12 years after a Florida orphan’s viral plea for a family, his current situation is revealed.

ST. PETERSBURG — Davion Only-Going, now 27 years old, faced a daunting decision: to watch a documentary made about his life just days before its premiere at the Sarasota Film Festival. Overwhelmed by insecurity about how he might look and sound on screen, the experience felt more tormenting than enticing. However, after much contemplation, he chose to view it alone on his laptop.

His story, prominently featured in The Davion Effect, reflects a harrowing journey that stemmed from his turbulent upbringing. Only-Going, who spent time in over 35 foster homes and endured a troubled childhood, was born in a jail and frequently moved through the foster care system. At the age of 15, he attracted significant media attention when he took to the pulpit at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in St. Petersburg and earnestly asked the congregation to adopt him. His plea resonated globally, igniting a movement referred to as “The Davion Effect.”

After his heartfelt request was broadcast across various media platforms including CNN, Fox, and NPR, over 10,000 inquiries poured in to Eckerd, the Tampa Bay social services agency, with families expressing a desire to adopt him. This surge also resulted in a tripling of inquiries regarding other teenagers in the foster care system, illustrating how Davion’s vulnerability could transform into a window of opportunity for others like him.

Despite the hopes ignited by his newfound visibility, Davion’s journey remained fraught with challenges. He was eventually placed with a family in Ohio, only to return to Florida after three months due to a dispute with one of the children. It was at this point that Connie Going, his former caseworker, decided to adopt him, marking a drastic turn in his life.

Over the years, Davion has shown remarkable resilience; he navigated the complexities of adolescence while learning new life skills such as cooking, driving, and eventually pursuing a culinary career. He is now a chef and a father to a daughter named Serenity. Despite the obstacles that marked his early life, he has emerged determined to redefine himself—not merely as a statistic but as an individual striving for success.

As the documentary showcases, Davion’s journey is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by youth in foster care. The film captures not only the struggles but also the triumphs in his evolving identity. It serves as an inspiration for others, demonstrating that hope is attainable even in difficult circumstances.

The Davion Effect will be screened at the Sunscreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg, providing an opportunity for audiences to engage with the poignant narrative that has touched lives around the world. The film’s premiere is a reflection of an enduring message: the importance of community and compassion in the lives of children seeking stability and love.