Our Story
Fundacion Mama Ties is named in honor of Mama Ties, the matriarch of the Croes family and a woman known for her deep commitment to community. Her home was a natural gathering place, meals were always underway, and neighbors would stop by to talk, sit, and feel cared for. That spirit of openness and care guides the work of the foundation today.
The Croes family, owners and operators of Cas Bon Group, has long embedded community responsibility into their work. Alongside this, the family has had first-hand experience with mental disabilities, shaping a deeply personal understanding of the importance of accessible, compassionate care. This experience became a driving force for their sister, Mayrin, who was strongly committed to supporting mental health initiatives in Aruba. Mayrin’s early involvement and dedication laid the foundation for what the initiative could become. Following her passing, the family felt a renewed responsibility to bring her vision fully to life, establishing the Fundacion Mama Ties in her honor as a lasting reflection of her compassion and commitment to helping others.
With the foundation's formal establishment, this long-standing commitment has expanded into a focused, structured effort. Fundacion Mama Ties supports mental health initiatives across Aruba through grant funding, local research, operational support, and the development of safe and dignified spaces for care.
What we stand for
Our Goal
A healthier & unified Aruba
Fundacion Mama Ties exists to ensure that no one has to go through mental health challenges alone. We make support accessible, rooted in community, and delivered with dignity and care, while strengthening families and peer networks.
Our goal is an Aruba where mental health support is part of everyday life, and everyone feels seen, supported, and connected.
Our Mission
A pillar for the mental health ecosystem
We strengthen Aruba’s mental health ecosystem by partnering with existing organizations. We provide tools, resources, and programs that expand their capacity, improve service delivery, and increase access to trusted, community-based care.
Through these partnerships, we help organizations better support individuals and families, reduce stigma, and build a more connected system of care.
Our Team
Robertico Croes
Dr. Robertico “Tico” Croes is Professor Emeritus at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida and an internationally recognized scholar in tourism, human development,
and community well-being.
As a Board Member of Fundacion Mama Ties, Tico brings a research-driven perspective shaped by his work on human development. He contributes to strategic governance and long-term vision, guiding evidence-based program design and impact measurement. He also supports academic and healthcare partnerships, as well as philanthropic positioning and broader thought leadership.
Board Member
Humphrey Croes
Humphrey “Fito” Croes is Co-Founder and CEO of Cas Bon Group with over 30 years of experience in real estate leading the delivery of high-impact residential communities across the Caribbean and building one of the region’s most active development platforms.
As President of Fundacion Mama Ties, Fito leads the organization’s day-to-day direction, overseeing operations, team coordination, and execution across programs. He manages partnerships, drives on-the-ground implementation, and ensures initiatives are delivered effectively, with a focus on expanding access to mental health care and supporting families within the community.
President
TreasurerWai Chui Chaong
Wai Chui Chaong is a finance leader with over 25 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and financial management, including a background at KPMG, where he advised organizations on financial governance, reporting standards, and financial planning.
As Treasurer of Fundacion Mama Ties, Wai Chui brings rigorous financial oversight and discipline, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective resource allocation. He supports governance, reporting, and planning, focusing on strengthening the foundation’s financial sustainability to enable greater access to mental health care.