Wayne’s Journey: From Guest to Guide

January 23, 2025

Wayne Garnett’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and profound connection to the Franciscan values embodied by St. Anthony Foundation. Raised by his mother in Richmond, California, Wayne’s early life was filled with promise. He excelled in high school, playing football and engaging in academics. However, his path took a sharp turn when he began experimenting with drugs, leading to years of addiction and instability.

“I had a happy childhood. But in high school, I started isolating myself. I couldn’t connect with people anymore, and that’s when drugs became part of my life.”

From smoking marijuana in high school to experimenting with harder substances, Wayne’s addiction escalated. Despite his talent in football, his dreams were derailed when drugs took precedence over his ambitions. “The deeper I got into drugs, the further I got from my goals. I signed a contract with a semi-pro team, but it all fell apart,” he shares.

Wayne spent years in a cycle of substance abuse, jail time, and short-lived attempts at sobriety. It wasn’t until he encountered a judge who suggested rehabilitation that he started considering a different path. “I stayed clean for 16 months once, but I didn’t follow through with what the program suggested. I relapsed,” he admits.

His turning point came when he was introduced to St. Anthony Foundation. After completing a recovery program, Wayne found himself at Seton Hall, the predecessor to St. Anthony’s recovery program at Father Alfred Center. “St. Anthony’s gave me a shot at stability. When I got to Seton Hall, I realized I had hit rock bottom, but I also saw a way up,” he says.

At St. Anthony’s, Wayne not only found a job but also a sense of belonging rooted in the Franciscan values of dignity, respect, and compassion. The friars at St. Anthony’s, particularly Father Floyd, played a crucial role in his journey. “Father Floyd followed me through my entire journey—from being a guest to getting my first car. He always reminded me that I was never alone,” Wayne reflects.

One experience that profoundly impacted Wayne was delivering furniture to a family in need. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces and their mother’s tears of gratitude, Wayne felt a deep connection to the mission. Afterward, he drove to the beach to reflect, sitting in his truck with his feet out the window. In an unexpected moment, Father Floyd appeared, touching his feet and responding to Wayne’s surprised question with a simple yet profound statement: “We’re everywhere.” That encounter solidified Wayne’s understanding of the friars’ unwavering presence and commitment.

Despite his initial reluctance, Wayne transitioned to the Companionship Program, where he now serves as a mentor and guide to individuals facing similar struggles. “At first, I didn’t want to leave CSS. But Companionship allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level, helping them find stability in ways I wish I had earlier in my life.”

As a Companion, Wayne takes pride in walking alongside individuals in their recovery journeys. He introduces them to the Pathway to Stability, a framework that helps guests assess their progress in areas such as housing, recovery, and mental health.

“It’s not just about getting a job or a place to live. It’s about addressing the whole person—mentally, physically, and spiritually.”

Wayne’s impact extends beyond his professional role. St. Anthony’s, with its Franciscan foundation, has given him the tools to rebuild his personal life. He has reconnected with his children, found stability in his marriage, and formed deep bonds with his extended family. “St. Anthony’s taught me how to be a better father, a better husband, and a better person,” he says.

Looking to the future, Wayne hopes the Companionship Program will expand across St. Anthony’s services.

“I see Companions being everywhere—in the Medical Clinic, the Dining Room, everywhere our guests need stability and support. If we can integrate Companionship throughout the foundation, we can truly change lives.”

Wayne’s journey, from addiction to advocacy, is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the Franciscan values that shape St. Anthony’s mission. As he continues his work, his story serves as a beacon of hope for others, proving that with the right support, transformation is possible.

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