PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Child care support helps mom pursue academic, career goals

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

Years of abuse at the hands of an ex-husband wore on "Rhiannon's" physical and emotional well-being. 

Despite the trauma she suffered at home, Rhiannon managed to go to work and school and be a loving and present mother to her three children. She graduated from North Idaho College in October and is working as a paralegal at a local law firm, with the goal of becoming a lawyer to help other women in domestic abuse situations.

"In five years, I hope I will be passing the Idaho State Bar, earning my juris doctorate and buying a house," the single mother told Press Christmas for All.

Rhiannon is proud of her 3.9 GPA and that she emerged victorious from a 13-year custody battle with her ex. She closely worked with NIC's Center for New Directions, a Press Christmas for All referring partner, during her time as a student. The Center for New Directions helps single parents and displaced homemakers with community resources and exploration of career and educational paths under the direction of coordinator Louisa Rogers.

"The very first time I met her, I knew immediately that she is going to be a force of good in the world," Rogers said of Rhiannon. "She is going to help so many women in her future career, and she already is in the work she’s doing right now."

Rhiannon struggled earlier this year to find someone to watch her youngest daughter, age 5, as she pursued her academic and career goals. Rogers connected Rhiannon with Charity Reimagined and Press Christmas for All, which awarded her $1,687 for summer child care and $600 in food cards to carry them through tough times.

She said the award is a learning experience that help is available to single mothers who are working full time and don't have any other support system.

"This award helped me accomplish positive changes and helped me pay a big portion of my daughter's summer child care with School PLUS," Rhiannon said. "Without this help, I would not have summer care for my daughter for the month of June, and I would not be able to continue working full time."

Rogers said child care over summer shouldn't be such a big deal, but it can completely derail someone's future if it's not accessible.

"The fact that Christmas for All stepped in and helped her with child care so she could stay employed and finish her degree over summer is amazing," Rogers said.

She said in the grand scheme of things, it's not that much money.

"Things that aren't a big deal to so many are monumental to others," Rogers said. "Just a few months of child care helped her achieve her goals."

Each year, Press readers generously donate to Press Christmas for All. Every penny raised goes to Kootenai County residents. The Hagadone Corp. covers all overhead costs.   

The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, people experiencing homelessness 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:

Douglas and Dorothy Schedler, Mike and Rachel Irish, Victoria McCarthy, Marilyn Nenzel, Jan Marie/Aflac, Jeff and Penny Weiss, Peggy Davis, To honor Lt. Commander Brenn Trei and Suhako Frei all serving overseas in memory of PFC Gary Hibbard from Craig and Shari Frei, Michael and Linda Harmon, Gary and Paulie Rahm, Helen Furbee, Sandra Kay, Catherine Tinder, Charles Kral, James and Alison Kenway, D.J. Russell, In loving memory of David Featherstone, Michael White and Deborah Fuller-White, Brent and Ann Unruh, Jeffrey and Sandra Medved, Ja-Nee Newby, Ralph and Janice Baker, Alan and Mary Petit, Dale and Joanne Baune, Diane Snyder, Cheryl Walkden, Peter and Renate Rau, Brian and Janice Odenthal

Over $500

Rochelle Wineinger, Stuart Denny, James Donohue Family Fund, Dennis White, In memory of Steve Wesson, Sandra L. Priddy