Building a Stronger, Safer Community

Beginning with youth education

Your Donations Fund Our Future

Supporting local youth

Raising a Generation to Lead

Join our efforts to improve our community

Every parent should feel that their child is safe in their community. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. The cycle of violence in the Rochester area doesn't have to continue. M2 (Squared) Foundation For Peace and Social Change aims to break that cycle through youth education and adult support programs.

Established in 2017, our foundation is committed to raising our youngest generation to lead. We work hand-in-hand with local families, providing educational and emotional support. Our children should have all of the tools they need to reach a lifetime of success. We do what we can to support them while decreasing the potential for violence in the city of Rochester.

Your donations matter

When you donate to our foundation, you're supporting youth leadership efforts and programs for the parents of homicide victims. Our programs include:

Scholarships for Franklin High School students
Outreach programs in local schools
After school recreational programs
Luncheons and retreats for parents of victims
Funeral funds to help families of homicide victims pay for their service

We also run the Peacemaker Garden, a space for the families of homicide victims to remember and honor their late loved ones.

Creating the foundation for a better community

A strong community is built by our youth. That's why it's so essential to guide them and help them establish leadership skills. Our founder built this organization after losing her husband in 1993 and her son in 2014 to homicide. She's now supported by an executive community and board who together work to create programs and events in the area.

If you want to get involved in M2 (Squared) Foundation For Peace and Social Change, you can donate or volunteer with us. Meet with one of our team members today to find out more about our organization.

View Documentary

"Smile" Video

Your Donation Makes a Difference

See What People Have To Say...

"I really enjoyed the luncheon, I can tell the a lot of love and care put into this luncheon. The luncheon to me was an acknowledgment of letting us know we are not alone. For me it also was a day to just sit back and be pampered. The most thing that had me emotional was the plaque with our son's name on it, along with the words that was written also I was (am ) looking forward to this again. Coming together like this reminds me we are not alone, it's okay to enjoy life regardless of the circumstance."

Retha Rogers

Hello, I enjoyed Eddie Blanding. His testimony was very touching. I also enjoyed being escorted and waited on, It was my birthday that day and I woke up very emotional because it was tradition for me to have dinner with my kids for my special day. It was the first birthday that I had to celebrate without me son. Your luncheon help to sooth that a little bit.

Marcella Cunningham

The atmosphere of the brunch was very uplifting. The look on the mothers faces priceless! M2 really did an amazing job.

Rise Up Rochester

First off, Thank you for your loving heart!!!

The luncheon that I attended for the families that are stricken with grief due to family member{s} being victims of violence was AMAZING, it brought great joy to me that I was able to share with others my pain, and be comforted by strangers that it takes one day at a time. The atmosphere was one of no other, the organization of the agenda was well put together. The food was simply delicious. {great choice of caterer}

The stories of loved ones that were spoken was very touching, and just to know that there are people that will think of others {yourself} even when they too have been a victim to violence is a Blessing in itself.
Toni, thank you for the opportunity to be a part of a WONDERFUL event. It was helpful to be in a space with others that have found a way to coupe from day to day, and share those tips on how to do so.

I pray that you are getting as much as you give to others. Your selflessness to want to be a Blessing to others will defiantly be rewarded by something much greater than earth can ever give you. Again, Thank you for inviting me!

T. Herron

Hi my name is Stephanie one day I got an invitation to come to a luncheon I was so excited to be invited somewhere and in my mind I was still wondering who was Toni Nelson well Lord behold I found out that this wonderful lady had gave me a plaque with my son's name on it and it was beautiful from that day on Toni Nelson has been in my life she does a lot of stuff in a community and if I'm available I help out with the things that she does I am truly blessed to have her in my life and the best thing that was important to me I know that she has been where I have been losing a loved one she also has a Garden on chili and Thurston where sometimes I go and sit and I feel the Peace there I really just want to thank Toni Nelson all the beautiful things you have done for me and for other people and I'm glad she's in my life I love you Toni.

Follow Us x