Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) hosted a Mother’s Day celebration for mothers and their loved ones currently living in CMHA housing. This annual event, in its 20th year, was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. This year’s theme was “Hattitude,” as participants were encouraged to show up in their Sunday best. 

I spoke with CMHA employees Valerie James, senior services manager, and Lissette Rivera, director of external affairs and community partnerships. James led the charge in organizing this year’s event, with support from Rivera.  

“I’m a mom, Ms. Rivera is a mom and so many of our clients are moms. Being a mom … there’s a lot of responsibility there,” James said. 

Rivera nodded in agreement. 

“This event was created to celebrate all the wonderful mothers in the community and what it means to be a mother.”

Building community trust

CMHA is diligently working to improve the agency’s relationship with the community, they said. Events like this are a stepping stone for continuing to build the trust that is required to effectively serve those in need while bringing the community together. 

“We want the residents to know that CMHA is committed to serving the community and that we are here for them,” Rivera said. 

“We sought after these grants to be able to host events like this and our Father’s Day event, which is coming up next month. It’s been a great turnout through the years, and we are looking forward to another great turnout this year.”

About 130 ladies were expected to attend the event. Activities included a fashion contest with prizes awarded for the “best-dressed” mom as well as food, raffles and gifts. Lunch was served to attendees. Entertainment included spoken word, musical selections by The Voices and remarks from CMHA’s chief executive, Jeffery K. Patterson.

CMHA also provided round-trip transportation to and from the event for those who needed it, with the hopes of eliminating the transportation barriers that many Clevelanders face. 

First discovered by

This story was first discovered by Documenters Marvetta Rutherford and Kellie Morris in their notes from the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Board of Commissioners meeting. (You may also recognize them as members of our Listening Team. To read more about why this work is important to them, click here and here.)

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Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.