About TPK Foundation

Driven by purpose. Committed to impact. Focused on transforming lives and building stronger communities.

EMPOWERING LIVES, BUILDING FUTURES

OUR STORY

COMPASSION IN ACTION

This foundation was created from a place of loss—but built with love, purpose, and a vision to help others heal.

After experiencing a tragic loss that changed our lives forever, we recognized the deep need for a safe, supportive space where children and families could navigate grief, trauma, and life’s most difficult moments with compassion and understanding.

In honor of Torrence and Tyissha, we chose to transform pain into purpose—creating a foundation dedicated to restoring hope, strengthening families, and empowering the next generation.

Through mentorship, emotional wellness programs, and community support, The Payton Kids Foundation stands as a place where healing begins, resilience is built, and no one has to walk their journey alone.

Today, our mission continues to grow—reaching lives, uplifting families, and turning grief into hope, one life at a time by serving youth and families impacted by grief, trauma, and domestic violence – offering programs that restore strength, rebuild confidence and renew hope.

— Tamara Allen

Founder & Executive Director

We are dedicated to honoring the memory of Torrence and Tyissha by transforming Grief into Hope through youth-focused Healing, Support, and Empowerment while raising Awareness of domestic violence and promoting Prevention, Education, and Community healing.

To create a safe and empowering environment where youth and families impacted by grief, trauma, and domestic violence can Heal and Thrive in life.

01

Compassion

We create a safe space where every child and family feels seen, heard, and supported.

02

Healing

We help individuals process grief, rebuild their lives, and find peace.

03

Empowerment

We inspire youth and families to build confidence and take control of their future.

04

Community

We foster a strong sense of community where no one feels alone. Together, we create connections, support systems, and a network of care that uplifts every individual.

05

Strength

We nurture inner strength by helping individuals overcome challenges, rise above their circumstances, and move forward with confidence and determination.

Meet the Founder

Tamara Allen
Founder & Executive Director
The Payton Kids Foundation
 
The Payton Kids Foundation was founded by Tamara Allen who turned an unimaginable loss into a mission of healing and hope whose life was forever changed by an unimaginable tragedy. After losing both of her adult children, Torrence and Tyissha, in a devastating act of domestic violence, Tamara made a courageous decision—to turn her pain into purpose.
 
In the midst of grief, she chose not to retreat, but to rise.
With over 20 years of experience working with youth and families—as a correctional officer, special education teacher, adult education teacher, mental health therapist, and mentor—Tamara has dedicated her life to helping others navigate hardship, trauma, and life’s most difficult seasons. Her work has always been rooted in compassion, structure, and a deep understanding that healing is possible.
That belief became the foundation of The Payton Kids Foundation.

Founded in honor of her children, Torrence and Tyissha, the organization was created to support youth and families impacted by grief, trauma, and domestic violence. Through mentoring, emotional wellness support, and empowerment programs, Tamara is building a safe space where individuals can not only heal—but learn how to thrive.

As a grandmother now raising her three grandchildren-  Jordon, Jayde, and Jaicyn, Tamara leads with both strength and tenderness. Her personal journey gives her a unique and powerful voice—one that resonates deeply with the families she serves.

Her mission is clear:

To transform grief into hope—by healing families, empowering individuals, and creating a future where pain does not define purpose.

Today, Tamara continues to advocate, build, and serve her community in Greenwood, Mississippi and beyond—ensuring that the legacy of her children lives on through every life touched by The Payton Kids Foundation.

Board Members

TPKF Founding Board Members

Torrence Payton, Sr.

President

Marshalvia Bryant-Cation

Vice President

Kristy Barlow

Board Member

Tony Ellis, Sr.

Treasurer

Barbara Allen

Secretary

Board Members

Tamara Allen, founder of The Payton Kids Foundation, turned personal tragedy into purpose, supporting youth and families through grief, trauma, and domestic violence recovery.

TPKF Founding Board Members
Torrence Payton – President
Marshalvia Bryant-Cation – Vice President
Barbara S. Allen – Secretary
Tony Ellis, Sr. – Treasurer
Kristy Barlow – Board Member

“We believe that healing families is the key to helping children thrive.”

EMPOWERING LIVES, BUILDING FUTURES