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From Grief to Action: Conversations with Melinda Hamilton, Founder of Mothers of Murdered Angels

  • Writer: Collette Portis
    Collette Portis
  • Sep 20
  • 3 min read
MeLinda Hamilton in Voyage Magazine

What happens when life’s worst heartbreak becomes a catalyst for hope and healing? For Melinda Hamilton, the answer is Mothers of Murdered Angels (MOMA)—a nonprofit born from pain, powered by resilience, and devoted to making a difference for families impacted by gun violence.


In a recent interview with Voyage Dallas, Melinda shared her journey—from the tragic loss of her daughter and grandson to becoming a beacon of support, advocacy, and inspiration for countless others.


A Legacy Born from Loss of Angels

Melinda began by introducing herself as a mother and grandmother, and a former National Accounts representative at UPS. But it was personal tragedy that altered her path. In 2018, Melinda’s daughter was killed in a drive-by shooting; barely two years later, her 19-year-old grandson was fatally attacked by bullies. Enough was enough. Fueled by grief and determination, she started MOMA in July 2020 to ensure no mother walks this journey alone—offering burial help, counseling, court support, and resources.


Building Healing and Advocacy

Melinda described how tough it was to listen to other grieving families—every story echoed her own pain. Still, she pressed on. With help from friends and family, she transformed her heartache into hope for others.


Today, MOMA helps families navigate funeral arrangements, legal fights, and emotional healing. They also actively engage with classrooms, discussing bullying and gun violence, planting seeds of awareness and prevention in young minds.


From Local Roots to National Stage

MOMA’s impact quickly gained momentum. Just last year, Melinda and the MOMA team visited the White House three times—an extraordinary position of visibility for a grassroots organization. Their presence shows how deeply MOMA’s message has resonated.


Community Giving Through Year-Round Events

MOMA’s advocacy stretches beyond survival support. They host annual events like gala fundraisers, toy giveaways during the holidays, turkey distribution at Thanksgiving, and back-to-school drives—tangible ways to show love and support to survivors and kids facing trauma.


The Rocky Road of Starting Mothers of Murdered Angels

Melinda didn’t pretend the path was easy. Hearing stories from other hurting families often brought her grief to the surface. Initially working solo, she eventually leaned on her network of family and friends for help. Funding stayed a challenge, with grants only arriving years into the process. Still, Melinda stays committed—because far too many mothers need MOMA’s support.


A Life Dedicated to Healing

Melinda is deeply rooted in her community. Beyond founding MOMA, she serves on the Parks & Recreation Commission board and has received numerous recognition awards for her leadership and advocacy. Her heart and her mission are intertwined, and she’s unrelenting in her belief that her work isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.


Why Mothers of Murdered Angels Matters

Melinda’s story underscores that Mothers of Murdered Angels isn’t just a nonprofit—it’s a movement. It stands on several pillars:


  • Compassionate Support: Immediate help for families dealing with trauma and grief.

  • Youth Education: Conversations in schools reduce future violence and build safer communities.

  • Community Connection: Year-round outreach provides stability and hope when it’s needed most.

  • Advocacy at All Levels: From the grassroots to the White House, MOMA is recognized as a voice for justice.

  • Leadership Rooted in Experience: Melinda leads not just with expertise, but with empathy and lived experience.


Looking Ahead: Where MOMA Is Headed

Melinda’s vision for the future includes:


  • Expanding partnerships with schools and community groups to deepen anti-violence education.

  • Increasing access to counseling, legal aid, and crisis support for survivor families.

  • Growing the annual Gala and seasonal community events to serve more people.

  • Advocating for policy change from local school boards to legislative chambers—driven by survivor voices.


Call to Action: How You Can Join the Movement

You don’t have to have experienced MOMA’s heartbreak to support its mission. Here’s how you can help:


  • Donate—your contributions provide direct relief and weekly service for survivors.

  • Volunteer—join at events, offer your expertise, or bring resources to families in need.

  • Raise Awareness—help educate school communities, workplaces, and social circles.

  • Advocate—push for gun violence prevention policies at every level.

  • Partner—connect MOMA with organizations aligned with healing, justice, and youth empowerment.


Closing Thoughts

Melinda Hamilton’s story shows us that the hardest grief can become the greatest gift. Through Mothers of Murdered Angels (MOMA), she’s transformed sorrow into purpose and built a powerful legacy of support, advocacy, and hope.


Our future—one where no mother must bury her child to violence—is still in sight. And through MOMA, that future is being built, one act of love and one life at a time.



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