Lincoln business offers CDL training to put young people on a Road to Redemption

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — August is Black Business Month, and Channel 8 is shining a light on a Lincoln business with a story of redemption and second chances.

The owner of Road to Redemption LLC went from serving time to changing lives in his community.

At one point, Clay Anders did not think he would be at this point in his life, running his own business and helping others build better lives.

“I had ambitions to get out and become a trucker and make a bunch of money, and the Lord didn’t work like that.” Anders said. “Now he’s using my past to propel my future and help these youngsters with theirs.”

Anders is helping young people earn their commercial driver’s license, which gives them a shot at high-demand jobs.

“I wanted to be able to provide and help these youth learn a new trade and teach them a trade that helped change my life,” he said.

Anders said he wants to give them a second chance because he got one, too.

“Christ gave me a second chance. That’s it.” Anders said. “How can I not want to give back what somebody gave to me when I was undeserving? That’s what grace is.”

He said the program isn’t just about teaching a skill; it’s about rebuilding confidence and healing a small part of himself.

Anders quoted Romans 12:2, which says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

He said his past doesn’t define him, but it does drive him.

Anders has helped dozens of students earn their CDLs, and he said this is just the beginning.

He said he doesn’t want to the fame or the glory because all of it belongs to God.

“When I die, I want my funeral to be packed with people, mainly young adults saying, ‘This man dropped some jewels of wisdom in my life,'” Anders said.