Founder Kama Burton Awarded Honorary Doctorate

Life will bring you all types of situations that will make you uncomfortable, at the same time, understanding that we all have choices. At a young age (14 years old), I made a decision that would shape my life in ways I wasn’t prepared. I meet the young man, in high school, who later became my abuser. I lost myself in him because I called myself “in love.” Later realizing I wasn’t in love, but I was in comfort. Later I found myself leaving him after a total of 12 years in marriage.

Loving Me 1st was created to help people who had gone through domestic violence to help them understand, there is life after. It was my very story that had me in depression and experiencing very low self-esteem, where I realized that if I just loved who Kama was 1st, I wouldn’t have to go through the same things in life. I could accomplish goals and dreams that gave me the mental freedom to understand that I was fearfully and wonderfully made.

On October 6, 2024, I was honored with an Honorary Doctorate degree in Philosophy of Humanities because of my work in the community through Loving Me 1st. Becoming Dr. Kama Burton has been a life-changing experience. As I reflect on my life and how I truly didn’t believe I was enough, to getting recommended for an honor as such is an experience I can only hope and pray others that I know will experience. Turn your story and your test into triumph. Help others by advocating for what it is that you believe is right, and the awards, rewards and recognition comes with it. Make sure everything that is done, is from the heart. 

Every dollar given funds our on-campus mentorships and community-based resources for our young ladies. Thanks to your support, in 2023 we made it to $20,050! Our 2024 goal for funding is $25,000. Are you ready to go the distance with us?

Loving Me 1st is a register 501(c)(3). This means that every donation and all sponsorship dollars are tax-deductible. 

To donate today, use our 1-step method! Simply use your camera to scan the QR code shown here. Then choose the amount that you'd like to donate. Please keep in mind, for Loving Me 1st, and for our girls, every dollar counts. Every dollar goes toward supplies and resources for on-campus programming, or community events to honor and support our girls and their parents locally. 

Thank you to those that make it a point to donate. Loving Me 1st would not have been able to make the impact made thus far, without you!

As a charitable organization, Loving Me 1st needs all the help that can be given. 

However, organization-wide, there is also understanding and clarity that those that want to support may not always have the financial means to do so in the ways shown above. 

The two additional opportunities to support include the following: 

1. Grab items from the Loving Me 1st Amazon Wishlist 

During on-campus programming, conferences, sessions, and off-campus events for girls typically require various materials like pens, notebooks, etc. They may include giveaways to support their most pressing needs like personal security, hygiene,  etc. These items will go directly to these events, and be in the hands of Loving Me 1st mentees. 

2. Sign Up to Volunteer

This opportunity allows you to support in the most hands-on way, with no financial aspect. Sign up to invest the most precious commodity, time in Loving Me 1st mentees. There are many unique volunteer opportunities through the year, and you are always welcomed to sign up!

If there is something else that you'd like to do, please contact Kama directly. Loving Me 1st is open to receiving support in the many unique ways it may come.