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Maximizing Benefits: How American Express is Helping Employees Build their Families Through Adoption
Erin, a Senior Manager of Global Premium Content at American Express, waited more than a year to finally meet her son after starting her adoption journey. With the help and support of American Express, she was able to be present during her son’s birth and during those critical first days together. Read More
From Dreamers to Parents: How the Fetzer Institute Made A Couple’s Dream of Adoption Come True
Rob and Kirstin dreamt of their future family since they were teenagers. Touched by the love from those around them, they knew early on that adoption would be part of their story. Kirstin advocated for adoption benefits to her employer, the Fetzer Institute, and with their support, the couple grew their family through adoption. Read More
2023 Recruiter of the Year: Michael from Kentucky
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption recognized Michael, a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter from Kentucky, as a 2023 Recruiter of the Year during the annual Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Summit. With an optimistic personality and willingness to overcome challenges, Michael has had a life-changing impact in finding forever families for the longest-waiting children in foster care. Read More
Building Trust and an Unbreakable Bond: Merriah’s Story
Merriah was placed in foster care at age 6 after enduring abuse and neglect. For nine long years, she waited for a permanent place to call home. Fortunately, with support from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and her Wendy’s Wonderful Kids adoption recruiter, Merriah was adopted by Emilie and John just before her 15th birthday. Read More
Building Bright Futures for Youth in Foster Care
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption believes that every child deserves a forever family and the best possible opportunity for a bright future. Read stories from youth who after lingering in foster care for years, can now focus on their futures with the stability and security of a permanent home. Read More
Supporter Spotlight: Mike Welch
Mike Welch OBE is President and CEO of Tirebuyer.com. He recently spoke with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption about his experience growing up in foster care and his path to success in his professional and personal life. Read More
Reflections of a Child Welfare Professional: Karen, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Supervisor
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids adoption professionals, like Karen from Ontario, are dedicated to finding permanent families for children who have been waiting in foster care the longest. Read Karen’s reflections on this life-changing work and why she is a champion for the Foundation’s child-focused recruitment model. Read More
2023 Recruiter of the Year: Anna from Michigan
Anna, a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter from Michigan, was recognized by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption as a 2023 Recruiter of the Year for her life-changing service on behalf of children lingering in foster care who are too often overlooked. Read More
3 Reasons Your Organization Should Become An Adoption-Friendly Workplace
While adoption benefits are a relatively small investment for most organizations, they can have a life-changing impact for families and children waiting for a permanent home. This article highlights 3 reasons your organization should consider becoming an adoption-friendly workplace. Read More
Better Together: Hailey, Jayden, Alexis and Jase’s Story
For nearly two years, siblings Hailey, Jayden, Alexis and Jase lingered in foster care after experiencing abuse and neglect. Their journey changed when they were adopted by Jayden’s fifth-grade teacher, Justin, and his wife, Kasey, with help from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. Read More
How Fatherhood Can Change A Life
Read some of the ways fatherhood has impacted the lives of Jamar, Brian, Oliver, James and Geffrey, all of whom adopted their children with support from the Foundation’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. Read More
The Bond of a Father and Son: Ernesto and Jeff’s Story
At 6 years old, Ernesto (“Ernie”) was found wandering the streets, trying to find food. Not receiving the care he needed, he was placed in foster care and waited for a permanent home for eight long years. Thankfully, Ernesto’s journey changed when he was adopted by Jeff with help from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. Read More