About Retouch

Transforming lives in the least likely places.

Retouch is a nonprofit organization that exists to see a world where every person experiences the transformation that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our Mission

Our mission is to create opportunities for people to be transformed by Jesus.



What We Do

We provide life-changing education programs that break the cycle of poverty, foster community transformation, and drive economic empowerment.

We provide reliable, nutritious feeding programs that put an end to malnutrition and its long-term physical and mental health consequences on children and their communities.

We provide opportunities for higher education, mentorship, and life skills development that foster confidence and independence to equip those we serve with the tools they need to succeed.

We provide benevolence resources as the communities we serve fight to thrive in some of the most unsuitable and unstable regions on earth.

We provide Christian discipleship, spiritual direction, and places for worship to as a demonstration of Christ’s love for his children and his church.
‍‍

Our Philosophy

We provide high-touch, individualized care.

We develop the whole person through programs, retreats, discipleship, and more.

We focus on developing girls as much as boys.

We develop the whole family through programs, retreats, discipleship, and more.

Meet the Retouch team

Meet the team that is responsible for Retouch. Our members are committed to creating a future where humanity can thrive and prosper.

Chris Hadsell

Founder & President
Bio

Jennifer Hadsell

Founder & Vice President
Bio

Alan Ngati

Secondary Principal

Joy Ngudu

Social Worker
Bio

Patrick Julo

School Director
Bio

Raphael Mwako

Primary Principal

Sara Ross

Director of Education
Bio

Dusty Strickland

Education Specialist
Bio

Blake Joiner

General Counsel
Bio

Amy Lancaster

Board of Directors
Bio

Cyndi Joiner

Board of Directors
Bio

Taylor Jones

Board of Directors
Bio

History of Retouch

Retouch was founded by Chris and Jennifer Hadsell in 2010 in response to the many crises they saw while visiting Birikani, Kenya on a missions trip. Explore our history:

Retouch Founded

Chris and Jennifer Hadsell started Retouch Ministries as a response to their calling to serve the poor, the broken, and the hurting.

In the early years, they traveled throughout much of East Africa, often by bus for many days, praying about where the Lord was leading them. Their journeys took them through mud huts in South Sudan, pastors' trainings in Uganda, farming in Tanzania and ultimately landing in an extremely poor area of coastal Kenya.

Sponsorship Launches

While visiting a local HIV health clinic, Chris & Jenn learned of the desperate plea of mothers in the city to have access to a real education for their children. The sponsorship program was born in an effort to take care of their original 10 kids.

What started with 10 quickly increased to 39 students by the end of the year. By 2013, more than 150 students were sponsored and participating in life-changing education programs.

Church is Planted

In 2013, a local elder donated land to build a church and school. He was from another faith, but was desperate for education for his community.

He believed in it so much he wanted the church built first – believing something significant was happening.  The church was planted from 5 faithful mothers, quickly growing to over 300 people each week.

Teacher Trainings

In 2013, Retouch held its first teacher training program, marking a significant step in empowering local educators.

The training focused on equipping teachers with practical classroom management techniques, leadership skills, and incorporating biblical teachings into everyday lessons.

These ongoing teacher trainings have resulted in higher academic standards across schools and have strengthened the spiritual and personal growth of both teachers and students within the community.

The school is served by electrical power for the first time.

Education Complex Complete

In 2023, the Joiner Educational Complex is completed, providing classrooms for grades 9-12 and laboratories, offices, and other essential facilities. The school now provides full facilities for grades Kindergarten through 12th grade.

The church continues to grow with weekly attendance in excess of 300 people.

The first woman graduates from the Girls Empowerment Program.

First graduating class!

In 2024, the first graduating class of Good Samaritan School became high school graduates, and we could not be more proud of them! These students started when our educational "program" was just a mud hut and rocks for desks.  

Thanks to Retouch's generous donors and partners, Birikani is now realizing the transformational effects of having complete educational, nutrition, and discipleship programs in their community.

Transforming lives in the least likely places.

We have more than 350 children in need of help in Birikani. We want to serve them all, but we can't do it without your help.

Good News for your Inbox

Sign up for our email updates and we'll periodically send stories of transformation straight to your inbox.

Sign up now to stay in the know!
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.