President and CEO
KENNETH F. JOE SR. IS A SEASONED LEADER WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN BOLD AND INNOVATIVE CHILD ADVOCACY. HE HAS SERVED AS A CLINICIAN, AN EXECUTIVE HUMAN SERVICES PROFESSIONAL AND CHILD ADVOCATE FOR 25 YEARS IN CHICAGO, IL AND IN ATLANTA, GA.
He was the Chief Administrator for the Georgia Department of Family & Children Services (DFCS), and served as the Director of Integrated Family Support for the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR). He is the former DFCS Regional Director/Administrator of Fulton County (Atlanta), the largest public Child Welfare System in Ga. and the past DFCS Director of Richmond County (Augusta, second largest city in GA). He was the Interim-Executive Director and the Chief Operating Officer of Chicago Child Care Society, the oldest Child Welfare agency in the state of Illinois.
Kenneth’s professional expertise and vision are augmented by his survivorship of emotional, physical and sexual abuse. He exercised fearless courage to hold accountable those within the Archdiocese of Chicago who perpetrated crimes against him. Thus he brings a unique approach, in tandem with his clinical and practical child welfare experience, that solidifies him as the expert to provide sound advocacy, life changing keynote addresses and retreat facilitation that is authentic and effective in helping participants’ transition from victim to victor. His proven techniques, compassion and positive example allow them to move forward in achieving their personal, professional and mental health goals.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Kenneth F. Joe, Sr. credits his success in life to a family foundation rooted in Christian values. The second youngest of eight children, Kenneth learned that life is much easier when you share and listen to the wisdom of those who came before you. Although he spent many of his formative years growing up in the Wentworth Garden Projects in Chicago, Kenneth reflects “Even though we were poor, we didn’t feel it because we had love and discipline in our home; although like most households, it was “perfectly imperfect”. Throughout the six years I was sexually abused, I some how knew God was with me. This is shocking even to me, since it was my Pastor who was my abuser. Ironically, the same passion that my mom had for giving us a foundation of Church & God; both led to my abuse and helped me Survive a Victor through it.”
From his humble beginnings, Kenneth went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Social Work from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, a Masters of Science degree in Human Services Administration From Spertus College in Chicago, Illinois, and a Masters of Science degree in Clinical Counseling from National-Lewis University in Chicago, Illinois.
Today, Kenneth uses his expertise and passion as an advocate for children and young adults and as a Lobbyist for the State of Georgia, and to assist organizations and companies in their commitment to save children’s lives.
Simply stated, Kenneth is dedicated to changing lives by “caring enough” and challenging us all to join in this fight.
Kenneth is the author of From Abused to Protector: Claiming Your Life After Your Church Sexually Abuses You.
He is married to his wife and best friend of 18 years, and they are the parents of an amazing teenaged son.