No Address Film Spotlights Homeless Crisis

Movies 

by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor 

Mommy Blog Expert 

MBE received press access to facilitate this story 

Opening in Theaters Nationwide

Get ready to help make the world a better place after seeing this powerful new drama. No Address from Robert Craig Films (2025, PG-13), opens in theaters today, shining a much-needed light on the growing crisis of homelessness in America. Based on true events, this film tells the deeply human stories of adults and kids experiencing homelessness through its fictitious characters to illustrate the diverse and complicated reasons people find themselves without a place to call home. With the homeless population now reaching 2.7 million -- more than half of whom are children -- No Address serves as a compelling and urgent call for awareness, action, and change. 

Homelessness Happens to All Kinds of People

Directed by Julia Verdin and filmed in Sacramento, California, the film introduces a range of interesting personality types, each facing unique hardships. Isabella Ferreira (Gray Matter), as Lauren is a young woman who ages out of the foster care system and is left to fend for herself. Lucas Jade Zumann (Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets) as Jimmy takes Lauren under his wing, introducing her to a makeshift homeless community and his fellow encampment residents Xander Berkeley (The Mentalist, Shanghai Noon) as Harris; Beverly D’Angelo (National Lampoon's Vacation film series) as Dora; and Grammy-Award winning singer Ashanti who plays Violet, a war vet suffering from PTSD. Together, these characters form a family-like support system, showcasing the resilience and strength often found in those struggling to survive on the streets.

-> Watch the Official Trailer 

One of the film’s most heartbreaking storylines follows a family of three -- a father, mother, and their young son -- who are evicted from their home. The father, portrayed by William Baldwin (Backdraft, The Squid and the Whale), loses his job and, due to gambling and alcohol addictions, can't pay the bills. Meanwhile his wife Gabrielle, played by Patricia Velásquez, is employed as an ER doctor working double shifts but still cannot prevent the loss of their home. Their devastating descent into homelessness highlights how, for many families with kids, it is not a matter of choice but unfortunate circumstances beyond their control.

The film also features Ty Pennington (ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition) as Mr. Mills, a compassionate advocate working to provide aid and solutions for the homeless. Pennington and Kristanna Loken (Terminator 3) as Kim further enrich the narrative with their stellar performances, portraying caring involved individuals striving to make a difference in a system that often turns a blind eye. 

Director and Cast at No Address Los Angeles Premiere

Despite Hardship, Hope Still Exists for the Homeless

While No Address presents the harsh realities of life on the streets -- job loss, addiction, eviction, violence, and the struggles of adults and kids just trying to survive -- it also offers hope. It emphasizes that homelessness is not a permanent state and that with empathy, love, and kindness, those affected can find their way back home. The film challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of homelessness, recognizing that these individuals are not defined by their circumstances but by their strength and humanity. 

In the film’s conclusion, a list of No Address partner resources is displayed, providing tangible ways for the public to contribute to ending homelessness. Whether through donating to shelters, supporting rehabilitation programs, volunteering time, or advocating for policy change, there is a role each of us can play to eradicate homelessness. 

Ultimately, No Address is more than just a movie -- it’s a movement. It urges us to open our hearts and minds, to extend a helping hand rather than a judgmental gaze, and to work toward a world where no one is forced to sleep on the streets. Compassion does change lives, and with a collective effort, we can ensure that every person, young and old, has a place to call home.

More About this Film 

Buy tickets now to see No Address in theaters nationwide starting February 28. Robert Craig Films has pledged 50% of the net profits from this film to organizations supporting the homeless community.  Director Julia Verdin is also the founder and is on the board of the non-profit Artists for Change which aims to raise awareness on key social issues through film and media. Learn more by visiting noaddressmovie.com and following on social media @noaddressmovie and @robertcraigfilmsofficial.

DISCLOSURE: Many thanks to Robert Craig Films for providing access to screen No Address to facilitate this review. Opinions here are 100% my own.

The Unbreakable Boy Family Film Review

Movies

by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor

Mommy Blog Expert

MBE received press access to facilitate this story

On the Big Screen Nationwide

Opening today in theaters nationwide, The Unbreakable Boy (2025, Rated PG) is a heartwarming new family drama based on a true story that explores the extraordinary life of a kid named Austin LeRette. Closely following the boy's actual childhood, the movie invites the audience in for a beautiful retelling of the backstory of Aus-Man (Austin's nickname). It's a story that radiates joy that is contagious despite this youngster not being able to do most of the things other kids his age can do because he faces a multitude of challenges stemming from having both autism and a rare fragile bone disease known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI).

A Film With Important Family Messages

Directed by Jon Gunn, The Unbreakable Boy, from Kingdom Story Company (the studio who brought filmgoers the movies Wonder and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever), is based on the memoir of Austin's real life dad, Scott LeRette. The movie, told through the point of view of Austin's childlike voice and mannerisms, offers a poignant look into how Austin's unwavering spirit becomes a source of growth and transformation within his family, particularly how it impacts his father's battle with alcoholism. 

The Unbreakable Boy stars Zachary Levi as Scott LeRette, Austin's father; Jacob Laval as Austin LeRette; Meghann Fahy as Teresa LeRette, Austin's mother; Gavin Warren as Logan LeRette, Austin's younger brother; Patricia Heaton as Marcia, Scott's mother; Peter Facinelli as Preacher; and Rick Drew Powell as Joe, Scott's adult imaginary friend.

 

The film's narrative centers on dad Scott LeRette (Zachary Levi) as he grapples with understanding and accepting his son's unique perspective on life. At the same time he's dealing with his own grownup issues -- alcohol addiction on top of being bread winner who is suddenly laid off from his job -- happening simultaneously as the medical and therapy bills for his son continue to mount. 

Jacob Laval, in his role as Austin is so much into his character. In fact, watching his convincing performance, viewers will easily forget Laval is just an actor who fully embodies who Austin really is: a boy who despite his physical and neurological challenges, approaches the world with an unbreakable spirit and unwavering belief in the goodness of all people.

A Young Boy Inspires His Father

Austin's positive outlook profoundly impacts the father of two, who is struggling with his own challenges. Throughout the film, Austin's zest for life, ability to bounce back, and his ability to find joy in the simplest moments serve as a mirror for Scott to honestly view himself, reflecting the possibilities of redemption and change. 

During a media interview, LeRette expressed how his son's perspective is real and actually was instrumental in his journey toward sobriety. "He thinks everybody's redeemable," he told People magazine. 

The movie also highlights the dynamics of LeRette family members, showcasing the unwavering support of Teresa, Austin's mother (played by Meghann Fahy), and the evolving relationship between Austin and his younger brother, Logan. The family's journey underscores themes of empathy, unconditional love, and the transformative power of embracing differences.

"The Unbreakable Boy" is more than just a film; it's a celebration of the human spirit and a testament to how love and understanding can lead to profound personal transformation. It's a must-watch to see and discuss together for families seeking an inspiring and heartfelt story that resonates on multiple levels.

At the New York Movie Premiere

Above: The LeRette Family, Below: The Unbreakable Boy Cast

Update on the Real-Life LeRettes 

As of February 2025, the real-life LeRette family continues to thrive. Austin, now in his mid-20s, maintains his passion for connecting with people, whether it's through his work or casual interactions in the community. His relationship with his father, Scott, remains strong, with the duo often spending quality time together. Mom Teresa continues to be the family's cornerstone, providing unrelenting support and love while brother Logan, having grown up witnessing his brother's resilience, has developed a deep sense of empathy and is pursuing a career in special education inspired by his family's journey.

More about The Unbreakable Boy

Kingdom Story Company's The Unbreakable Boy is in theaters nationwide beginning February 21, so buy tickets now online or at the box office. Watch the movie trailer and learn more by visiting the film's official site TheUnbreakableBoy.com as well as following @lionsgate and @kingdomstoryco on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok.

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing screening access to facilitate this movie review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Romantic Gifts

by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor

Mommy Blog Expert

Beautiful Ideas for $80 or Less

This curated collection of gift ideas for Valentine's Day 2025 is all about affection, love, femininity, and romance. With a pink and white color scheme and bows and hearts style motifs, like-minded romantics will almost certainly find something here to love whether it's a gift for someone special or a well-deserved present for yourself. 

 

For Valentine's Day and Year-Round

Love what you see here? This collection for moms, gal pals, and women is so beautiful your gift recipient (or even you!) will enjoy any of Mommy Blog Expert's romantic gift picks not only on Valentine's Day but year-round. So it's a good thing that most of our selections are available any other time of year, too. 

MBE received the items featured and/or is being compensated via affiliate links

You'll find clickable links to buy the items you'd like to buy in the product descriptions immediately below.

1. Bow Organica Gold Plated Statement Earrings in popular minimalistic style, unique design also offered in silverplate. Available from Ettika ~ Take 25% off with code FLASH

2. Stylish Retro Light Pink Cat Eye Sunglasses. Available from ChicWish

3. Elegant Feminine Bow Knot Clutch Straw Handbag in hot pink with zipper enclosure. Available from ChicWish

4. Dainty Embroidered Eyelet Cotton Short Puff Sleeve Dress in white, available in XS, S, M, L and XL sizes. Available from ChicWish

5. Sparkling Rhinestone Initial Keychain with Heart Charm in pink in choice of A-Z letter, includes matching bling wristlet. Available on Amazon

6. Pink Tone on Tone Heart Birthday Cake Soy Candle beautifully decorated like a real cake. Available exclusively on Etsy

7. Light Pink Compact Jewelry Organizer with mirror for home, travel customized with A-Z letter of your choice. Available on Amazon

8. Faux Pearl Encrusted Heart Shape Hand Bag in white with metal handle, also features goldtone chain to use as a cross body or shoulder bag. Available from ChicWish

9. Sweet Contrast Cozy Light Pink, Dark Pink Heart Crewneck Sweater. Available from ChicWish

MBE participates in the Amazon, Etsy and ChicWish advertising affiliate programs and we receive a bit of compensation, at no extra cost to buyers, whenever purchases are made through the links in this story. In addition, we may have received some of the items featured in this gift guide to facilitate coverage.  

Los Angeles Wildfires Resources Support

Community

Help Resources For Evacuated, Opportunities for Donors  

I've lived in Los Angeles for 40+ years and have never seen anything like the California wildfires still burning and ravaging homes, as well as businesses and other types of properties like schools. Help and hope can now be found just about anywhere you look across LA and LA County. LA  granted, can be a very materialistic place to live with multi-million dollar homes, expensive cars and other luxuries. However, despite the massive size of our city measuring almost 469 square miles (and a county that's 4,083 square miles), it is truly inspiring to see how much Los Angelinos are now banding together as a community to provide support and resources to those affected by the fires, especially families with kids who have lost everything including their homes this past week.

Emergency Shelters for People, Pets and Horses

Many shelters are open for families and singles including

LA Area People Shelters

• American Red Cross, for information on how to help and for assistance with shelters call 800-RED CROSS or download the RedCross.org app
• El Camino Real Charter High School, 5540 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
• Westwood Recreation Center, 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
• Sepulveda Recreation Center, 8825 Kester Ave., Panorama City, CA 91402
• Ritchie Valens Recreation Center, 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
• Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101
• LA Dream Center, 2301 Bellevue Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026
• Pan Pacific Recreation Center, 2301 Bellevue Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026
• Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768

LA Animal Shelters

• Agoura Animal Care Center, 29525 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, 91301
• Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank, 91506
• Pasadena Humane Society, 361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 91105
• Pierce College Equestrian Center, 7100 El Rancho Dr., Woodland Hills, 91367
• Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena, 91103

Additional Support and Ways to Help

• Airbnb is offering Free emergency housing for the fire-impacted communities 
• UHaul is providing 30 days of FREE storage for those affected by the LA fires
• LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, a Getty-led coalition of major arts organizations, philanthropists and artists
• Emek Hebrew Academy, through their fire relief fund, is setting up meals for families displaced in Pasadena and Pacific Palisades. Call 818-783-3663 for information
• Hillel, is running a clothing drive for Pacific Palisades affected families. Clothing must be new. Information: Call or text 310-850-6651
• Chabad of Malibu is accepting donations of clothing, toiletries, kids toys, bedding, and food. For info: call 617-312-7068 or email drew@ldrventures.com
• Chabad of Pacific Palisades has organized a Palisades Emergency Support fundraising campaign (the goal is $250,000). If you or someone you know needs assistance, call 310-628-4444 or email info@chabadpalisades 
• Check this Wildfire Crisis Relief list for dozens of other Government and Community Resources
• Tail Town Cat Cafe in Pasadena is gathering and giving away pet supplies, food, litter, blankets, pet medical supplies to those with cats affected by the fires  
• Mutual Aid LA Network offers a constantly updated detailed list of donation drives and free items
• The LA Fires Relief and Resources list, compiled by IATSE (Intl Assoc of Theatrical Stage Employees) has a list available to the public with a wealth of resources including links to wildfire updates, information on housing and shelters, financial assistance, trauma and mental health support, recovery and legal resources, and more

How to Help - Volunteer Opportunities

• Our Big Kitchen (OBKLA), volunteers needed to prep fresh meals in LA for those in need as well as firefighters and emergency workers, email info@obkla.org for information
• For many other ways to pitch in and help to make a difference and help both humans and animals impacted by the wildfires in LA, check the Wildfire Crisis Relief list created by the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles

Please Comment With More Suggestions

A note from Mommy Blog Expert: This list we've created is my no means exhaustive. If you have additional suggestions for either helping those who have been evacuated or ways the public can help, please leave a comment including the details

Holiday Travel With Kids Tips Strategies

Parenting

Guest Post

by Dr. Suzanne Barchers

Educational Advisor, Lingokids

Traveling With Children During the Holidays 

For most people, the idea of traveling with kids sounds great, but the reality can be quite different. Here are some key things moms and dads should consider before booking a trip.

Before You Leave Home

• To prepare for a trip with children, have kids practice using a backpack or pulling a small suitcase and involve them in the steps of planning, organizing, and packing 
• Check if your airline or train offers early boarding to make the process smoother. 
• Engage with other parents for tips and advice, and if traveling by car, let the kids help choose snacks and activities
• Expect hiccups along the way and pack essentials like children’s Tylenol, sanitizing wipes, extra clothes, Band-Aids, and anything else that might address potential issues like ear infections (consult your doctor beforehand if flying) 
• Teach kids to pack daily outfits in gallon bags, include extras like swimsuits, and use a laundry bag with detergent for sink washes to keep their belongings organized and tidy

On travel day, allow extra time for each step, from reaching the transit center to getting seated. Bring multi-purpose items like hand sanitizer, which can clean, disinfect, or even serve as a fun distraction. Help kids engage with the trip by sharing fun facts and exploring books or videos about the destination and mode of travel. 

Hacks for Keeping Kids Occupied In Transit 

• Make travel with kids smoother by discussing protocols beforehand, including sharing space in a car,train, or airplane. Research engaging activities on sites like Lingokids.com or MomsMinivan.com for fun travel games. 
• Pack small new items to keep children entertained, such as toys, books, coloring books, or a new app like Lingokids. 
• Consider creative options like wipe-off boards, discovery bottles, or sensory balls, which can double as post-trip art tools (use them to roll paint across paper). 
• Include special treats for the journey, but be mindful of sugar content. 
• Finally, pack washi tape to let kids decorate their seat area, which can easily peel off when the trip ends.

Things to Avoid while Traveling

To ensure smooth and enjoyable travel with children, try to maintain their usual sleep and meal schedules as much as possible. When traveling internationally, exercise patience with jet lag and be understanding if your child experiences a meltdown. Limit sugary treats and fast food, try choosing sit-down meals for restful breaks. Avoid non-stop action by pacing your activities; assume you won’t see everything and plan for rest breaks to keep the experience enjoyable. Avoid conflicts over daily plans by creating a schedule in advance that allows input from all family members. Balance structured activities with downtime, like poolside relaxation, and incorporate quiet days into the itinerary. Finally, minimize cell phone use to stay present. For teens, encourage using phones primarily for taking pictures. 

Recommended Activities while Traveling

Traveling with kids can be a rewarding experience, and cruises are an excellent option for exploring multiple destinations without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking. When planning excursions, choose them together, avoiding overly long tours. Spending extended time in one city or region allows for a mix of structured tours and spontaneous walkabouts. Cooking classes and walking food tours provide fun, interactive ways to explore local flavors for all ages. Don’t shy away from including adult-oriented activities like wine or cheese tastings that can be adapted for kids with thoughtful planning, ensuring enriching experiences for the whole family. 

Activities to Avoid While Traveling

When planning activities with kids during a trip, it’s important to balance excitement with practicality. Long bus tours can quickly become tedious for young ones, and museum visits should be kept short to avoid exhausting them or making them feel dragged around. Beach outings should be carefully managed to prevent sunburn, hunger-induced meltdowns, or overexertion. Overall, don’t feel pressured to pack in every possible activity—leaving room for downtime can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

 

What Parents Should Do When Feeling Overwhelmed or Stressed 

When traveling with kids, it's essential to stay open and honest. Let them know when things are challenging and that you're doing your best. Be sure to build in breaks -- a quick coffee or juice stop can prevent meltdowns. Pack plenty of patience, and remember that while the mishaps like sudden rainstorms or spilled drinks might seem overwhelming now, they’ll fade, leaving behind cherished memories. Capture those moments with lots of photos and video and be sure to encourage kids to take some too, adding their perspective to the shared experience. 

Traveling with kids can be challenging, but with thoughtful preparation and a flexible mindset, it can also be a deeply rewarding experience. 

About the Author

Dr. Suzanne Barchers is Education Advisory Board Chair at Lingokids. Barchers is former VP of Leapfrog Enterprises; Award-winning author of 300+ books for educators and children; and has served on the Advisory Boards of PBS and the Association of Educational Publishers.