The Neil S. Hirsch Boys & Girls Club of Wellington has a new director. Anthony Talton, known as "Mr. T" by the kids, stepped into the position with passion and purpose. Looking back at his life, it is clear Mr. Talton is a man who can identify with and lead these youngsters to a promising future.
During his childhood and adolescence, Talton grew up in a rough environment. "I came from a great home," he said. "Yet growing up in Rivera Beach, known as 'The Raw,' I had a hard time and for some reason, was always attracted to the wrong crowd."
In response to childhood bullying, Talton grew from a tough child to a teenager who acted out. "I had so much rage and bitterness in me from being picked on in school," he said. "This made me become rebellious to my teachers and violent toward my peers."
Talton was able to emerge from his downward spiral with the encouragement and support of positive role models.
"Despite my craziness, a teacher by the name of Lee Hooks took interest in me, due to my hidden talent of singing," Talton remembers. "He mentored me and focused on the things about me that were great and this started the cycle of me changing my life. Had it not been for Mr. Hooks, my grandfather, and my grandmother influencing me and believing in me in spite of my behavior, my life would have taken a much different path."
There was another factor which led Talton to his calling at the club. "My wife, known as 'Miss Shay' at The De George Boys and Girls Club, has worked there for over 15 years," Talton said. "Watching the impact she had on the lives of the kids she encountered on a daily basis gave me a strong desire to impact the lives of young people myself.
"I have seen the lives of many young people change because of her influence and I wanted to be a part of that purpose and destiny."
Talton's enthusiasm for the job is evident. "I love counseling kids and being able to redirect them to adopt a better way of thinking or at least a different approach to how they should respond in situations they face," he said.
There are provisions and programs at the club that Mr. Talton would like the community to be aware of. "We are grateful to have a funded food program that just recently started where kids are provided with snacks and supper each and every day," Talton said. "We also have a new music program and art program that the kids really enjoy."
