HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Unselfish, humble, trustworthy.

Describing someone with even one of those attributes would be a nice compliment. So Anthony Stradwick of Huntington must be a pretty special guy.

His friends and co-workers use those terms, and a lot more, to describe him. And despite that humble nature, Anthony couldn't be denied this week's Hometown Hero.

Life has not always been a bowl full of cherries, according to Anthony.

"I'm that person that if my teachers in middle school didn't give up on me, if the people in my community in Wheeling didn't give up on me, even the people at my low times here in Huntington didn't give up on me, I'd be the same person that I'm helping," he said.

And help he does. Anthony has channeled the negative experiences from his past ... to reach out to people in need. From the Huntington Housing Authority at Northcott Court where he used to live and now works, to his Christian ministry, Anthony Stradwick steers people away from drugs, alcohol and despair into training, careers and hope.

"There's a biblical reference to the policy of when I would do good, evil is always present, and there's this conflict going on," said Bishop Sam Moore of Huntington, a long time friend of Mr. Stradwick and a local church pastor.

"I think that is Anthony. There's was something in there that wanted to do the wrong thing. But this positive drive getting him to do the right thing overwhelmed that. That's always what's happening with him."

The man who nominated Anthony says this was a long time in coming. "Some of him has rubbed off on me, believe it or not," said Len Singleton of Huntington. "His dedication and sincerity is something to behold."

With his own life as an example, Anthony realizes he may very well be influencing future Hometown Heroes. "People don't know that when you don't believe in yourself, if someone will believe in you, it makes a difference."