“Nunca olvides de dónde vienes.*” Never forget where you come from.
For Dr. Jose Silva, those words have never been a slogan—they have been the foundation of Dr. Silva’s life’s work.
Raised in Denver’s North Lincoln Homes and Sun Valley public housing communities, and a proud graduate of West High School, Silva has dedicated his life to ensuring that children growing up in neighborhoods like the ones that raised him never feel forgotten. Today, that commitment is recognized through one of Colorado’s longest-running grassroots community traditions: the 18th Annual Silva Family Foundation School Supply Drive and Community Resource Fair.
On August 1 at Sloan’s Lake Park, thousands of families will gather for an event that has become much more than a backpack giveaway. It is a celebration of community, culture, dignity, and hope. This year marks a historic milestone. Over the past 18 years, the Silva Family Foundation will surpass 55,000 backpacks distributed to children across Colorado.
Yet according to Silva, the backpacks have never been the true mission. “The backpack is simply the beginning,” he says. “What we’re really giving children is confidence. We’re telling them they matter. They deserve to walk into school just like every other student—with pride, prepared to learn, and believing in themselves.”
Eighteen years ago, Silva purchased supplies for 50 backpacks. He loaded them into his vehicle, drove to Sloan’s Lake, and sat on a park bench waiting for families who needed them. There were no corporate sponsors. No media attention. No elaborate stage. Just one man who believed that one act of kindness could begin changing lives.
“I remember sitting there hoping we could help a few children,” Silva recalls. “I never imagined it would grow into something serving tens of thousands of families.” Today, that same vision has evolved into one of Denver’s largest annual community resource events.
Families receive backpacks filled with school supplies, but they also gain access to free dental screenings, health and wellness services, educational resources, employment opportunities, community organizations, family support programs, and connections that often continue long after the first day of school.
Growing up in North Lincoln Homes and Sun Valley exposed him to both the challenges and the incredible resilience found throughout Denver’s Chicano and Latino neighborhoods. Those communities taught him that neighbors looked after neighbors, children belonged to everyone, and success meant returning home to help others climb.
Those lessons became even more profound after a life-changing tragedy. At just 14 years old, Silva survived an act of gun violence that forever altered the course of his life. Rather than allowing that experience to become the defining chapter of his story, it became the reason he dedicated his life to young people.
“Surviving gun violence taught me how fragile life truly is,” Silva says. “It also made me realize how many young people are carrying trauma that nobody sees. I promised myself that if I survived, I would spend my life helping young people find hope before violence, poverty, or hopelessness could define their future.”
Throughout his career, Silva has become an educator, nonprofit executive, advocate, mentor, and community leader whose work has focused on educational equity, youth leadership, justice-engaged students, workforce development, restorative practices, public health, and strengthening families across Colorado.
As a proud graduate of West High School, Silva went on to earn his Doctor of Education as a member of the first Latino Learners doctoral cohort, becoming part of a groundbreaking group committed to expanding educational opportunity for Latino communities.
“When I earned my doctorate,” Silva says, “I carried with me every lesson I learned growing up in North Lincoln Homes and Sun Valley. That degree represents not only my journey but the resilience of communities that have always produced extraordinary leaders despite extraordinary challenges.”
Silva credits the social environments that shaped his childhood—neighbors who looked out for one another, teachers who refused to give up on students, coaches, faith leaders, mentors, and community advocates—with teaching him that leadership is measured by service.
Volunteerism is also key as hundreds of volunteers representing every generation stand shoulder to shoulder assembling backpacks, greeting families, distributing supplies, connecting parents with resources, and celebrating children as they prepare for a new school year. Businesses donate supplies. Healthcare providers volunteer their expertise.
Looking across Sloan’s Lake today, it is difficult to imagine that one of Colorado’s most recognized community events began with a single park bench and 50 backpacks.
As the Silva Family Foundation prepares to welcome thousands of families for its 18th Annual School Supply Drive, the organization celebrates more than 55,000 backpacks distributed.
From North Lincoln Homes and Sun Valley to West High School, from surviving gun violence as a teenager to earning a doctorate and becoming one of Colorado’s most recognized community leaders, Dr. Jose Silva’s journey reminds us that our greatest legacy is not measured by titles or accomplishments.
For 18 years, that work has continued one backpack, one child, one family, and one act of love at a time.
