Executive Director

Dr. J.R. Thicklin is a pioneering leader in the plight against domestic violence, boasting over 30 years of frontline experience. As President and CEO of Destiny By Choice, Inc., he transforms lives affected by domestic violence and related abuse through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment.

A recognized subject matter expert, Dr. Thicklin’s accolades include the 1997-Governor’s Peace At Home Award,- Educating Teens,  the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award – President Barack Obama, the African Diaspora Award for Leadership, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Leadership. His passionate and charismatic delivery has made him a highly sought-after speaker, seminar trainer, facilitator, and consultant in both faith-based and secular communities, inspiring thousands at conferences and seminars nationwide.

Dr. Thicklin’s expertise is further acknowledged by an Honorary Doctorate from Logos University, his role on the Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team and the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), as well as his work as a trainer for the State of Florida Attorney General. He has been a speaker at the Annual National Preventing Crime in the Black Community Conference and the National Faith Symposium.

In collaboration with institutions like the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community (IDVAAC) at the University of Minnesota, he has advanced critical discussions on the intersection of faith and domestic violence. As the Lead Director of the African American Domestic Peace Project in West Palm Beach, Florida, and a contributing author to national curricula such as Speaking of Faith: Domestic Violence Programs and the African American Church and, Additionally, he developed and framed the Clergy Toolkit on Domestic & Sexual Violence in partnership with the Palm Beach County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), his influence spans multiple platforms.

Dr. Thicklin has also made significant media contributions, including appearances on television and radio (notably on TBN’s Praise the Lord) and as the host of the nationally syndicated radio show Hope & Healing: A Journey To Wholeness every Monday night. Additionally, he has produced two impactful two-part

About Us
We empower, advocate for, and foster healing for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and related social determinants. Our work focuses on underserved populations within the African American diaspora and communities of faith through culturally competent education, empowerment, engagement, and advocacy.

Who We Are
Destiny By Choice, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives impacted by domestic violence and related social issues. While domestic violence does not discriminate by race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion, research shows that Black females experience domestic violence nearly 35% more frequently than white females. This disparity underscores our commitment to addressing the unique stressors within the African American community—stressors that conventional “one-size-fits-all” approaches often overlook. We raise community awareness and drive change through initiatives that educate, empower, engage, and advocate, integrating both conventional and faith-based perspectives.

What We Do
We deliver a broad range of seminars, symposiums, summits, and training for neighborhood organizations, support groups, corporations, and religious communities. Our targeted programs serve youth, educators, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, Greek associations, and faith-based groups, always prioritizing safety and the path to healing and restoration. In addition, we provide support groups for victims and survivors, assist with job readiness and re-establishment efforts, and serve as advocates for those affected by domestic violence and related abuse. Destiny By Choice bridges the gap between victims, faith communities, social services, law enforcement, and the judicial system by offering both prevention and intervention services, including accountability sessions for individuals who self-identify as abusers or are mandated by courts or their places of worship.