career that would allow her to support her daughter on her own.
“All signs pointed toward nursing,” she said. “As soon as I took my first human biology course, I knew I was making the right decision. It’s what has come most naturally to me.”
Julie took 16 credits during one semester at North Idaho College, then 17 credits the next semester — more than a full load of classes — as well as summer courses to get her prerequisites in order. Then she enrolled in NIC’s nursing program.
“Since starting at NIC, I can truly say that my life has changed forever for the better,” she said. “This experience has shown me how strong I can be and that if I really want something, I just have to work hard and keep my head up.”
While in nursing school, she’s simultaneously pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Lewis-Clark State College. Julie will complete her nursing degree in May and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in July.
If she were only doing it for herself, she might not have found the determination. But she’s doing it for her 6-year-old daughter. The thought of providing a better life for her little girl is what keeps Julie going when circumstances are tough.
She dreams of someday taking her daughter to locations like Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon — places Julie has never seen but wants her daughter to experience.
“She’s worth so much and the life we’re living right now is nowhere near what she deserves,” Julie said.
Julie spoke proudly of her daughter, who started kindergarten this year and is excitedly learning to read and write.
“She’s the best kid,” Julie said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’m doing if I didn’t have a child as patient and caring as she is.”
Julie hit an unexpected roadblock as she prepared to continue her studies at LCSC. At NIC, she had access to a loaner laptop to do her schoolwork. But with all her classes at LCSC, she was without an important tool.
“I didn’t have a computer,” she said. “I didn’t know what I was going to do. I couldn’t even come close to affording that by myself.”
The Center for New Directions at NIC, which helps single parents, displaced homemakers and career pioneers as they pursue higher education, connected Julie with Press Christmas for All.
Through community donations, Christmas for All purchased a laptop for Julie, which allowed her to stay in school.
“I still have a 3.8 GPA at LCSC because I was able to use that laptop to take those classes,” she said. “It’s very appreciated.”
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 and make a secure online donation.
• Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d'Alene.
A heartfelt thanks to our recent donors
The Barstow Foundation, Mark & Ann Testroet, In memory of Betty and Joe who loved Christmas, Jan Livingston, Harry Martin, Richard & Carla Browning, Parker & Kay Woodall, Norma Wilson, Sherry Robinson, Brian DeFrancesco, Kari Kidwell, Robert Kasun, Norma & Allen Baldridge, Ron & Heidi Gifford, Bailey & Sharon Barrett, Carol Taylor, Mary Lou Banks, Joan C. Woodard, Berlene J Harless, Linda M. Lewis, Brian & Janice Odenthal, Kent D. & Linda J. Burgess, Susan Taulbee, Paul & Linda Sandvig, AJ & DG Hughan, Robert & Pamela Meunier, Edward Jones Trust, Ed & Terri Morse, Charles & Bonne Patterson, Robert & Mary Kay Yuditsky, Scott & Susan Kindler, Leroy & India Sorenson, Sherry & Dennis Irish, and Monika Krapfl.
