Logan was born on the streets of Philadelphia, abandoned as a newborn. Today, the 4-year-old boy is thriving in a large, loving family – a success story that Catholic Community Services (CCS) hopes to multiply with the release of a new documentary.
Logan’s adoptive parents are featured in “A Place to Belong,” a film created to address the urgent need for foster and adoptive families in the five counties served by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
The hour-long documentary premiered Nov. 20, 2025 during National Adoption Month. The national observance raises awareness about adoption and efforts to find safe, loving, and permanent homes for thousands of children of all ages.
“The idea for the film was born out of our deep relationship with families navigating the foster care and adoption journey,” said Ginger Smith, director of prevention and intervention services for CCS, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia.
The agency is a Community Umbrella Agency (CUA) designated by the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS). Catholic Charities has provided foster care and adoption services in the Philadelphia region for more than a century.
About 4,000 children live in foster care in the Philadelphia area, and thousands more need homes, temporary and permanent.
“With so many powerful, untold stories within our network, we felt it was time to let these voices shine in a format that could move hearts and inspire action,” Smith said.
The documentary provides a glimpse of the transformative experience of foster care and adoption, relying on heartfelt interviews with children, parents, and professionals.
“It highlights the …. challenges and beauty of adoption, told through the voices of those who have lived it,” said Smith, whose interview opens the film.
She has three biological children and an adopted daughter, Sabrina, who will turn 18 in February.
Smith sees herself as an ambassador and hopes that relating her personal journey will inspire others to become foster and adoptive parents.
Logan’s adoptive parents, Cathy and Jeffrey Sheldon, are also featured in the film. The Perkasie couple has four biological children and five adopted children, ages 3-24. All but the eldest live at home.
Due to his birth mother’s drug use during pregnancy, Logan had significant medical needs and was placed in foster care with the Sheldons. Their adopted children, 5 and under, all have medical issues of some kind and have experienced delays in their development, including walking and talking.
“I find a lot of joy in seeing them growing and making progress,” Cathy Sheldon said. “You get to see all these huge accomplishments.”
She shares her family’s story to help illustrate the need for foster and adoptive homes, particularly for medically fragile children.
“I know people hear ‘medical,’ and they get scared,” said the stay-at-home mom, who spends some days shuttling youngsters between medical and therapy appointments.
While the daily commitments can be significant, she says the blessings and rewards far outweigh the time and energy she and her husband have invested.
Cathy Sheldon encourages others not to be daunted or deterred by fear of the unknown. “You are opening your home and giving these kids a safe place. You are literally showing them that people are there for them,” she said.
Michele Long, a CCS case manager for more than 10 years, was interviewed alongside the Sheldons. Long described them as “amazing” parents, so willing to do anything for their kids. Fortunately, they have help.
“When you’re doing this, you are not doing this alone,” Long said. “You have a very big support network.”
Families receive a stipend and support from child advocates, case managers, mentors, and other parents.
Kenyatta Mack, a 50-year-old visitation coach at CCS, has professional and personal experience with foster care and adoption. His birth mother was a heavy drug user, and he suffered years of neglect and abuse.
As an African American boy of 10, he sought refuge with a former neighbor, an Asian American woman, who welcomed him into her home without hesitation.
His adoptive mother – “the sweetest woman” – deserves the credit for helping him become the man he is today: a husband, a father, and a CCS employee. She saved his life – literally.
“Without her …. I would probably have been six feet under somewhere,” he said, his voice raspy with emotion as he wiped tears from his eyes.
“A Place to Belong” was jointly produced by CCS and Afire Studios in Philadelphia, which creates visual stories to inspire and connect audiences.
Giovanni Cortes, a communications associate and former youth worker, is also CEO of Afire Studios. Cortes wrote the script and music score and served as director of photography for the project.
To watch the full documentary, a 15-minute screening version, or a brief trailer, visit the CCS YouTube channel.
Within days of the screening in November, CCS had fielded inquiries from prospective foster and adoptive families, and supporters wanting to help in other ways.
Interested in becoming a foster parent? Contact Foster Care Director Bob Montoro rmontoro@ccphila.org.
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