A New Direction, Built on Determination: Anthony’s Story

Anthony doesn’t just think about the future. He made a decision to change it—for himself, and for his family.

Anthony is from Atlanta’s Westside, the same community he still calls home today. Growing up, violence was a constant reality, both inside and outside. At just eight years old, he witnessed his first murder, a moment that stayed with him. As he got older, survival meant hustling. Anthony was good at it, but over time, he began to see where that path would lead. He and his wife had been together since they were teenagers, raising two children who depended on him. What he had built wasn’t something he could sustain or pass down.

“I needed to stop,” he said. “But I still had a family to take care of.”

He couldn’t put his past on a resume. So he made a decision that would change everything. He would learn a skill and build something legitimate, something that would last. That decision led him to City of Refuge. Anthony entered the Automotive Technician Training Program, drawn to the idea of learning a trade he could use anywhere. The program required discipline, structure, and a level of commitment he hadn’t experienced before. Once he let go of old habits and fully committed, things began to shift.

By the end of the program, he had earned 21 certifications and received a top award alongside a classmate. But more importantly, he had proven something to himself. He could start over. He could finish what he started. Still, Anthony wasn’t thinking only about the present. He was thinking about what would last for his family. He began studying where the industry was going, paying close attention to electric vehicles and self-driving technology. One conversation with a Hyundai executive confirmed what he had been piecing together. The future would rely on technology. So he made another decision. He would pivot.

With little experience in computers, Anthony set his sights on City of Refuge’s cybersecurity program. The path was not easy. To even be considered, he had to pass outside certification exams, complete multiple interviews, and continue excelling in the automotive program. For weeks, he studied relentlessly while balancing everything else. He pushed through exhaustion because he knew what was at stake. He passed every test placed in front of him. That determination earned him a place in the cybersecurity program. The transition brought a new level of intensity. The pace was fast, and at first, Anthony did not feel like he belonged. But this time, he didn’t walk away. He leaned in. He focused, blocked out distractions, and committed himself fully to the process.

Over time, with encouragement from mentors like John, Anggie, and JW, something began to change. Anthony started to open up, to connect, and to see himself differently. This wasn’t just about learning new skills. It was about becoming a different man. He kept going, even as the pressure mounted and others stepped away. Because for Anthony, quitting wasn’t just about him. It would impact his family and the future he was trying to build for them.

Today, Anthony is stepping into the tech field with a clear sense of direction. He is building connections, attending conferences, and exploring the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. Today, Anthony is in the process of launching his own consulting business, helping bridge the gap between technology and vehicles. More than a career, he is working to build something that creates lasting stability and opportunity for his family and changes the trajectory for the next generation.

Ten years ago, he couldn’t have imagined this path. Today, he is walking in it with intention. And for anyone considering a similar step, his advice is simple and hard-earned. Be prepared to change. Trust the process. Because the right decision, made at the right time, can change more than one life. He knows none of it would have been possible without the people who invested in programs like these. Through the generosity of donors and supporters, he was given an opportunity to gain new skills, pursue a different path, and build a future he once could not imagine. Today, that investment is creating ripple effects not only in Anthony’s life, but in the lives of his family and the generations coming after him.

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