Staff, families make Mother’s Day visiting special

May 12, 2025

Across California, CDCR visiting staff made Mother’s Day special with activities, photo opportunities, and treats. This story will be updated as more submissions are received from institutions.

Centinela hosts special Mother’s Day visiting event

A man and woman pose for Mother's Day photos at Centinela State Prison Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Two people pose for a photo in front of a Mother's Day themed backdrop at Centinela State Prison, Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Centinela State Prison’s visiting staff, along with the family council and incarcerated individuals, organized a special Mother’s Day event on Sunday, May 11.

During the visit, the incarcerated individuals surprised the women in their lives with fresh carnations and greeting cards. Additionally, they created personalized photo frames for pictures taken in front of a custom Mother’s Day backdrop.

This touching gesture strengthened the bond between the mothers and the incarcerated individuals, creating a memorable occasion to celebrate all mothers at Centinela.

“The chance we had today to celebrate the women in our lives, who provide us with unconditional support, was truly fulfilling,” said one incarcerated person.

The moms expressed their appreciation for receiving handmade gifts from their sons.

“It brought back memories of my son’s art projects when he was little,” said one visiting mom.

Story by Visiting Lt. L. Verdugo
Submitted by Lt. D. Loop

CCI-Tehachapi honors mothers

A woman holds a rose while posing for a photo with an incarcerated person at CCI-Tehachapi on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Child, woman, and incarcerated man during Mother's Day visiting at CCI-Tehachapi.

Roses were donated by the family council for incarcerated people to be able to select a rose to present during Mother’s Day visiting at California Correctional Institution (CCI) at Tehachapi. There were also custom-made banners decorating the visiting rooms for families to enjoy.

Written by Visiting Sgt. S. Zazueta
Submitted by Lt. T. Harrison

MCRP Los Angeles 2 hosts Mother’s Day event

A man with his mom at a Mother's Day visiting event for the Male Community Reentry Program, Los Angeles 2.

Three people at a Mother's Day visiting event for the Male Community Reentry Program, Los Angeles 2.

The Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) Los Angeles 2 recently hosted a Mother’s Day event for 60 family members. Each mother attended also received a rose.

In addition, attendees had the chance to capture memories with a decorated backdrop and balloon arch, adding to the festive occasion. A speaker and microphone were made available for anyone to share kind words about their mothers or family members.

“This is wonderful, being with my son on this special day feels incredible,” said one mother.

An MCRP participant said he was grateful for the special event.

“I haven’t spent a great Mother’s Day like this with my mom in many years,” he said. “I’m thankful for this day”.

The Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP) believes events like these contribute to the rehabilitation process by fostering positive connections and support systems for participants.

“Thanks to all the staff and participants who helped make this event an overall success,” DRP officials said. “Special thanks to Amity Foundation for hosting the event and making all mothers in attendance feel special.”

Submitted by Correctional Counselor III N. Simental

High Desert hosts Mother’s Day visiting

Mother's Day visiting with two people posing for a photo at High Desert State Prison, Susanville, California.

Two people hug during Mother's Day visiting at High Desert State Prison, Susanville, California.

High Desert State Prison Visiting Department celebrated Mother’s Day by making it a special day for the incarcerated population and their loved ones. Families were able to spend time with each other and recognize maternal love and sacrifice.

Visiting rooms were decorated with a Mother’s Day theme and each mother also received a flower when they arrived.

Families played games, painted jewelry boxes, and ended their visit with memorable photographs.

Visiting staff emphasized the importance of focusing on Mother’s Day and being with their incarcerated loved ones.

“Even though their loved ones are behind the walls, they are a part of their world and should be with them on this day,” according to visiting staff.

Submitted by Lt. J. Micone

Calipatria hosts Mother’s Day weekend visiting

Two women hug their incarcerated loved one at CDCR Calipatria State Prison Mother's Day visiting.

An incarcerated person holds a young child with a woman hugs him during Mother's Day visiting at Calipatria State Prison.

Mother’s Day weekend was in full bloom Saturday and Sunday, May 11-12, at Calipatria State Prison. The visiting department staff and the incarcerated persons family council (IFC) worked together to host a Mother’s Day celebration. The event was made available to incarcerated persons and their loved ones during visitation.

Activities included painting/decorating a Mother’s Day themed photo frame, face painting, and Mother’s Day crossword puzzles and games. The highlight of the weekend were the long stem red roses given to every mother courtesy of the IFC and incarcerated persons’ families.

During the event, there were many laughs and smiles as families took this time to bond and engage in a positive way. Both visiting staff and the IFC received positive feedback from families who participated in the activities. Events like this help to provide a positive environment and strengthen family ties while also creating memorable moments.

Capt. Pankratz and visiting supervisors thanked the IFC board for their constant communication, leading to successful events.

“Communication with IFC is essential and we here at Calipatria State Prison have a good thing going. We’re looking forward to many more events,” said Pankratz. “The smiles in all the pictures speak volumes.”

Submitted by Lt. E. Uribe