This Mother’s Day, teams across CASES took time to recognize the mothers, caregivers and nurturers who shape the lives of our staff and participants. Two moments stood out: an event hosted by our ACES program for the mothers of participants, and a reflection shared with our Pretrial team in Harlem honoring the caregivers on staff.
Both reminded us that the work we do is never just about one person. It’s about the web of relationships and connection that make change possible.
ACES: Engaging the families behind every participant
Our Assertive Community Engagement & Success (ACES) program brought together participants and their mothers and caregivers for an event built around connection and recognition.
Angel Solis, ACES Director, reflected on what the gathering meant:
“Assertive community engagement starts with seeing the whole person, not just the referral, the risk, or the moment of crisis. It means recognizing that our participants are sons, brothers, fathers, and members of families who carry both struggle and strength. This event was special because it honored the mothers and caregivers whose love, resilience, and steady presence often become a powerful foundation for change in our participants’ lives. Moments like this remind us that ACES does not only engage young people individually; we engage the relationships, families, and support systems that help them believe in something better and keep moving toward it.“
Pretrial: Holding space for the full range of Mother’s Day
In Harlem, our Pretrial team marked the day by honoring the caregivers on staff while making room for the complicated feelings the holiday can bring. Asa Scott, Harlem Borough Director for Pretrial, shared this message with the team:
“Wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, mother figures, aunties, caregivers, and nurturers on our team and in our community.
We also want to acknowledge that Mother’s Day can bring complex emotions for many. For some, it may be a reminder of the loss of a mother or maternal figure. For others, it may bring reflection around strained or complicated relationships, or the longing and hope of one day becoming a mother themselves. We want to hold space for all of those emotions with care and compassion.At the same time, we want to honor the many women and caregivers on our team who show up every day with love, guidance, patience, strength, and support; often filling in gaps and serving as steady sources of care for others both personally and professionally.Thank you all for the care you bring into this work and into the lives of those around you.”
The people we serve and the people who serve alongside us are held up by mothers, caregivers and chosen family. To every mother, mother figure, auntie, caregiver, and nurturer in the CASES community: thank you!
