When a girl loses her Dad it's like someone has removed a part of her.  When my Dad died it felt as if my foundation had crumbled away and I had been left alone.  In my case, however, my Dad had given me my own internal foundation. He had not only spent his life fishing for me, he had also taught me how to fish.  So, it turned out, I was not alone.

Robert James Leonard was a successful teacher and entrepreneur who had a strong love for knowledge and education, and a passion for the culinary arts.  He could not cook but he appreciated food like no other.  His taste was flawless and sublime.  His passion, the decisions he made throughout his life and the opportunities he grabbed, have inspired me, especially at this stage in my life.

It is with these thoughts in mind that in August, 2008, I launched The Robert James Leonard Foundation, Inc., in memory of my Dad. 

It may come as a surprise to you, in this affluent part of the country, that there are over 150 young adults in Bucks County, who have been removed from their families due to unsafe and unhealthy conditions.  Many of these young adults, one of whom you will meet today, have overcome hurdles that would make you gasp, frown and possibly cry.  Further, they have jumped these hurdles with grace and a positive spirit and now want to continue with their lives and be successful productive adults.

We will provide Robert James Leonard Fellowships,  Community Hugs, to these young adults, one at a time.

It is our hope that they pay it forward.  It is our hope that you will pay it forward today, by being a part of their future so they too feel as if they have a strong foundation and a team of people on their side helping them really make a difference in our world.

With love and gratitude to you all.

Jo Leonard

Executive Director

The Robert James Leonard Foundation, Inc.

Board Members

Board Member	Position	Company
Jo Leonard	Executive Director	Jo Leonard, LLC.
Ronald Wolff	Board Adviser	Ronald F. Wolff & Associates
Jennifer Fluder	PR & Marketing Adviser	Liver  Foundation
Jeanne Robinson	Board Member	Marshall Financial