In September, ABC7 premiered A Mother’s Hope, a 45-minute documentary following three mothers battling to save their kids from mental illness, addiction and homelessness.
Moms of Unhoused People to Come Together at the Tenderloin Museum
Jacqui Berlinn and her son Corey, who struggles with addiction and homelessness in San Francisco. (ABC7/‘A Mother's Hope’)
For a year, reporter Tara Campbell followed the women in San Francisco, Sacramento and Los Angeles as they navigated courts, bureaucracy and HIPAA regulations. The final film was an illuminating glimpse into the many ways families are hindered by the very systems that are supposed to be helping them.
Jacqui Berlinn has spent years trying to keep an eye on her son Corey as he battles fentanyl addiction on the streets of San Francisco. Debbie Smith’s son Nick has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and turned to pharmaceuticals to ease his symptoms. Smith, based in L.A., continues to fight for assistance for Nick despite the fact that he has repeatedly threatened her life. Finally, Elizabeth (no last name is provided) in Sacramento did not receive promised assistance from authorities when her daughter Christine was found to be gravely mentally ill. Christine has cycled in and out of addiction and transient living ever since.
On Oct. 30, Campbell will be appearing at the Tenderloin Museum as part of a special screening of A Mother’s Hope.
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Following the film, Campbell will lead a panel of the moms featured in the documentary. Because of their many years of hands-on experience, all three women have specialized knowledge of the biggest challenges facing families trying to assist loved ones living on the streets. They also know a thing or two about California’s judicial system and the best ways to handle legal challenges. As such, this panel will likely provide invaluable information for any families experiencing similar difficulties with their own kids or loved ones.
As Berlinn, the founder of Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, says in A Mother’s Hope: “Even though I talked to my son and thought I was doing everything right, the world still influenced him and he made some horrible choices. And unfortunately, this can happen to anyone; anyone’s child.”
‘A Mother’s Hope’ screens at The Tenderloin Museum on Oct. 30, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Following the screening, journalist Tara Campbell will lead a discussion panel of the three mothers featured in the documentary. Guests can register via Humanitix.
