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, the Coeur d'Alene Press 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 and women, and we are excited to introduce them to you over the next few weeks. 

Meet Chris Green, a licensed clinical social worker who is the Street Medicine Clinic director for Heritage Health. 

“It is during this time of the year, with Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays approaching, that I find myself really focusing on gratitude and how many things I have to be grateful for in life,” Green said. “One thing that has always stood out to me is our community’s ability to pull together during difficult times and support those who need it most.”

Green said the populations that Heritage Health’s ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) program serves, individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, definitely fall in that category of “need it most.” 

“One would be hard-pressed to find a more vulnerable, at-risk group of people living on the financial edge, precariously balanced, living an existence where basic needs routinely go unmet, where tough decisions are made, like deciding between food or medication,” Green said. “This precarious, vulnerable life does not allow for extra. Even hopes and dreams become grim reminders of those things they will never have. You can see it in the way that sadness and depression pervade the holidays for these populations.” 

Green said this is why the work done by Charity Reimagined and Christmas for All is so important. 

“Without them, there would be no other way to meet specific needs that are far outside the financial reach of these individuals. And when they are awarded, it restores hope to these vulnerable neighbors right here in our community,” Green said. “It literally brings hopes and dreams to those who have none. To watch a disabled, vulnerable individual with mental illness who, after years of COVID isolation — who is withdrawn, existing but not living — to see these individual faces light up and to see their lives begin to transform through a well-thought-out and targeted award — well it’s priceless.”

The Charity Reimagined board, The Press, and donors don’t get to fully witness the impact made by their gifts and their generosity on those who need it most, Green said. 

“For me personally, it helps to renew my spirit and my sense of hope and faith in our community,” he said. “And for those vulnerable persons struggling with mental illness, the freedom a gift like a powered bicycle brings: The connection that it engenders across our community; the options to seek out recreation; and community and engagement and friendship and companionship, well they are incalculable. And lastly, it renews hope for these individuals who need it most. It is truly awe-inspiring."

Green thanked Charity Reimagined and Christmas for All: "Thank you for renewing hope and for instilling faith in our community. Truly worthy of gratitude and thankfulness during this holiday season. Thank you!”

Heritage Health ACT Team

The Heritage Health ACT Team uses the Assertive Community Treatment model (ACT) to help individuals who are severely impacted by mental illness. They use a variety of treatment methods such as mental health therapy, group therapy, skill building, peer support, and case management to improve the daily function of individuals living with severe mental conditions. Services are provided both in the office and out in the community where their clients live and work.

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