Maria’s Legacy: Our Impact

When Maria’s life was taken by domestic violence in 2020, we made it our mission to prevent others from experiencing the same tragedy. Maria’s Voice is dedicated to educating everyone—because awareness saves lives.

Abusers make choices that violate their intimate partners and harm entire communities. These behaviors devastate victims, overburden healthcare systems, law enforcement, and shelters, and shatter the safety of children. By naming these behaviors and recognizing them early, people can avoid dangerous relationships or exit safely before violence escalates.

Educating EVERYONE to know the signs creates a safety zone around family, friends, and coworkers—empowering communities to take action before harm occurs.

2025 Community Impact: Leadership in Prevention

1.1+ million people reached with the Maria’s Voice Prevention Message in 2025—and growing. This number reflects direct and indirect impact from education, programs, and collaboration across Minnesota and beyond.

49 speaking engagements and trainings equipped leaders, students, workplaces, and communities with tools to recognize abuse and prevent it before it starts.
21 events and 15 community connections brought energy, education, and Rocky’s smile to parks, expos, and public spaces. Families engaged, survivors felt seen, and communities took action.
Social media continued amplifying awareness. 600 posts across multiple platforms. Add in millions of impressions from billboards, magazine ads, and public outreach—and the momentum is undeniable.
Media and news features (WCCO, CCX, Star Tribune, and more) further spotlighted Maria’s Voice and shared stories of courage, hope, and change.
Maria’s Voice received the I-94 West Chamber Circle of Excellence Award for Nonprofit of the Year and was honored by the Eden Prairie Community Foundation and Maple Grove City Lifestyle Magazine.

2025 Impact: Courageous Collaboration

93 collaborations deepened relationships with organizations and individuals dedicated to spreading the Prevention Message.

Sectors engaged included:
Faith | Business & Labor | Government (City, County, State, Federal) | Law Enforcement | Legal | Judicial | Education | Healthcare | Media | Advocacy | Social Services | Neighborhood & Civic Groups | Shelter Partners
Notable Collaborations:
- A bold new Billboard Education Campaign with the City of Maple Grove launched 24 rotating awareness segments, airing into 2026.
- Police + Teen Listening Sessions in four cities gave youth a voice and police departments new insight into community safety and prevention.
More than ever, faith, legal, and civic partners stood up for safe homes and healthy relationships. Every collaboration helped expand our reach and deepen trust.

2025 Impact: Innovation in Action

Maria’s Voice isn’t just educating—it’s innovating.

New Programs & Initiatives:
- Bold Voices video series spotlighting men’s lived experiences and prevention insights
- Teen & Police Listening Sessions bridging trust through conversation
- Teen Design Contest created new tools for peers, by peers
- Billboards promoted healthy vs. unhealthy relationship signs—452,783 impressions in just 4 months!
- Rocky Cards for Kids delivered education through play
- Postcard and Bathroom Sheet Resources in English & Spanish met people where they are
Print education soared:
- 300,000 Aspire Magazine readers learned about the Power & Control Wheel
- 258,000 copies in PRIME Resource Guides expanded that reach
- Spanish-language tear-off sheets and Rocky Squad books shared safety tools with families
The 6th Annual Community Tribute gathered 270 in-person attendees and many more via livestream, standing together in remembrance, action, and hope.
Historic Milestone: The second official Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month was proclaimed by the Minnesota Governor’s Office—marking a cultural shift that Maria’s Voice helped lead.

2024 Community Impact

Over 480,000 People Reached.

That’s more than the entire population of Minneapolis!

26 community events: From safety expos to farmers markets, Maria’s Voice was a hub of prevention education across the Metro.
41 presentations: Leaders, organizations, and the public gained the tools to prevent domestic violence and create safer communities.
365+ Social Media Posts: Our growing online presence sparked conversations, reached thousands, and spread the Prevention Message further than ever.
Print, billboards, and media exposure helped amplify the mission in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

2023 Community Impact

Almost 100,000 People Directly Educated.

That’s the attendance at the Minnesota State Fair on August 24, 2023!

24 community events: Our Expo Booth buzzed at Community, Business and Safety Expos; Kids Safety camps and Farmers Markets across the Metro; and city gathering spots.
30 Presentations: State, city, county, legal, medical, legislative, community leaders, decision makers and influencers heard Maria’s Voice presentations.
130 Facebook Posts: Domestic violence prevention education messages reached about 28,700 people.
Social Media reach from Maria’s Voice increased 66% in 2023. Our followers interacted with us 78% more than in 2022!