The Richard Jean Sylva Foundation

The Richard jean Sylva foundation was founded in 2016. It is the result of 3 incredible individuals. Richard Rhodes, Jean Francois and Sylva Francois.
Richard was a warm generous and giving individual. Growing up in the some of the roughest parts of LA Richard developed and strong sense of family and strong work ethic. Richard was a truck driver for 30 years. He was a loving husband and raised 2 beautiful children. Richard was a very giving and loving individual, always helping his neighbors and those in need. Richard would take used bicycles, fix them up, paint them and give to the neighborhood children. He believed that no child should go without the experience of riding a bike in their neighborhood. Richard would also invite all the neighborhood children to come swim at his house. This was the type of loving individual that Richard was. Sadly, Richard passed way in June of 2012 but his legacy and love live on.

Jean and Sylva Francois were married over 45 years. They immigrated from Haiti at a time when the country was in turmoil. Jean and Sylva had 3 children and knowing that they wanted a better life for their children is the reason why they decided to immigrate to the US. Sylva came first to establish herself as a registered nurse. Making the difficult decision Sylva came to the US alone and her Husband Jean followed months later. There children were taken care of by loving family members for a short time until Jean and Sylva established themselves in the US. There 3 children came shortly after and were provided and loving and caring home and all the opportunities they could not receive in Haiti. Jean and Sylva continued to give back to others that also immigrated to the US by providing food and shelter to those that also chose a better life in the US. The giving never stopped throughout the years and especially at Christmas, where there was a tradition that no one that entered the Francois house would leave without a gift. Sadly, Jean passed away in 2008 and Sylva in 2014. But again their legacy and love live on.
The Richard jean Sylva foundation was founded on this love, selflessness and giving. We strive to help all those in need and even if it is for a brief moment we want to make their lives and world they live in a better place.
I met Richard’s Daughter back in 2009 and we have been together ever since. Being raised by these incredible parents have given us a sense of love, and giving that I hope would make them proud. This foundation epitomizes all that they stood for.

With Love Kimberly and Gerard Francois