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.

Avenal State Prison visiting celebrates moms

Two women flank an incarcerated man against a Mother's Day backdrop at Avenal State Prison.

A woman holds a flower while standing beside an incarcerated man at Avenal State Prison during Mother's Day visiting.

In recognition of Mother’s Day, incarcerated persons at Avenal State Prison came together to honor and celebrate the mothers and mother figures who have made a meaningful impact in their lives.

The event provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the love, sacrifices, guidance, and support mothers provide to their families and communities.

Throughout the celebration, incarcerated persons participated in activities focused on gratitude, family values and personal reflection. Many shared heartfelt messages expressing appreciation for the encouragement and unconditional support they continue to receive from their loved ones. The event created a positive and respectful atmosphere that encouraged compassion, unity, and emotional connection among participants.

Mother’s Day served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strong family ties and recognizing the lasting influence mothers have on shaping lives.

Submitted by Lt. P. Chavez

CHCF visiting staff get into Mother’s Day

A family poses for a photo during Mother's Day visiting at CHCF. — Land Together

Holding flowers, a visitor sits beside an incarcerated person during Mother's Day at CHCF. — Land Together

California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton hosted a special Mother’s Day event focused on bringing families together and creating lasting memories. Visitors and incarcerated people participated in arts and crafts activities, including making personalized photo frames and coasters.

With the support of the community resources manager and Land Together, bouquets made by incarcerated people were donated for incarcerated people to present to their mothers, grandmothers, and even pet moms during their visit. Families also enjoyed bingo, with winners were able to take home prizes. As visits concluded, visitors were handed boxes of chocolates donated by the Incarcerated Persons’ Family Council (IFC).

Story and photos by Sgt. F. Lenh

CIW hosts Mother’s Day visiting

Group of families and incarcerated women at CIW during Mother's Day visiting.

An incarcerated mother blows bubbles with her daughter at CIW in Corona during Mother's Day visiting.

The California Institution for Women (CIW) at Corona hosted a Mother’s Day event for mothers and families, fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere centered on connection and family bonding.

Mothers and grandmothers received roses, treats, and—most importantly—quality time with their loved ones.

The objective of this event was to strengthen family relationships and encourage meaningful interactions. This was clearly reflected in the smiles, engagement, and gratitude expressed by the participating families.

CIW remains dedicated to enhancing family connections by continuing to organize events that promote positive experiences and emotional well-being.

The CIW population and their families expressed their deep appreciation for Warden Padilla, who greeted families during this Mother’s Day celebration.

Submitted by Lt. A. Avina

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

Celebrating Mother’s Day at High Desert State Prison

An incarcerated person and a woman pose for a photo on Mother's Day at High Desert State Prison in Susanville, California.

A family poses for a photo with their incarcerated loved one on Mother's Day at High Desert State Prison in Susanville, California.

High Desert State Prison visiting staff and the prison family council collaborated to celebrate Mother’s Day for the incarcerated population. The day’s special event recognized maternal love and sacrifices a mother makes for her child.

Visiting rooms were decorated with a Mother’s Day theme while each mother was greeted with a fresh flower upon as they arrived.

Families played games, laughed, and ended their visit with memorable photographs.

High Desert visiting staff emphasized the importance of focusing on Mother’s Day, strengthening family bonds 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,” said visiting staff.

Submitted by Lt. J. Micone

CSP-Sacramento honors mothers

Special Mother's Day visiting with an incarcerated person presenting a flower to a visiting woman at CSP-Sacramento.

An incarcerated man presents a flower to a woman visiting during Mother's Day at California State Prison, Sacramento.

California State Prison, Sacramento, visiting staff and the incarcerated persons’ family council coordinated special Mother’s Day activities complete with a photo backdrop.

Submitted by Lt. B. Schroeder

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