As part of the annual Press Christmas for All Campaign, we share with readers the stories of those applying for help. This is the story of a woman who was helped during last year's campaign and the remarkable progress she has made this year.

Brookelynn Lafont hasn’t had an easy go in life. She suffered extensive childhood trauma, said her referring partners within the Mental Health Court program.

Those experiences led to a diagnosis at a young age of anxiety and major depressive disorder. By the time she was 16, she was caught in a cycle of substance abuse that only caused her mental struggles to worsen. Later diagnosed with bipolar and schizoaffective disorder, it has been a long road toward wellness and sobriety, Lafont said.

Now sober for 2½ years and on proper medication, Lafont is stable, thanks to her treatment partners, she said.

“I dealt with addiction for many years,” Lafont said told Press Christmas for All. “But now my life has changed tremendously.”

Lafont’s biggest joy in life is her children. Although her two youngest sons have been adopted out to “a wonderful family,” Lafont has rebuilt a relationship with them and with her eldest son, 9-year-old Troy, of whom she has partial custody.

Still in treatment, Lafont is dedicated to the routine and hard work. She remains “very active in the sobriety community,” she said. Lafont attends AA up to five times per week and treatment classes and counseling sessions about four times weekly, in addition to part-time work at a local restaurant.

In the home stretch of the Mental Health Court program, Lafont should be graduating in about seven months, she said.

“That will open so many doors for me,” she said.

Those who work with Lafont say she goes the extra mile in pursuit of her treatment.

“She asks for extra work in some of her treatment classes,” referring partners said. “She does this so she can improve her coping skills.”

Last year, Lafont appealed to Press Christmas for All to get a hand-up. Mainly, Lafont needed help with dental work and to get an eye exam and glasses.

Once Lafont got sober, she realized how important her health was, she said.

“It is so important for me to take care of my body,” Lafont said. “So in improving my health, it was improving my life and I’m so thankful.”

Now, Lafont looks forward to what will come next and enjoys spending time with Troy, who will turn 10 in January. Lafont describes him as being “healthy and happy.”

“I have a relationship again with my family,” Lafont said. “I have my son for the weekends, on holidays and even had him all summer. Things are going really well.”

Press Christmas for All takes pride in sharing the stories of those who have been helped and the difference it made in their lives.

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, ID 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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