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.

Twenty-eight-year old “Brenee” battled addiction to marijuana for 10 years and a tragic incident cost her custody of her three children in 2020.

When her twin daughters were 15 months old, one of them got into her mom's things and ingested a large amount of marijuana. The child was struggling to breathe and was rushed to Kootenai Health.

“Seeing her on the floor it just broke my heart and I called the ambulance immediately,” Brenee told Press Christmas for All. “At that moment I knew I needed to change. I hit my complete rock bottom.”

Following a Life Flight to Sacred Heart, her daughter made a complete recovery. Child Protective Services got involved and Brenee’s mother received custody of the three girls.

Brenee got arrested at the hospital and was taken to jail. The near-death of her daughter was a big wake up call, she said.

“I didn’t want my kids to be without me,” Brenee said. “But I was battling my own addiction and mental health issues. I also had terrible postpartum depression after my twins were born.”

Once Brenee was released, she got help with her addiction. She was accepted into the Good Samaritan program, led by Pastor Tim Remington at The Altar church in Coeur d’Alene. An intense, faith-based program, Brenee completed four months of inpatient treatment and six months outpatient.

She now lives at the St. Vincent de Paul women’s shelter and remains committed to her sobriety and her renewed faith.

“I grew up believing in God but my faith was lost when I lost someone who had been a really positive influence for me, when I was 13,” Brenee said. “But now I have an entire support system in the church standing behind me.”

Brenee has regained a positive relationship with her mother, as well.

“She has been my support and my biggest cheerleader while I’ve been in recovery,” Brenee said.

In about a month, Brenee will graduate from the Good Samaritan program and will celebrate 20 months of sobriety. She credits those around her for helping her be successful.

The women at St. Vincent's have been an enormous help.

“They are amazing women with amazing stories,” she said. “It is so nice to have them be such a shining light in my life.”

As she continues with her recovery, her mother has permanent guardianship of her daughters, but there's hope that when Brenee is ready and has housing and stability, she'll be able to get them back, she said.

Brenee asked Press Christmas for All for help with dental work.

“It will mean I can have my smile back, and not be so insecure about my teeth,” she said.

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, 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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