Who We Are
Meet Our Founders
The Messengers
We met on the mission field in 2012, where we decided we wanted to continue living lives dedicated to serving others. We both have had various experiences serving in different capacities around the world and, still today, our passion to help those facing injustice continues to grow.
Soon after, November 2012, Legacy of Hope Restored was establish and registered. The name, Legacy of Hope Restored, describes the Life people live when they recognize and grasp who they truly are. 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.
We believe in doing more than just distributing funds. We believe in helping others by providing opportunities for them to rise up through programs that provide basic needs and education. We believe education is key to opening doors for people to dream and take hold of their future, despite any challenges they may face. We believe in developing and growing programs along side community leaders, empowering them, and helping them to recognize how much a community, and its members, can thrive when everyone works together and helps each other accomplish a common goal. We believe in HOPE.
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 is more than a passion but a part of who she is. Jennifer is inspired by the children she works with. To see the hope and potential they possess is a wonderful reminder that each life is precious. When Jennifer is not chasing around her son and daughter, you can find her having fun teaching, creating jewelry for Arise_For, and learning new skills.
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.
Jessica Frye, Treasurer of the Board
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.
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.
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.
Renée Hale, Board Member
I am proud to serve on the board for Legacy of Hope Restored. I am very experienced in Human Resources and have worked in medical administration for many years. I enjoy working with youth and serve on our Sunday Nights Youth service team at Eastside Community Church in Richmond, KY. 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.
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.
