From Struggle to Strength: Anthony’s Story

March 4, 2025

Anthony’s journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s one of transformation, perseverance, and hope. Without guidance or a clear path forward, Anthony had once turned to the streets for comfort.

When he first joined the Food Bank’s L.O.G.I.C. (Logistics, Operations, General Warehousing and Inventory Control) training program, he was looking for something different. He wanted to break free from his past and create a future filled with opportunity. What he found was more than just skills; he found a community, a purpose, and a new sense of direction.

“I came to the program because I was being housed at the Plummer Center,” Anthony explains. “I had just finished doing some time for something I did when I was younger. I had no destination.”

But he knew he wanted more. He wanted to change. That’s when he met Penni Enama and Briyanna Freeman, Workforce Training Coordinators at the Food Bank of Delaware.

“They delivered on their speech,” he says. “I was looking for a different type of comfort, something that could help me break the cycle of who I used to be.”

Anthony quickly fell in love with the program. It has introduced him to new skills, new people, and new opportunities. Learning about warehouse operations, maintenance, security, and even operating a forklift ignited a passion in him. “Ever since I was taught how to drive a forklift, I love it,” he says enthusiastically.

For Anthony, the most valuable lesson he has learned so far is the power of connection.

“Growing up, I never really had a bond, even though I had brothers and sisters” he explained. “The way I grew up is that we were never vulnerable to our emotions, so me going through this experience allowed me to be myself without being judged. And I think that was the strongest type of affection that I felt in a long time … knowing that you’ve got people out here that are willing to work with you, despite whatever you’ve been through.”

He credits instructors like Lloyd Badson for making learning engaging and inspiring. “Lloyd is an excellent teacher and a great example to follow,” Anthony says. “He makes learning fun, like a book you can’t wait to turn the page on.”

The program also gave Anthony the chance to see the success of other program participants. He has met graduates who encouraged him to keep going, reassuring him that something great was waiting on the other side.

Reflecting on his past, Anthony has advice for his younger self: “Embrace patience. Don’t fear the unknown. Ask for help and trust others. It makes your footsteps less stressful and your struggles less heavy.”

If he hadn’t joined the program, he believes he would still be working hard to find his way. Today, he has a job at Walmart, but he sees it as a stepping stone to something greater. One of his ultimate goals is to find a career opportunity at the Port of Wilmington.

When asked about his future, Anthony is open to where the journey might take him. While he enjoys warehousing and maintenance work, his short-term goal is to save money and eventually create his own business. He also dreams of performing spoken word poetry in front of thousands of people. “Penni and Lloyd told me they would put me on stage at the end of graduation,” he shares. “I’m looking forward to that.”

To anyone considering the program but unsure about taking the leap, Anthony has simple advice: “Don’t believe everything you hear—experience it for yourself. Life is too short to walk in regret.”

With a bright future ahead, Anthony is ready to continue his journey. “Tune in,” he says with confidence. “It’s going to be greater later.”

To learn more about the L.O.G.I.C. training program at the Food Bank of Delaware, click here.