Who We Are
Meet Our Founders
The Messengers
We met on the mission field in 2012, and in that moment, we committed to dedicating our lives to serving others together. Over the years, we've had the privilege of engaging in various capacities of service across the globe, and our passion to fight injustice has only grown since then as we serve as a family.
In November 2012, Legacy of Hope Restored was born—a vision that quickly became a mission. The name reflects the transformative life people experience when they discover their true identity. Their choices in life are no longer based on selfishness and survival, but rather on truly living the LIFE they were always intended to live and share with others. When people live this kind of Life, the HOPE they possess gets passed down to the next generation and then to the next generation, thus creating a Legacy of Restoring Hope as it was intended from the beginning.
Jared Messenger, Co-Founder
As Co-Founder and President, Jared leads LHR and is responsible for the overall function and efficiency of the organization. In addition to leading LHR, Jared serves in the Government contracting field and has served as a leader and volunteer with several nonprofits and mission organizations in 13 countries around the world. In his free time, Jared enjoys traveling, sports, and spending time with family and friends.
Jennifer Messenger, Co-Founder & Program Coordinator
Serving children and families isn’t just a passion for Jennifer—it’s a part of who she is. She’s deeply inspired by different cultures, loves seeing communities thrive, and always makes sure there’s a seat at the table for everyone—especially when it’s to share a delicious meal. When Jennifer isn’t helping with LHR or working at World Central Kitchen, you’ll find her spending quality time with her family, traveling, or getting creative in some way.
Our Wonderful Board of Directors
Josh Hale, President of the Board
I am a 17 year veteran in policing with several years of experience in Supervision. I am a National speaker on youth violence and trends and have spoken to over 50,000 kids and parents since 2013. I have a heart for community outreach and have participated or planned programs for many years. I helped to get an Anti-Bullying law passed in Kentucky and have a strong passion for the protection of children. I have a strong faith and a desire to serve others. I currently reside with my beautiful wife and two beautiful daughters in Kentucky.
Renée Hale, Board Member
I am proud to serve on the board for Legacy of Hope Restored. I am very experienced in Human Resources, book keeping, and I have worked in medical administration for many years. I love working to change the lives of those in need. I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, and reading. I am so excited to see Legacy of Hope Restored be a blessing in the lives of others across the world.
Jessica Frye, Board Member
I earned my MBA and have gained 17 years of experience in Human Resources and Finance collectively in the health care field. My passion is for people. I’m moved by their stories and inspired by their perseverance and joy. I enjoy serving in different capacities from encouraging someone, to making financial contributions, to using my time and the knowledge I possess to help others. My family is very important to me. Outside of that, I enjoy spending time outdoors, reading books that challenge me and make me laugh, and meeting new people. I’m always up for trying new things.
Angela Ratliff, Board Member
I have been a middle school math teacher for just over 20 years. I am passionate about teaching young people and making a difference in their lives. A wise woman from my home church once told me that education is my mission field, and I haven’t turned back since. I live in Indiana with my wonderful husband and two amazing kids and love doing life with my family and friends. I enjoy puzzles, games, coffee shops, and worship music.
Brett McConnell, Board Member
With a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and minor in map-making. I have experience discipling and raising up leaders both missionally and in personal relationships. I am an encourager by nature. I’m passionate about connecting with others and seeing them mature to their fullest potential. Being outdoors and gazing upon the natural beauty of the world inspires me. In my free time, you can find me in the kitchen cooking, drinking wine, cheering on the Atlanta Falcons or exploring new places with my wife and our precious daughters.
Andrew Bennett, Board Member
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship and quickly began working for a number of startup software companies. Not being content with this, God gave me a desire for international missions and off I went around the world serving the marginalized and poor. After returning God shifted my focus to more local needs. I am very involved in my local church, working with the youth through a ministry called Young Life, and local missions, primarily to Skid Row in Los Angeles as well as Tijuana a short distance across the Mexican border. I currently live in San Clemente, CA with my amazing wife and three kids. When we're not playing at the beach or in the local mountains you will find us hosting friends and family with some delicious cuisine.
