Anthony’s Story: Finding Courage, Finding Home

If you’ve spent time in our community, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Anthony.

Maybe passing by on a sidewalk, sitting quietly in a public space, or stopping in for a

warm meal at the soup kitchen. Like so many others, Anthony’s story was easy to

overlook—but behind it was a man navigating tremendous challenges largely on his

own.

Anthony lives with schizophrenia and had gone several years without treatment. Without

a strong support system, his condition made it difficult to maintain stability. While he is

well known to local law enforcement, it is not because of criminal behavior, but rather

because his untreated illness sometimes made others uncomfortable. It’s a powerful

reminder of how stigma can isolate individuals who are already struggling the most.

Over time, Anthony turned to the Council of Community Services when he needed

help—whether it was a place to stay, a hot meal, or support during medical crises like

asthma attacks. Since his first visit, he has stayed at the shelter four different times,

each one representing both a setback and an opportunity to reconnect with services.

In December, something changed. Anthony made the decision to engage with a

behavioral health specialist, beginning a path toward stabilization that includes

treatment, medication, and consistent follow-up care. Since then, our team has seen

incredible progress—not just in his health, but in his spirit. Anthony, they’ll tell you, is

someone who brings humor, personality, and warmth once you get to know him.

Our housing team has worked alongside Anthony every step of the way. They helped

him obtain a new birth certificate and are assisting him in securing a state ID and Social

Security card—documents he has gone without for years. These critical steps will allow

him to access benefits like SSDI and regain financial footing. With support from Security

State Bank, he is now on his way to opening a savings account. He has also been

placed on the Section 8 housing waitlist and enrolled with Wyoming Independent Living

for additional in-home support services.

While many programs are limited to short-term assistance, Anthony’s journey is a

testament to what can happen when time, patience, and compassion come together.

Our team saw beyond the barriers and committed to walking alongside him, no matter

how long it took.

Today, Anthony is settling into his new apartment in our Permanent Supportive Housing

program. For the first time in a long time, he has a place to call home—and a

community that knows him, supports him, and believes in him.

In his own words, Anthony reminds us:

“The older you get, the harder it gets. That’s where you find courage.”

His story is one of resilience, dignity, and the power of a community that chooses to

care.