Joe Jorgenson

My name is Joey, and for many years, I was trapped in addiction and a life of crime. This path led me to be separated from my loved ones—mentally, physically, and emotionally—to the point where they wanted nothing to do with me. Even my children were taken from me because, at the time, I prioritized the streets, gang life, and crime over my responsibilities as a father. Over the course of my life, I spent a total of 23½ years behind bars—all before turning 45.

It wasn’t until my last prison sentence that I realized something had to change. I made the decision to become a better version of myself, one that I had never been before.

While incarcerated, I began attending church, and in 2016, I fully surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. However, when my release date came, I struggled to find a place to go until a brother in Christ introduced me to Lloyd Smith over the phone. That connection led me to Faithful Servants’ transitional house, where my transformation continued. But change wasn’t instant. I found myself slipping back into old attitudes and behaviors, which led to me being asked to leave the program.

Outside of Faithful Servants, I struggled again and eventually relapsed. That relapse, however, was short-lived. A DOC violation landed me back in jail for three days—just three days—but it was the hardest time I had ever served because Jesus was dealing with me the entire time. When I was released, I made a final decision to take my life back from addiction, but this time, I let Jesus lead the way.

I have now been clean for over five years. Today, I have incredible relationships with all of my children. I get to be the father I never was—this time to my 10-year-old daughter, Lucianna, and my 4-year-old, Emerald. I also have the privilege of being part of Cristina’s life, our 19-year-old, and Pedro’s life, our 17-year-old. Though I may not be their biological father, they are my children. I have also been reunited with my son in Arizona after more than 17 years of no contact, and I’m building a relationship with my daughter in Arkansas through calls and messages. My family has welcomed me back—I am now invited into my sister’s and niece’s homes because the choices I make today are positive and aligned with God’s will.

Through the grace of God and the support of Faithful Servants Ministry, my life has been restored. Today, I have the honor of serving on the board of directors for Faithful Servants, where I help men who are just like I once was. I get to show them that there is a better way—a way of hope, redemption, and walking with Jesus Christ.

God bless, Sincerely, Joey