2026 Recruiter of the Year: Robin from Alabama
During the 2026 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® Summit, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption recognized Robin, a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter with the State of Alabama Department of Human Resources, as a Recruiter of the Year.
Through our Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program, the Foundation supports the hiring of professionals, known as recruiters, who are dedicated to finding permanent families for children lingering in foster care. These professionals use an evidence-based, child-focused recruitment model to find the right family for every child in their care.
A rigorous, five-year national evaluation revealed that the model is up to 3x more effective at serving the longest-waiting children in care. That includes teenagers, children with special needs and siblings.
“I wish more people knew about Robin’s passion for the work that she does,” shared Karen, Deputy Commissioner of Children and Family Services with the Alabama State Department of Human Resources. “She is dedicated to these children that she serves. She goes above and beyond. And she does everything within her power to make sure that [these children] have a forever family and a forever home.”
Robin’s joyful team spirit lifts up youth, families and colleagues alike. And her “leave-no-stone-unturned” commitment — drawing on community connections, relationship building and years of expertise — leads to permanency for children that is life changing.
“It’s an awesome feeling to be recognized as a Recruiter of the Year. I’m just elated,” said Robin. “[My] why is rooted in a child-focused recruitment model and the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. I believe in it. And I believe that every kid in foster care deserves a forever family so that they can have that stability. They can have that support, long lasting.”
Congratulations, Robin, and thank you for sharing our belief that a permanent family is possible for every child … no matter their story.
