Meghan Maes, supervising attorney with Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services - Mankato, has been named Rock County's 2018 Face of Hope by the Southwest Crisis Center (SCC) of Worthington.

SCC works with people experiencing domestic and sexual violence in Rock, Cottonwood, Jackson, Pipestone and Nobles Counties, and Maes is being honored for her impactful work in helping to support survivors and victims of domestic and/or sexual violence, as well as her dedication to raising awareness of domestic and sexual violence through collaboration, volunteerism, and education.

Maes is a 2011 graduate of Hamline University School of Law, and received her undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato. At SMRLS, she practices exclusively in the areas of family law and obtaining civil protective orders on behalf of survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking.

“I am privileged to work with survivors. I am drawn to represent survivors because I want to provide a safe space for survivors to explore their legal options. I believe access to the justice system and resources can help survivors put themselves in the best position to make decisions about their safety and the safety of their family. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with survivors and am constantly in awe of their courage,” Maes said.

She will receive her award at SCC’s Faces of Hope Banquet on April 21st in Pipestone. The banquet brings community members together to increase awareness of domestic and sexual violence and trafficking through supporting the work of the Southwest Crisis Center.