The Kayla Hamilton Foundation is a victim advocacy foundation that was created from a love that refused to end with loss.
Following Kayla’s death, her family made a deeply personal decision: Kayla’s name would continue to stand for something beautiful. Her memory would become a source of hope, compassion and opportunity for others.
At its heart, the Foundation exists not simply to remember Kayla, but to turn that love into action. As the Foundation grows, so will the opportunities to serve, creating new ways for Kayla’s life to continue making a difference.
Mission
The Kayla Hamilton Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including, but not limited to, providing crisis intervention, advocacy, support, and stabilization services to surviving family members of homicide victims and other victims of violent crime; recruiting, training, and coordinating victim advocates; providing court accompaniment, resource navigation, and assistance with crime victim compensation and related support programs; connecting families with community resources; and contracting directly with qualified professionals to provide trauma-informed counseling, crime scene remediation, and other supportive services on an in-kind basis without providing direct cash assistance to individuals.
Leadership
The Kayla Hamilton Foundation is led by people who knew and loved Kayla, along with individuals committed to carrying its mission forward. Our leadership is dedicated to ensuring that every decision, initiative and partnership remains true to the purpose behind the Foundation and the young woman who inspired it.
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Founder / President
As Kayla’s mom, I never imagined that my life would be forever changed by the loss of my daughter to homicide. Through unimaginable grief, I found a purpose: to make sure no family facing the devastation of homicide feels alone.
I founded The Kayla Hamilton Foundation in honor of my beautiful daughter, Kayla, to provide compassion, support, and resources to families affected by homicide. My mission is to stand beside families during one of the darkest times of their lives, help them navigate the challenges that follow, and remind them that their loved ones will never be forgotten.
Kayla’s life continues through the work we do in her name. What began with a mother’s heartbreak has become a commitment to turning pain into purpose, giving families hope, and creating a lasting legacy of love for Kayla.
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Foundation Board Member
Life-long experience and family values matter. While growing up in Western Branch, he attended Chesapeake Public Schools, the family moved to Virginia Beach and Tony graduated from First Colonial High School. Although enjoying the summers at the beach, his home was always calling him to serve in Portsmouth. He met his wife Elizabeth, a life-long Norfolk native, while working in the tourism industry. They married in 2000 and made a conscious decision to develop roots in Portsmouth's Port Norfolk community. His career in commercial real estate and hospitality industries has helped him gain the experience needed to see the community from every angle. Not only does he live and work here, he is an active participant in this region’s focus to be more competitive. His core principles in business are that there must be a Win, Win , Win attitude in everything we do to become successful.
The son of a Vietnam Veteran and Naval Officer , today he and his wife reside in Historic Park View with their daughter who attended Portsmouth Public Schools and now is a sophomore at Batten University. Elizabeth, his wife, serves as the Executive Director of The Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation in Chesapeake.
Additionally, they have opened a new family store in Downtown Portsmouth directly across from the Children’s Museum of Virginia called Market Street & General Store. This family run store serves the Olde Towne and surrounding communities with basic essentials and a gourmet market.
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Vice President/Treasurer
I am the proud Nana of Kayla Hamilton, whose life was tragically taken in July 2022. From unimaginable loss came a powerful purpose: to stand beside families who have experienced the devastating loss of a loved one to violence.
As Vice President of The Kayla Hamilton Foundation, I am committed to honoring Kayla’s memory by advocating for victims and supporting their families through their journey toward justice, healing, and hope.
Kayla’s life is my inspiration, her memory is my motivation, and advocacy is my purpose. I will continue to stand, speak, and fight alongside families so that no victim is forgotten and no family feels alone.
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Foundation Board Member
Jeremiah Nobles is a dedicated advocate for the mission of the Kayla Hamilton Foundation and is committed to helping create a safer future for children and families.
Through his personal experience and continued involvement in the foundation’s work, Jeremiah brings a strong sense of compassion, determination, and accountability to the organization. He believes that every child deserves to be protected, heard, and given the opportunity to grow up in a safe environment.
Jeremiah is proud to honor Kayla’s memory by helping support the foundation’s efforts to raise awareness, advocate for children, and work toward meaningful change in the community.
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Secretary
I am honored to volunteer with The Kayla Hamilton Foundation as a friend of Kayla’s mom and as someone who believes deeply in the foundation’s mission. Through my friendship with Kayla’s mom, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that losing a loved one to homicide can have on an entire family.
I am committed to helping the foundation provide compassion, support, resources, and hope to families facing unimaginable loss. I believe that no family should have to navigate the aftermath of tragedy alone, and I am proud to contribute my time and heart to a cause dedicated to making a meaningful difference.
For me, volunteering with The Kayla Hamilton Foundation is more than giving my time—it is a way to stand beside Kayla’s family, honor Kayla’s memory, and help turn unimaginable loss into a source of hope and support for others.
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Foundation Board Member
Mike Strickland is the owner and director of Strickland & Family Cremations & Funeral Services and SelectCremation.com
Mike is proud to be a board member of The Kayla Hamilton Foundation. He is committed to honoring Kayla's memory by advocating for victims and supporting their families through their journey toward justice, healing, and hope. Kayla’s story has been an inspiration to Mike, and he hopes to honor Kayla by standing with those affected by senseless violence.
Outside of his professional life, Michael finds solace and joy in spending quality time with his wife of over 12 years, Meredith Strickland, and their son, Dexter Michael Strickland. He loves nothing more than the company of his friends and loved ones.
Programs
Our programs turn compassion into action. Through community initiatives, outreach and direct support, the Foundation seeks meaningful opportunities to meet needs, encourage others and create positive change. As we grow, our programs will continue to evolve in response to the communities and people we have the privilege to serve.
Scholarships
Education creates possibilities, and the Foundation is committed to helping young people pursue brighter futures. Through scholarships established in Kayla’s memory, we hope to provide deserving students with financial support, encouragement and an opportunity to take the next step toward their dreams.
Every scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It is an investment in a life and another way Kayla’s legacy can reach into the future.
Community Impact
We believe meaningful change often begins close to home. Whether helping a family, supporting a young person, partnering with another organization or responding to a community need, the Foundation seeks opportunities where its resources and relationships can make a genuine difference.
Every life touched adds another chapter to Kayla’s continuing story.
Partners
The work of the Kayla Hamilton Foundation is made stronger by the people, businesses and organizations that choose to stand alongside us.
Our partners contribute resources, expertise, time and generosity that allow the Foundation to reach further and accomplish more. We are grateful for those who believe in this mission and help transform good intentions into meaningful impact.
Together, we are creating something larger than any one organization could accomplish alone.