Anthony’s Story

Anthony and his young daughter Lelani were living in Broomfield, Colorado when the home they were renting was suddenly and unexpectedly sold. Anthony, who has a moving company of his own, found himself without a safe home for his child amidst the rising cost of rent in Denver. Anthony was directed to Warren Village through a friend, and after the application process, he and Lelani were accepted and moved in. After settling down in their new home and getting Lelani enrolled in the Learning Center, Anthony and his advocate sat down and began to discuss what he wanted his future to hold. He knew he wanted his moving company to become more successful, but he also knew that one of the hardest things he needed to do was some serious self-introspection. “That really was the most painful and difficult part. Confronting my demons and taking responsibility for my life.” Both Lelani and Anthony began to receive counseling from the Learning Center’s onsite metal health therapist, and little by little, both of them began taking steps in a new direction.

Four years later, Anthony and his daughter have a new place to call home, and Anthony’s moving company, Hulk Industries, has found success that he never imagined possible. Anthony’s company has partnered with the Denver Housing Authority and is providing moving services for high needs communities and victims of domestic violence. “We provide moving services for people in difficult situations, who don’t usually have the financial luxury of hiring movers,” Anthony explains. His company is also working with and mentoring at-risk youth ages 16-24. They receive training and skills, and in return, they get to learn about the importance of helping the community. “I’m not usually a person who likes attention,” says Anthony humbly, “but when you are able to be a role-model and give a kid in a tough situation some hope, then I’m okay with being in the spotlight.” Anthony credits his success to the guidance and support that Warren Village and his family advocate provided. Lelani, who is now in elementary school, is coming into her own and creating her own achievements, along with important skills she learned during her time in the Learning Center.

Even with his newfound success, Anthony has not stopped dreaming, and has hopes of finding the funding he needs to be able to collaborate with Warren Village, and possibly provide free moving services for all tenants in the program. For now, it’s simply a dream, but Anthony has the confidence and skills to make it a reality. Until then, Anthony will continue to give back and find success. “Do what you love and the money will follow,” a quote that Anthony keeps near and dear to his heart. Even though Anthony is confident he would have eventually found success in his life, he says it was his time spent at Warren Village that helped make everything possible.