News  Brockton District Court Probation Department hosted a special day of fun for teen moms

The Ruth House is a Brockton-based transitional home for teen mothers and their children operated by Ascentria Care Alliance Community Services.
 
Brockton Court’s third floor Rotunda was transformed into an event space that resembled a housewarming and baby shower rolled into one. The walls were decorated with flowers and balloons and several tables were set-up with housewares, including towel sets, blankets, glassware, and pot and pan sets. There were also children’s sunglasses, candy, and bubbles as well as diapers and wipes stacked up near the gift tables. The young women also received gift bags containing manicure sets, hair accessories, and lip gloss. Lunch was served and Brockton Probation staff engaged the teens and their children in games with prizes. Brockton District Chief Probation Officer Michael Branch was the master of ceremonies.
 
Brockton Probation Office Manager Yanni Pena planned this event with assistance from co-workers— Probation Officer Linda Santos, Probation Case Specialist Eugenia Ponder, Probation Case Coordinator Susan Dermody-Cohen, and Probation Case Specialist Dayla DePina—who decorated and filled large laundry baskets with the housewares provided to the young women. Brockton court employees donated the baby and toddler items. The Office of Plymouth District Attorney Timothy Cruz presented a $500 check for Ruth House repairs. The Ruth House is undergoing renovations.
 
Ms. Pena, a former teenage mother, looked on at the delighted moms and their small children. “I was a young mom myself. I had my daughter at 17 and coming up, I never had an event like this. It has been very meaningful to put this together.  It was an opportunity to show the moms that they have support and have guidance,” Ms. Pena said.
 
She added, “Fast forward to now, I have an 11-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son, I graduated from college, have a nice job, got my career going, and I am a homeowner. I’m a big believer in ‘it’s not where you start, it is where you finish.’”
 
One of the teen mothers, 19-year-old Kaylee, said of the event, “It was nice. I appreciate everything Brockton Probation has given me at this party today. It’s helpful and I can use it,” said the mom who is scheduled to deliver a baby girl in July. She is not court-involved.

Tuesday’s event also featured professional public speaker Coach Bri Nichols, a former Ruth House resident and now a Brockton-based entrepreneur with several successful businesses including work as a resilience coach.
 
The Brockton Probation event is one of many community engagement activities taking place across the state. Community engagement is a top priority of Probation Commissioner Pamerson Ifill and his executive team.