Hi, we are the Frenches! Jason and Kelly grew up in the same small town in Northeast Ohio and started dating in high school when Jason asked her to prom. They got married in 1999 and moved to Florida in 2010.

Addison was born in 2011, and 14.5 short months later Greyson was born with a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome. In October 2019, we were matched with AJ through a private adoption agency. We received custody in January 2020 and {finally} finalized his adoption in the fall of 2021.

In our free time, we love to spend time at the beach. Addison enjoys surfing and playing basketball. Greyson loves watching NBA basketball and theater and AJ enjoys any outdoor activities that involve running as well as jumping on the trampoline.

Our idea to start The French Family Foundation, Inc came about a few years ago as we saw friends in our disability community struggling to get items approved through insurance that they needed for their children.

Throughout our adoption journey, we realized just how hard the entire process is both mentally and physically and want to walk beside others in the community as they go through their own journey.

Our vision is to use this non-profit as a vehicle to provide support and assistance to persons with disabilities, their families and those seeking adoption of children with disabilities.

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Glow Night

Central Florida Dream Plex

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Annual Gala

Special Olympics Young Athletes

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Granted Custody of AJ

First Family Photo - January 2020

Kelly French

The idea for The French Family Foundation came about when Kelly saw the need in the community for additional support for families with needs that insurance wasn’t covering. Since Greyson was born in 2013, with a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome, she chose to use her career as a Real Estate Broker as a vehicle to do more to give back to the community in which she lives. She has a passion for Special Olympics & promoting awareness for inclusion.

The French Family Foundation, Inc. | Central Florida Fundraising Foundation for Families with Disabilities | Jason

Jason French

My name is Jason and I am a husband to Kelly and a father to Addison, Greyson, and AJ. I own a small consulting firm that focuses on the homebuilding industry. I know the struggles we went through as a family with special needs children and I want help and guide other families in the same situation.

The French Family Foundation, Inc. | Central Florida Fundraising Foundation for Families with Disabilities | Addison

Addison French

Hi! I'm Addison. I am a sister to AJ & Greyson and I love helping those in need. I've had a passion for kids in need ever since I could understand it. I love that I get to meet all these cool, amazing people! In my free time I enjoy painting, surfing and spending time with my family.

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Hayleigh Rumpler

Hello! I’m Hayleigh Rumpler, I’m 20 years old and was born and raised here in Florida. I started nannying for the French family back in 2021, and working with such an amazing family led me to my job today as a behavioral therapist. My passion is traveling and exploring the world one adventure at a time. I hope to spread kindness and to help out wherever I can. Let’s make a difference together!

The French Family Foundation, Inc. | Central Florida Fundraising Foundation for Families with Disabilities | Abigail

Abigail Orlando

Abigail Orlando graduated with a masters degree in Exceptional Student Education from Southeastern University. She has a passion for education and for students who learn differently. She is currently teaching in Tampa, Fl. Her love for the Down Syndrome Community started with the French Family and has extended further and deeper ever since.

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Heather Jukes

As the mother of an autistic son, Heather Jukes intimately understands the unique challenges these children face. With a desire to make a lasting impact, she actively contributes her time and energy to the French Family Foundation. Heather is an exceptional Mortgage Loan Officer at PrimeLending, driven by a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact on her community. Her dedication to changing lives extends beyond her professional endeavors, as she actively volunteers and serves on various boards to support causes close to her heart.

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Adam Markowitz

As he has tried to expand his own business, Adam Markowitz has unturned every stone to find the next great accounting professionals for Luminary Tax Advisors. His hunt led him to discover the professional inequities our neurodivergent community experiences. He and his team created Luminary’s Neurodivergent Career Prep program, a program which will give young adults with autism and other neurodivergences the opportunity to develop professional skills to build towards rewarding careers. As a member of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Adam is uniquely tied to both the business community and the neurodivergent community, and he looks forward to continuing to blend the two together working alongside French Family Foundation.

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Jim Zeitschel

Jim is the Business Development Officer for First National Bank of Mount Dora. He has been in the financial services industry for over 20 years and prides himself on helping others achieve their Financial Goals. He is passionate about giving back to the local community and loves volunteering and serving on local boards to create meaningful positive change. When he’s not working or serving, you can find him at the most magical place on Earth - Disney World!

The French Family Foundation, Inc. | Central Florida Fundraising Foundation for Families with Disabilities | Meredith

Meredith Rollis

Meredith Rollis is a special education advocate and former teacher. After 14 years in the classroom and time raising her three children, she continued her pursuit of supporting children with special needs by founding Ability 14 Special Education Advocacy. Through her advocacy firm, along with her passion and expertise, she works to guide parents through the complexities of the special education process, ensuring that each child receives the appropriate services they need to reach their full potential.

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