The First major initiative of the Syliah Volmar Foundation (SVF) was to restore and renovate the kindergarten playground at the school Syliah attended. P.S. 176 in Cambria Heights, New York.  
    This initiative was undertaken in the spirit of Syliah’s love, in order to provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment in which the children could partake in such activities as Art & Crafts, Puppet Shows, Storybook Readings, and a host of other healthy activities that stimulates proper growth and development.
    To underscore the need for such an important project a petition was circulated in the community, and with overwhelming consensus from concerned citizens, children educators, medical professionals, and leaders from the business community, hundreds and hundreds of signatures were gathered.  These signatures were then taken to our local Councilman (Leroy Comrie) who provided his unwavering support in shepherding this worthy initiative through the legal, technical and financial hurdles.
    Through the Councilman, Capital Funding was provided in the amount of $350,000.00 to make Syliah’s Playground a reality!  On Thursday, January 10th, 2008, the children for which this initiative was undertaken, the principal of P.S. 176, Ms. Arlene Bartlett, Dr. Louis E. Volmar & Mrs. Huguette Bastien Volmar, RN, Council Member Leroy Comrie, the kindergarten children and a host of community and business leaders and the media were all in attendance for the much anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the new playground!  Syliah smiles from above.  However, long before the 2008 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new children’s playground, efforts were put forth by the members of the Syliah Volmar Foundation to encourage and contribute to the healthy growth and positive development of the mind and spirit of the child.
    In June of 2006, The Syliah Volmar Foundation sponsored an essay contest for the 5th graders of P.S. 176.  U.S. Savings Bonds, in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100), were awarded to the six winners.  In addition, certificates and mementos were presented to all of the graduating Kindergarten students.  On Thursday, June 21st 2007, the Syliah Volmar Foundation conducted a second essay contest.  With continued support, and even greater enthusiasm, the second essay contest and awards ceremony was a resounding success!  Also in 2007, during the month of April, the Syliah Volmar Foundation held our First Annual Community and Family Event.  Held at the Alberta-Alston Hall, at the Presbyterian Church in St. Albans, New York, the festivities included guest speakers Dr. Therese Gilia, Head of Children’s Cardiology at Schneider Children’s Hospital, who educated the attendees on the importance of awareness and prevention of heart disease: Dr. Norris Allen, OB/GYN from Open Door Health Center, who spoke about what women of child-bearing age must pay strict attention to when planning pregnancy; and Susan Thomas, Director of Center for Hope, who emphasized the imperativeness of building strong relationships between children and parents.  The grand finale of this event, and a major joy for the children, were the raffle drawings, prize giveaways, and delightful performances from singers and dancers, including a dynamic and spirit-filled performance by Syliah Volmar’s brother Shakhan Daniel and his dance partner Renee Harris.
    Each of the initiatives above are part of the continuing mission of the Syliah Volmar foundation to make a positive difference in the lives of children, primarily through adult-supervised educational and creative activities, assisting children in achieving their highest potential as they grow to be come confident, competent and caring individuals.  The Syliah Volmar Foundation cordially invites you to join us in inspiring the children with love, standards of leadership and excellence.
   Be Part of a Momentous Event  Join with the Syliah Volmar Foundation in our most significant initiative to date.  Lend your support to the Syliah Volmar Children’s and Family Center – Syliah’s Center. Syliah’s Center, Arts & Crafts Space, Homework Helpers, Children’s Dance Studio, Theater Workshop for Kids, And more…
    The Syliah Center is the family center, an atmosphere where children, parents and guardians, community volunteers and committed professionals all come together for the benefit of the child in a social setting specifically designed to grow healthy kids, strong bonds and life-giving friendships.  With your continued support, membership and assistance, all of these activities will be offered to the children under one roof.  Continue to support the work and the mission of the Syliah Volmar Foundation in “Sharing Syliah’s Love” with every child.  After all, “everybody needs a hug!’
    Log on to our Website, phone us, or write for more information about how you too can make the dreams of all of our children a wonderful reality every day.
    The Syliah Volmar Foundation is a non-profit, tax-deductible organization.