Mattie had a talent
for shaping words and art
into messages that inspired
hope, compassion, and choices
that build community.
He also had a desire to travel the world
– meeting local and global neighbors
while cultivating pathways to peace.
Due to disability, Mattie’s
travel adventures were limited
– so he connected with
people and places
by collecting rocks and
bits of cultural mementos.
Our Foundation #PeaceRocks
Bringing together Mattie’s love of rocks and his message of purposeful choices for peace, Mattie’s Foundation added #PeaceRocks as a traditional Pathways2Peace activity that has been enjoyed by youth and adults around the world for more than two decades.
We facilitate #PeaceRocks craft activities during our annual Peace Day celebrations, during select Mama Peace Chats, and during some of our Heartsongs & Mosaics community workshops.
After a brief guided conversation about the power of rocks and words and art and other “tools” – and how personal and community choice impacts whether tools are used “to build” or “to break” – participants add words, symbols, colors, and other creative touches to a rock.
Sometimes, participants keep their rocks – as a personal reminder of their power of choice. And other times, participants are encouraged to leave their rock in a community space – such as Mattie’s Park & Peace Garden, or near a library or bus stop – as a gift of inspiration to whoever finds the rock.
Our Partnership with #RockvillePeaceRocks
In recent years, Mattie’s Foundation became connected with #RockvillePeaceRocks – a business that cultivates kindness and joy by painting rocks which are left all around the city and state, with social media posts hinting about where folks can find the treasures.
They are now beginning geo-tracking rocks with QR codes, which provides visual affirmation of how these random rocks of kindness are appreciated, and spreading joy.
Led by Triana Beckwith and her family, in 2023 #RockvillePeaceRocks began supporting some of the activities and events hosted by Mattie’s Peace Foundation.
They painted and donated dozens of rocks to add to our Peace Day event.
They have guided participants in rock painting activities during Mama Peace Chats.
And now, as our Foundation Partners4Peace – plans are in development for co-hosted activities.
#MeghanRocks – A Legacy Project
About Meghan
Meghan Jones – a young woman of determination and commitment – celebrated life with joy, with service, and with open arms to all people.
Born with Down syndrome, Meghan became a passionate and hardworking advocate serving in leadership capacities for the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, Upcounty Community Resources, and other organizations. She also volunteered with many organizations, including Mattie’s Peace Foundation.
Megan received many awards and honors, and she was selected to serve as a lector during a 2015 Mass celebrated by Pope Francis during his visit to Washinton, DC.
In 2024, while signing an executive order in support of people with disabilities, Maryland Governor Wes Moore proclaimed, “When the story of this state is written, [Meghan’s] name will be in the lights.”
Deeply spiritual, Meghan was a long time altar server in her home parish, and she shared her talents as an American Sign Language interpreter at numerous events. She was a remarkable witness for the Mattie Matters spiritual Guild saying that Mattie inspired her to always say, “Yes!” to service, to people, to life, and to God.
Meghan loved wearing bright colors and costumes, and she had a unique fashion statement for every holiday or special event. She was always ready to sing or dance, was welcoming and inclusive of all who crossed her path and was eager to share photos of friends in community on her social media pages.
She passed away after a brief illness early in 2025 at the age of 35. She is loved and missed by countless friends and colleagues, and will be remembered for role modeling her motto: “I love life!”
The #MeghanRocks Project
We are encouraging local and global neighbors to paint a rock in honor of Meghan’s life of joy, service, and acceptance.
On the front of the rock – add words and colors and images that celebrate her legacy.
On the back of the rock – please add #MeghanRocks. If you would like to add our website link – you are welcome to use the #MeghanRocks QR code (which links to this page) or add our website (MattiesPeaceFoundation.org).
Place your rock in a community space – a park, a garden, a town center – so that the essence of Meghan brings a smile to more and more people.
You are welcome to share a photo of your rock – along with a brief message – for our website #MeghanRocks Gallery (coming soon).
