Anthony Flores

Anthony James Flores was born in Blythe, California, the second child of Anthony and Joann Flores. He has an older sister, Raquel, and a younger brother, Coty.
Anthony grew up in a family of drug-addicted parents without ever having much contact with his father. His grandmother, Doris Rivera, was the one person that Anthony and his siblings could always count on when the electricity was turned off or when they were evicted from their home. At the age of 13, Anthony and his family relocated to Salem, Missouri, a small town of about 5,000 people.This proved to be a difficult time for Anthony and his family. They were the only Hispanic family in town. After many racial slurs, Anthony became a very aggressive child. It was difficult for Anthony and his siblings to have friends. When Anthony would invite friends over to play or spend the night, the friend’s parents would refuse to allow the sleepover due to the newspaper reports of drug activity in the home.This became a “normal” way of life for Anthony. He was accustomed to the drug activity, needles being left around the house, and doors being kicked in. Anthony’s life started a downward spiral soon after the move to Salem. Anthony’s father was back with the family, but he was not proving to be a good role model for a young, teenage boy. At age 13, Anthony started drinking alcohol and smoking weed. That led to stealing his grandmother’s opiate medications and Xanax at age 14. To him, all this seemed normal because it was the behavior he saw demonstrated by his parents.When Anthony turned 17, his father left the family once again and moved back to California. Anthony’s downward spiral continued. He started using OxyContin and any other drug he could find. Anthony’s life started a downward spiral soon after the move to Salem. Anthony’s father was back with the family, but he was not proving to be a good role model for a young, teenage boy. At age 13, Anthony started drinking alcohol and smoking weed. That led to stealing his grandmother’s opiate medications and Xanax at age 14. To him, all this seemed normal because it was the behavior he saw demonstrated by his parents.

In 2008, Anthony got married. His oldest son, Anthony James, was born in 2009 with his youngest son, Noah Jacob, born several years later. In 2009, his mother overdosed. She was given a “bad shot” and dumped at a rural fire station. Because of Anthony’s drug use, being in and out of jail, and the overdose of his mother, this marriage did not last. After spending many years in jail and not being able to see his children, Anthony was finally clean and ready to begin a new life. He joined the New Beginning Sanctuary program in Springfield, MO. He was finally able to contact his sons and was made a house manager. This sober-living program worked well for Anthony – for a time.

After six months, Anthony relapsed. He met a woman and became too comfortable in his new life. They both began using drugs, and once again, Anthony was on a downward spiral. Six months of using drugs, being homeless, unable to buy any Christmas gifts, and eating a Honey Bun and grapes from a trash can for their Christmas dinner, it finally clicked.He was at rock bottom and needed to make a change – this time for good. One week after Christmas, Anthony was in the Salem Treatment Center. One month later, he was enrolled in the One More 24 program in Springfield, MO. It was there that he got back into loving God and reading God’s Word.Anthony started having structure in his life. He also re-enrolled in the New Pathways for Good Dads program. Anthony credits the NPGD program for helping him with his child support as well as his parenting skills. He now has the skills necessary for talking with his children and knowing how to discipline them. He also wants them to grow up with structure in their lives and know how to work hard.Anthony is striving to be a man of his word – if he tells his children he will pick them up every other weekend, he will be there. He makes it a point to attend their events. He is making sure they have clothes for school as well as the other necessities that growing boys may need.Anthony said, “I never thought I’d see my kids again, but God put me in their lives for a reason. Today, I know I am a “Good Dad.” Surrounding himself with people who want him to succeed has also been instrumental in Anthony’s success. One such person is his sister, Raquel Flores.She was there for him when he was at his lowest point. She picked him up at the bus stop and helped him get into treatment. Through his struggles, she did not give up on him. Another person who has supported Anthony through his recovery is his fiancé, Richelle Van Luven.Anthony says, “She is an amazing stepmother to my children.” Anthony and Richelle are looking forward to being married soon and continuing their walkthrough life with the Good Lord leading them every step of the way. Anthony has been clean and sober for over two years. He has been working at Altrista Plastic Solutions for nearly two years and has recently been trained as a Mold Tech. This “Good Dad” will also be graduating from the New Pathways for Good Dads program in November. After graduation, Anthony also hopes to be trained as a New Pathways for Good Dads facilitator so that he can give back to a program that has been so helpful to him. Anthony’s advice to you is “Never give up. Take things one day at a time. Put your faith in God because He has a plan for you.” Congratulations Anthony! Keep on working hard and being a Good Dad!