PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Woman overcomes addiction, mental illness

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those have received help from the program. This is one of them.

After 15 years of addiction stemming from trauma and undiagnosed mental illness, “Faith” has transformed her life with help from her community.

“I was completely homeless,” she said. “I had lost my children. My family wasn’t talking to me. I was not on a good path at all. When I got into Mental Health Court, everything changed.”

Mental Health Court is a voluntary post-conviction program for controlled substance offenders who live with persistent mental illness.

The intensive program consists of close supervision by a mental health professional, frequent appearances before a judge, mandatory counseling, substance abuse treatment and random drug testing.

Faith learned that she had been living with post-traumatic stress disorder and an anxiety disorder, in addition to her substance abuse disorder. She committed herself to treatment and has maintained sobriety for almost three years.

In that time, Faith regained her driver’s license and got a job, where she has excelled.

“I just got a manager position,” she told Christmas for All.

She’s also rebuilding her relationships with her children. Faith’s sobriety has allowed them to spend holidays together as a family for the first time in years. She spoke proudly about her son, who is a young adult.

“He messaged me this morning telling me how proud he was and how he wants to get closer,” she said.

While working full time, Faith is studying for a bachelor’s degree in human services. She wants to be a chemical dependency counselor.

“I’ve been to treatment a handful of times,” she said. “Every time, my counselor had never been through drug addiction. If they had been where I’d been, they’d probably understand me more.”

Working with a therapist who has experienced addiction made a difference in Faith’s recovery.

“I want to be able to do that for others, to help them the way my therapist is helping me,” she said.

After a recommendation from Mental Health Court, Christmas for All paid for Faith’s vehicle to be repaired. Having a reliable car allows Faith to get to work, attend therapy and visit her children. She expressed gratitude for the community members whose donations made it possible.

“I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it weren’t for Mental Health Court and Christmas for All,” she said.

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. 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 2023 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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