As a teenage skateboarder, Anthony miraculously survived being hit by a car. But the traumatic experience led him to behave recklessly rather than to treasure his life. He began using drugs and then stealing to support his habit. After committing a robbery in 2012, the only thing that stood between Anthony and state prison was the victim, a chaplain who asked a judge to send Anthony to drug court instead. That program — along with Justo’s faith in God — helped save his life, he said.
Following 14 months in the county jail and seven months at a state treatment facility, Justo enrolled back in school to get his high school diploma and start a new chapter in his life.
Anthony is now driven to help others. As a certified peer recovery specialist, Anthony helps people who overdose on opioids, while also pursuing a career in social work.