Photos Courtesy of CBS

Music sensations Justin Bieber, Kane Brown, Alessia Cara and Darren Criss will all take part in the upcoming CBS special, “A Home for the Holidays at The Grove,“ which shares uplifting stories of adoption from foster care and raising awareness of this important social issue. The special will be broadcasted on Sunday, December 5th at 9:30pm ET/9pm PT.

This is the 23rd year of the “A Home for a Holidays” event, and this year it was filmed at the famed retail, dining and entertainment destination The Grove in Los Angeles, California. The award-winning special has shined a light on the thousands of American children in foster care over more than two decades, and has inspired tens of thousands of adoptions.

In addition to inspirational stories of several families and performances from the musical talent featured, country singer Brown will introduce the Rodriguez family for a special live adoption.

'A Home for the Holidays at the Grove' (2021)

Justin Bieber (Photo Courtesy of CBS)

'A Home for the Holidays at the Grove' (2021)

Darren Criss (Photo Courtesy of CBS)

'A Home for the Holidays at the Grove' (2021)

Alessia Cara (Photo Courtesy of CBS)

'A Home for the Holidays at the Grove' (2021)

Kane Brown (Photo Courtesy of CBS)

'A Home for the Holidays at the Grove' (2021)

Justin Bieber (Photo Courtesy of CBS)

'A Home for the Holidays at the Grove' (2021)

Darren Criss (Photo Courtesy of CBS)

'A Home for the Holidays at the Grove' (2021)

Alessia Cara (Photo Courtesy of CBS)

'A Home for the Holidays at the Grove' (2021)

Kane Brown (Photo Courtesy of CBS)

The stories featured on this year’s special include:

The Healy Family

From the time Celia was 9 months old until she was 12, she lived in nine different homes, so many that she can’t remember the faces and places. She was subject to constant abuse and often told that she would end up exactly like her mom, an addicted dropout who was pregnant at 15. Trish and Andy Healy are Australian natives and had always wanted to adopt an older child. When Celia joined their family, they were shocked at how much she had endured, but inspired by her resilience. Celia felt safe for the first time in her life, knowing she was part of a loving family. Her grades and her confidence soared. Now a freshman at UCLA, she is bright, strong, and on track for an amazing life.

The Polk Family

When Christopher was born, he was left at the hospital by his mother, who struggled with substance abuse. He was adopted and raised by his grandmother. He met his husband, Jacari, in 2006 and they married in 2011. When it came time for the couple to adopt, they were matched with Knox, a 1-year-old boy who was born while his mother was in jail and had been subjected to neglect. With the similarities to Christopher’s story, the couple knew that this was meant to be. The Polks are now a happy trio. Knox is a thriving 3-year-old who loves bike riding and soccer. Christopher and Jacari both say that the day the adoption was finalized was the best day of their lives.

The Ambrose Family

Brian and Heather always wanted a large family. They had three daughters biologically, but pregnancy complications with their third led them to adoption. With the addition of a baby boy, Carter, they felt their family was complete. When Carter was 4, they learned that Carter had a biological sister, Linden, 11 months old. The Ambroses were unprepared for another baby, but they opened their home and their hearts to this little girl, and two years later, they can’t imagine life without her.

The Rodriguez Family | Photos Courtesy of CBS

The Rodriguez Family

Marjorie was placed in foster care as a toddler. By the time she was 5 years old, she had lived in six different homes, where she had been subjected to neglect and abuse. Celine and Jerry Rodriguez were told about Marjorie, and their hearts went out to her. They decided that this little girl would complete their family. At first, Marjorie was reserved, but they showered her with love and attention, and she blossomed into a beautiful and well-adjusted girl. They all can’t wait for the adoption to be finalized and for Marjorie to be a part of their forever family.

“A Home for the Holidays at The Grove” is presented in association with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Children’s Action Network. Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted, established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, which is dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of children in North America’s foster care system. The Children’s Action Network was founded in 1990 by leaders in the entertainment industry to harness the power of the entertainment media on behalf of children.

“A Home for the Holidays at The Grove” airs on Sunday, December 5th (9:30-10:30 PM, ET/9:00-10:00 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Stay Merry,