CEO, Torrey L Barret I
Pastor Torrey L. Barrett was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, the middle child of seven children. Even from an early age, God was quietly shaping him — instilling in him a deep love for people, and a particular burden for young people that the world had written off.
After graduating from Louisiana State University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in Non-Profit Organizational Management, Pastor Barrett began working with social service organizations serving DCFS participants. It didn't take long for those around him to notice that God had placed something special in him. He developed a reputation as "The One" who could connect with the most difficult youth — not because of technique, but because of genuine love and a God-given ability to see worth in every person he encountered.
In 2001, he earned a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Governors State University, further equipping him for the work God had placed before him. By 2004, that work had expanded far beyond Chicago. Pastor Barrett was appointed US Chapter President of Youth Federation for World Peace International, and in that role he led delegations of American youth to foreign nations to pursue peace and understanding across cultural divides. His efforts in the Middle East earned him the title of Ambassador for Peace from the State of Israel — an honor he carries with humility, knowing that all peace ultimately flows from God.
Partnering with Martin Luther King III and the Realizing the Dream organization, Pastor Barrett answered a call to serve the people of Nairobi, Kenya following devastating post-election violence. He led 150 young people to Kenya to sit with elected officials and ordinary citizens alike — not to impose solutions, but to encourage healing through service. Those young people worked side by side to restore a portion of the Nairobi River that had been neglected for four decades. It was a small act with a profound message: that when people serve together, reconciliation becomes possible. Pastor Barrett later delivered that message before the United Nations, calling the people of Kenya to live for the sake of others.
In March of 2007, Pastor Barrett's family experienced a grief that would change the course of his life. His younger sister, Kleo Barrett, was tragically killed as a result of domestic violence. Out of that loss, God brought purpose. Pastor Barrett and his family channeled their pain into action, establishing two nonprofit organizations focused on ending domestic violence and building the character and self-esteem of at-risk youth. Later that year, in December of 2007, he opened the K.L.E.O. Community Family Life Center (www.thekleocenter.org) on the South Side of Chicago — a living memorial to his sister and a place where young people are met with the same love and dignity that God extends to each of us. The center's mission is simple and rooted in Scripture: Keep Loving Each Other.
In 2010, Pastor Barrett completed a Master of Divinity in Ministry Leadership from Moody Bible Institute, a journey that deepened his theological roots and confirmed his pastoral calling. He now serves as Senior Pastor, bringing a shepherd's heart — shaped by real loss, real service, and real faith — to everyone who walks through the doors.
Pastor Barrett has been honored by many, including Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Nairobi Kenya Prime Minister (2006), Chicago's Who's Who 40 Under 40 (2012), the Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Award (2012), the Cook County State's Attorney C.F. Stradford Award (2014), the Chicago Urban League Innovators Award (2014), and the Congressional Black Caucus, which recognized him as an Emerging Young Leader. He also serves on the boards of the Chicago Business Leadership Council, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Chicago Fire Department Advisory Board, and Youth Federation for World Peace International.
Above all else, Pastor Barrett believes that God has a plan for the next generation — and he has given his life to helping young people discover it.
