Visiting staff, volunteers make Mother’s Day special

May 12, 2026

From reentry facilities to conservation camps, CDCR prisons and institutions, visiting staff and volunteers made Mother’s Day special.

This round-up will be updated as more submissions are received. Send submissions no later than May 19.

CMF celebrates mothers

A woman does crafts with her young child at CMF for Mother's Day visiting.

Mother's Day visiting at California Medical Facility in Vacaville, May 10, 2026.

Mothers were the focus of the day as incarcerated persons (IP), their loved ones and California Medical Facility (CMF) staff celebrated Mother’s Day on May 10. Visiting families participated in activities meant to honor and show appreciation to moms. Activities included painting, games, arts and crafts.

This is CMF’s annual Mother’s Day program dedicated to staff, IPs and families expressing their appreciation in those filling the role of motherhood.

There were photo opportunities with Mother’s Day themed backdrops and special costumed characters.

CMF Visiting Lt. S. Vazquez said this event is special for everyone involved.

“No matter what situation you come from we all have a mother we can look to for giving us the gift of life,” Vazquez said. “Taking this time to show our appreciation to the many mothers here is worth all the hard work that goes into making days like this happen.”

During the day, moms were given flowers and special key chains, hot cocoa and pastry treats donated by the CMF Incarcerated Person Family Council and local venders.

Vazquez, the CMF visiting team, and volunteers from visiting families planned the day’s successful events.

Story by Lt. C. Bennamon
Photos by IP C. Mann

Centinela hosts artistic Mother’s Day visiting

Incarcerated person presents a flower to family who visited during Mother's Day at Centinela State Prison.

An incarcerated person with a flower given to his visiting family members at Centinela State Prison on Mother's Day.

Centinela State Prison (CEN) visiting staff and the Incarcerated Family Committee hosted special art activities for Mother’s Day. There were smiles, creativity, and memorable family connections made by incarcerated persons and their families involved.

During the event, incarcerated persons had the opportunity to paint and decorate picture frames families could cherish as keepsakes and decorations. Families also participated in Mother’s Day photo opportunities using a festive themed backdrop.

Centinela State Prison visiting staff organized a special Mother's Day event for families visiting their incarcerated loved ones. Image shows a sergeant and two correctional officers. — *From left are Sgt. M. Cabrera and officers C. Ramirez and S. Miramontes.*

One of the most heartfelt moments of the day was when incarcerated persons presented carnations to their visiting loved ones. Many family members said it felt special to receive flowers from their incarcerated loved ones.

According to the staff, event had a warm and positive atmosphere filled with laughter, gratitude, and togetherness.

Activities such as these continue to strengthen family bonds, encourage positive interaction, and remind everyone of the importance of maintaining family connections during incarceration.

Submitted by Sgt. M. Cabrera

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