How It All Began

In 1999, a 19-year-old boy stepped off the plane. Growing up in a small town in Arizona, looking around Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where he now walked was shocking. Josh had committed with his church to spend two years in a country, which he had only vaguely heard of before. His commission was to do his best to help the people of this unknown and unfamiliar land better their lives and teach them about Jesus Christ.

His time in Honduras brought many adventures. A few days after entering the country, he was attacked by a local drunk and then rescued by the neighborhood women. He befriended gang members, contracted malaria, lived through Hurricane Mitch and helped the community rebuild, but most significantly, he grew to love the people of Central America, and Honduras in particular. He developed tender compassion towards the people who lived in extreme poverty, which permeated the country.

After leaving the country when his two-year commitment expired, Josh made several return visits–spending time enjoying the country and culture, relaxing on the local islands and visiting friends. As life moved forward, he went to college, met his wife and started a family, making additional trips difficult. Despite all the time that passed, Honduras never left his heart or mind.

In January of 2019, many years since last visiting the country he loved, Josh returned to Central America to visit old friends. The young men beside whom he had once worked were now grown and supporting families of their own. Revisiting the land, his heart was again profoundly touched by the plight of the people in Central America–disabled men begging at bus stops, children running barefoot in the streets, families living in falling down shanties. He felt compelled to do something to help.

Back in the high desert of Colorado, his wife and children planned a small fundraiser while their dad was away–selling bracelets to friends and family on Facebook.

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In a few days, $1,000 had been raised. Josh took the money directly to the people of El Salvador where he was visiting at the time–donating money to the elderly selling products on the street, delivering food to impoverished families in the local village and donating supplies to a children’s home where orphaned, disabled children, and adults with severe handicaps lived.

During Josh’s visit, he found that many local individuals were both willing and ready to help those less fortunate than themselves.

From this experience and a desire to do more Life Differently was born.

Mission

Our mission is to:

• highlight the lives of those living in different and difficult circumstances
• bring on-the-ground aid directly to communities by partnering with locals to distribute goods and meet local needs
• develop programs to promote self-sufficiency in families and individuals
• humanize individuals suffering in developing countries

Who We Are

Josh Cluff, President

Josh developed the vision for Life Differently–to expose those in extreme poverty to those living in very prosperous circumstances. His hope is to allow those who have much to learn about others less fortunate, developing both gratitude and compassion for those who are struggling daily for basic needs. Additionally, he hopes that compassion and gratitude can be called upon to improve the lives of individuals who have been born into difficult circumstances. Serving with Life Differently combines his passion for travel, Latin America and lifting others.

Carl Miller, Legal Counsel

Carl used his expertise to bring Life Differently into reality. Despite having a busy practice, and a family of his own, he generously donated his time not only to help the organization get started, but continually advises the Life Differently Team on appropriate use of funding. In addition to his work as a lawyer, Carl also has a passion for individuals living in Central America, which was largely developed when he lived in Honduras for two years, serving the people of the country.

Shalyce Cluff, Marketing

Shalyce came into Life Differently by default, being Josh’s wife. However, Life Differently builds on many of her passions. She has a passion for helping others, and teaching her kids the same. Writing for Life Differently has allowed her children to read each story and recognize the blessings they have been afforded and the suffering of others. Shalyce works professionally teaching psychology and human development and enjoys finding the links between grateful living and happiness and working to share that with others.

Jose Amaya, Photographer

Jose brings the stories we tell to life with his photography skills. It is because of Jose that we can take you into the homes, lives and struggles of those living in extreme poverty. His compassion for others shows through the lens of his camera and the emotions he captures. Jose is a part of our Life Differently team in Honduras.

Wendy David, Volunteer

Wendy is a driving force for Life Differently. Her compassion and assistance make many of the projects for Life Differently possible. Wendy has a deep desire to help others, that is clear in all she does, and is teaching her children the same. She has spent countless hours helping Life Differently get off the ground and making projects happen. When she’s not volunteering with Life Differently, she seems to be busy on other projects to improve the lives of others. She is a member of the Life Differently team working in Honduras.

Olga Amaya-Hearn, Volunteer

Olga has worked tirelessly, beside her husband Jose, to make Life Differently a reality. She regularly offers beneficial suggestions and helps to make sure the work Life Differently does, is working for the benefit of others. She is quick to volunteer her help and has helped to make Life Differently possible. She is a member of the Life Differently team working in Honduras.

Karla Torres, Volunteer

Karla has worked tirelessly to promote Life Differently and to share our services with others. Karla has played an important role in making Life Differently a reality. It is only with the help of Karla, and other volunteers like her, that Life Differently is able to do the work they do. She is a member of the Life Differently team working in Honduras.

We are partnered with some amazing individuals living in Central America and we couldn’t do any of this without them.