The coverage comes just months after the foundation’s official launch, and underscores the community’s support for meaningful change following the tragic loss of 16-year-old Kian Carmelo Hamilton in August 2024.

Making Headlines, Making Change

The news piece aired during the station’s primetime community segment, sharing the foundation’s origin story, mission, and ongoing efforts to protect and empower students through education, advocacy, and outreach.

“This isn’t just about one family’s tragedy — it’s about building a safer future for all children,” said Dawn Alley, Kian’s mother and founder of the KCH Foundation. “We’re turning our heartbreak into action.”

Highlights from the Segment

• Interview with Dawn Alley, discussing her motivation to start the foundation and her hopes for youth across Utah.
• Footage from recent community events, including a candlelight vigil and a youth workshop.
• Calls for legislative support, as the foundation works alongside schools and local leaders to improve policies on school safety and emotional health.

You can view the full news segment here.

Media Inquiries

For journalists, editors, or reporters looking to learn more about the KCH Foundation or request an interview, please contact:

media@kchfoundation.org
(385) 555-0911

We’re grateful for the opportunity to amplify our message through trusted news outlets and community partnerships. The more people who know Kian’s story, the more we can inspire change.

The post KCH Foundation Featured in Local News Spotlight on School Safety Reform appeared first on Kindness Conquers Hate Foundation | KCH Foundation.

At the KCH Foundation, we believe that storytelling is healing. That’s why we created Community Voices, a space where anyone impacted by youth violence, loss, or advocacy can speak their truth and connect with others walking similar paths.

A Message from a Volunteer

“When I first heard about Kian’s story, I didn’t know what to say. I wasn’t family. I wasn’t there. But I had lost my cousin to something similar a few years earlier. And for the first time, I realized — maybe I do have something to say. Maybe my pain, my experience, could help someone else. Volunteering with the foundation gave me that chance.”

— Anonymous Volunteer, Sandy, UT

Why Your Voice Matters

You don’t have to be a professional writer. You don’t have to have all the answers. All you need is honesty and a willingness to share. Whether your story is one of heartbreak, hope, frustration, or inspiration — it belongs here.

• It helps others feel less alone.
• It encourages empathy.
• It inspires action and change.

What You Can Share

• A personal experience with youth violence or loss
• A tribute to someone you’ve lost
• Reflections on healing, advocacy, or growth
• Art, poetry, or letters written from the heart

Submissions can remain anonymous, or we can include your name and a photo with permission.

How to Submit

Email us at stories@kchfoundation.org or use the submission form on our Community Voices page.

We review every entry with care and respect. Selected stories may be featured on our blog, newsletter, or social media (with your consent).

The post “I Wanted to Say Something”: Why Sharing Your Story Matters appeared first on Kindness Conquers Hate Foundation | KCH Foundation.

That’s why we’ve gathered resources, tools, and compassionate guidance to help families move through grief at their own pace, in their own way.

1. Understanding Grief in Children and Teens

Young people process grief differently than adults. While one child may be quiet and withdrawn, another may act out or seem “unbothered.” All of these responses are normal.

We recommend:

• Reading: “Healing a Child’s Grieving Heart” by Dr. Alan Wolfelt
• Connecting with school counselors and grief-informed educators
• Providing consistent routines and open conversations

If you’re unsure how to talk about death with children, this free guide (PDF) can help.

2. Free and Low-Cost Counseling Resources

Whether it’s for parents, siblings, or extended family, access to therapy matters. The following organizations offer sliding-scale or free sessions with trauma-informed counselors:

The Compassionate Friends: Nationwide peer support groups for bereaved families

Utah Homicide Survivors: Legal and emotional support for local families

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 24/7 support for those in crisis — call or text 988

3. Creating a Memorial That Heals

Memorializing a loved one can be a powerful step toward healing. Whether it’s a candlelight vigil, a garden stone, or simply telling stories at home, rituals matter.

We’ve created a downloadable guide:
“10 Simple Ways to Honor a Loved One’s Memory” Download PDF

Some families write letters, paint rocks, or light a candle each night. There is no right or wrong way — only your way.

4. Staying Connected With Others Who Understand

Grief can feel incredibly isolating, especially when others move on while you’re still deep in pain. We encourage families to:

• Join our monthly virtual support circle
• Share their story on our blog or memorial wall
• Reach out for a 1-on-1 call with a trained grief advocate

We’re Here for You

Grieving is not something to “get over.” It’s something you move through — and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether today is heavy or hopeful, the KCH Foundation stands beside you.

If you or someone you know needs help right now, please don’t wait.
Call or text 988 for immediate support.

The post Helping Families Navigate Grief After Tragedy appeared first on Kindness Conquers Hate Foundation | KCH Foundation.

Kian was more than a name. He was a brother, a son, a teammate, a friend. Known for his bright smile, contagious laugh, and big heart, he had a way of making people feel seen, safe, and accepted. Whether on the baseball field, in the classroom, or at home, Kian brought light and warmth everywhere he went.

A Life Remembered

At just 16 years old, Kian had dreams bigger than most. He loved baseball, music, and making people laugh. His favorite number was 9, and he wore it with pride on his jersey at Jordan High School. Kian was the kind of young man who stood up for others, reached out to those who felt alone, and carried himself with quiet courage and kindness.

Those who knew Kian remember how he never failed to hug his mom before leaving the house. How he encouraged teammates with a simple nod. How he left his door open for friends — and his heart open for everyone.

A Legacy of Love and Action

In the wake of Kian’s passing, his family and community came together not just to mourn — but to move. The creation of the KCH Foundation is one part of that legacy: a promise to ensure that what happened to Kian never happens to another child.

Through this foundation, Kian’s spirit continues to shine — in every student we empower, every life we support, and every voice we amplify.

Never Forgotten

As we remember Kian, we also stand with every family who has lost a child, a sibling, a friend. Grief is the price of deep love — and while the pain may never fully leave us, neither will the memory.

Kian, your light lives on in our actions, our hearts, and our hope. You will always be missed. You will always be loved.

The post Remembering Kian Carmello Hamilton appeared first on Kindness Conquers Hate Foundation | KCH Foundation.

After losing her 16-year-old son Kian to an act of senseless violence at school, Dawn made a promise: Kian’s life would not be forgotten. And more importantly, his light would not be extinguished.

A Mother’s Promise

In the days that followed Kian’s passing, as the community came together in grief, something began to take root — a movement of love, awareness, and purpose. Dawn began writing notes, reaching out to other grieving families, and working with community leaders to advocate for safer schools and stronger emotional support systems for youth.

From that seed of determination, the KCH Foundation was born.

Turning Grief into Action

“It’s not about fixing the past,” Dawn says. “It’s about changing the future so another family doesn’t have to experience what we did.”

Through the foundation, Dawn has helped organize candlelight vigils, youth mentorship programs, and resource events for grieving families. She’s also spoken at school board meetings, met with local lawmakers, and worked with counselors to develop outreach programs in Kian’s honor.

Her efforts haven’t just helped others — they’ve helped her, too.

“Every day is still hard,” she shares, “but when I see a student speaking out, or a family finding hope again, I know Kian is still here with us — in every step forward.”

Kian’s Legacy Lives On

Kian wasn’t just a student or a baseball player — he was a connector. He made people laugh. He noticed when others felt left out. He loved with his whole heart. That spirit is now woven into everything the foundation does.

From youth advocacy to community outreach, every project carries the imprint of Kian’s love and Dawn’s unwavering strength.

One Life, Endless Impact

Dawn’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, one person — one mother — can turn pain into purpose.

And through her courage, the world becomes just a little more compassionate, a little more connected, and a little more hopeful.

The post From Pain to Purpose: Dawn’s Journey to Honor Her Son’s Legacy appeared first on Kindness Conquers Hate Foundation | KCH Foundation.

Why Youth Advocacy Matters

The world our youth are growing up in today is complex. Violence, mental health challenges, and peer pressure can create overwhelming burdens. That’s why it’s essential to equip them with more than just academic knowledge — they need emotional resilience, conflict resolution tools, and a sense of purpose.

Youth advocacy means:

• Encouraging young people to lead with empathy.
• Teaching them to recognize and respond to harmful situations.
• Giving them a voice in decisions that affect their schools and neighborhoods.

What We’re Doing

Through workshops, peer mentorship, and outreach events, the KCH Foundation is working to empower students from all walks of life. Our programs are rooted in prevention and growth — not punishment.

This year, we’re proud to launch:

• “Leaders Like Kian” Initiative – A school-based program to inspire youth to take a stand against bullying and violence.
• Youth Listening Circles – Safe spaces where students can talk openly about their challenges and solutions.
• Teen Ambassador Network – A growing team of youth representatives who help shape our advocacy work and share KCH’s message in their communities.

The Ripple Effect

When youth feel seen, supported, and valued — they carry that forward. They become the leaders, the protectors, and the compassionate voices our world needs. By empowering them now, we’re planting seeds of peace and purpose for generations to come.

How You Can Help

• Invite us to your school or youth group.
• Support our programs with a donation or sponsorship.
• Encourage a teen you know to get involved.

Together, we can build a culture where young people feel safe, heard, and inspired to lead — just as Kian would have wanted.

The post Empowering Youth: Turning Compassion Into Action appeared first on Kindness Conquers Hate Foundation | KCH Foundation.

Created in memory of 16-year-old Kian Carmelo Hamilton, the foundation was born from heartbreak — but built on hope. The new website serves as a platform to educate, inspire, and connect. It’s a place where stories can be shared, resources can be found, and action can begin.

What You’ll Find on the Site

Visitors can now:

• Learn about our mission to prevent youth violence and support grieving families.
• Read Kian’s story and discover the heart behind our work.
• Donate directly to help fund advocacy, support services, and youth programs.
• Get involved through volunteering, partnerships, or sharing personal stories.
• Access valuable resources for families navigating trauma or loss.

Why This Matters

Our goal has always been to transform tragedy into tangible support and meaningful change. This website gives us the opportunity to reach more people, raise awareness, and invite others to join the journey — whether through action, donation, or simply listening.

Looking Ahead

The website is just the beginning. In the months to come, we’ll be adding blog articles, event updates, and resources to further our reach and deepen our impact. We encourage you to check back regularly and stay connected.

Together, we can create a world where no young life is lost to senseless violence — and every child has the opportunity to grow up in a community that cares.

The post Carrying Kian’s Light Forward: Launch of the KCH Foundation Website appeared first on Kindness Conquers Hate Foundation | KCH Foundation.