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

He served his country, beat cancer and fulfilled a prison sentence after multiple DUIs brought him to rock bottom.

Now, with the grace of redemption, Army veteran "Pete" gives his time to others to help them on their journeys of recovery and offers support and insight to keep them from going down the wrong path.

He worked to change his ways when he was enrolled in Mental Health Court, where he garnered the support of Judge John Mitchell and other program leaders who saw his potential beyond his past.

Pete graduated from Mental Health Court in 2018. He has taken control of his life and has been clean and sober for nearly nine years.

"My biggest achievement is maintaining sobriety after being a hardcore alcoholic my entire life," Pete said.

After graduation, Pete contacted St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho for help with housing and managing his budget. He was proud to regain his driver's license, but his time on the road is limited as he faces health challenges with his lungs, heart and eyes.

As someone who does not like to ask for help for himself, Pete came to the conclusion he needed a motorized wheelchair but would need financial assistance to acquire one.

Pete insisted on paying for what he could. He made an agreement to make small monthly payments directly to the vendor and Press Christmas for All picked up the rest.

St. Vincent de Paul Social Services manager Annie Parker said Pete has never relapsed, even when he experiences mental or physical struggles.

"To see him utilizing skills that we have taught him, that probation taught him, that Mental Health Court taught him, is tremendous," she said.

The wheelchair has been a huge boost.



"When Christmas for All got him this wheelchair, it was life changing. You see him buzzing around with his dog on his lap," Parker said. "It's just amazing. He’s constantly taking other residents under his wing and helping them."