Adoption Day celebrates open homes and hearts
Published on November 18, 2025
Growing up in an unstable situation, Chloe rarely had the chance to join afterschool activities. But even without those opportunities, she held on to a simple dream: to be a cheerleader.
Today, that dream is a reality. She’s “in her element” cheering from the JV football sidelines, says her adopted mother, Sara Moss.
“She is so happy to be able to do something that we all take for granted,” Moss says. “Now the path before her is her choice. The choices she makes can change the path of her life. I’m so excited to see what she does.”
The Moss family is one of 12 honored earlier this month during the Adoption Day celebration. The event, held at Providence Baptist Church in Harrisburg, featured food, games and activities. And plenty of proud smiles.
“We hope today is filled with joy, hope and gratitude,” Department of Social Services (DSS) Supervisor Candyce Davis said at the start of the event. “This is the time to celebrate the beautiful families that have been formed through adoption.”
Following opening remarks, Judge Beth Street welcomed families in attendance to the stage to receive a plaque and a plush toy.
The event also served as a reminder of the need for foster families.
As of October, Cabarrus had 43 licensed foster parents and 177 children in care. A few have been in foster care for nearly 10 years, according to Davis. The average length of stay is two to three years, she added.
In other words, the need is great.
“Behind each statistic is a child with a name, a story and a desire to belong,” Assistant County Manager Aalece Pugh told the crowd. “We encourage every member of our community to consider how you can help … can you be a foster parent? Can you support a foster family in our community? Or encourage someone to dedicate the time and devotion needed to give their heart, time and space to a foster child in our community?”
Fostering can be a life-changing experience for everyone, Moss says. Chloe “is an amazing child and I can’t imagine our lives without her.”
DSS officials gathered Monday at the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting to read a proclamation recognizing Adoption Day and present a video from the event. The video, which features Sara Moss, can be found here: https://bit.ly/AdoptionDay2025
Foster care provides a safe, temporary place for children who must live apart from their biological families due to abuse, neglect or dependency issues. Cabarrus County Social Services licenses families through a 10-week, state-guided program.
To learn more about foster care programs in Cabarrus County, call 704-920-1400 or visit www.cabarruscounty.us/foster.