At LiveDifferent, we believe real impact comes from genuine relationships—connections that extend from our staff to partners, community leaders, and the people we serve. Jodi and Mike’s journey with LiveDifferent is a testament to this. Their introduction began over dinner with friends Mark and Katie Hess, who had just returned from volunteering in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. As they shared stories about École L’Union, our school in Haiti, Jodi and Mike felt drawn to learn more.

In June 2018, they travelled to Haiti, met our team, visited the school, and helped serve the students’ daily meal. Seeing firsthand the need for proper nutrition, they felt compelled to act—choosing to support the meal program and ensure these children receive the nourishment they need to learn and thrive. Their generosity is deeply rooted in a belief in caring for others.

“We were both raised in families that put an emphasis on giving, and we would like to model that for our children. We feel it is part of our responsibility as human beings to look after others who need help to whatever degree we are able.”

Trust has been a key factor in their continued partnership with LiveDifferent.

“We love that we know exactly how our support is being used to help the people of Calvaire. We have trust in the staff and know how much they value our contributions.”

Jodi and Mike also hope to inspire others to take action in causes close to their hearts.

“Reach out to leaders and understand more about the issue. From there you’ll discover a ton of opportunities, and you can choose to serve in the area you feel most passionate about.”

We are incredibly grateful for Jodi and Mike and their unwavering commitment to the nutrition program at École L’Union. Their support is not just about meals—it’s about giving children the opportunity to dream, to learn, and to build a better future.