Mary Wolfinger with Kootenai County Mental Health Court describes the participants she works with as some of the most resilient and hardworking people she has ever met.

“Most of them have overcome so much, and they are willing to work incredibly hard to learn a new way of living,” she said.

Mental Health Court is a voluntary post-conviction program that works with participants to move away from criminal behavior, address mental health, addiction and cope with past traumas — all for the sake of transforming their lives for the better, and has been doing so since 2004.

“Our program works hard at treating the whole person,” Wolfinger said.

Connie Drager with Charity Reimagined calls the transformation of Mental Health Court participants “amazing.”

“It gives them a second chance and holds them accountable as they move forward,” she added. 

Mental Health Court was one of the first referring partners to begin working with Press Christmas for All after Charity Reimagined came onboard in 2019.

“It made sense to partner with an organization that focuses on a ‘hand up,’ not just a handout,” Wolfinger said. “One of the goals of the Mental Health Court Program is participants becoming more independent and less reliant on community resources.”

Over the years, she has seen participants receive eyeglasses and optical care, dental work, vehicle maintenance and new tires, all made possible by the Press Christmas for All nonprofit program.

“All of these things have allowed our participants to keep moving forward in their journey. Many of them just need a bit of extra help,” Wolfinger said.

She added that participants are always “incredibly grateful” after receiving that hand up from Press Christmas for All.

“Many who have received eyeglasses comment on how nice it is to not have constant headaches when reading,” Wolfinger said. “They mention not having to stress about their vehicle starting in the morning and (knowing) they will be able to get to work so they can pay their bills.”

Wolfinger additionally credits Ellenbecker Eye Clinic for being “an incredible partner."

“I want the community to know that the help Press Christmas for All gives is truly benefiting all of us because they are rewarding and encouraging long-term growth and change,” she said.

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This is one in a series of stories about Press Christmas for All referring partners who work with underserved populations every day. They build relationships and target needs so every Christmas for All dollar donated elevates community members with compassion and dignity.