Stories

Burlington, ON — The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption-Canada recently welcomed Chris Garrah, a partner at the law firm of McMillan LLP in Toronto, as a member of its board of directors. “Every child deserves a loving, forever family and the chance for a bright future,” said Chris. “I am honored for the opportunity to serve on the Foundation’s board of directors and help give more of Canada’s most vulnerable youth in foster care the permanent homes they deserve.” Read More

Rita Soronen, President & CEO of the Foundation, joined John Kelly, senior editor for The Imprint, on the publication’s weekly podcast. John and Rita discuss current issues in child welfare and how the Foundation’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program is working to find permanent, loving homes for our nation’s most vulnerable youth waiting to be adopted from foster care. Read More

Anthony Onesto, Chief People Officer at Suzy, was adopted as an infant and shares our belief that every child deserves a permanent home and a loving family. Now on a journey to discover his past, Anthony is telling his story to help raise awareness about adoption and the unique experiences that adoptees face. Read More

During one of the most difficult times in our nation’s history, we worked relentlessly to help give thousands of vulnerable children a forever home and the chance for a brighter future. No matter what challenges come our way, by continuing to work together, by striving much harder for just and equitable systems and communities for our children, and by staying committed to our core belief that every child deserves a safe and permanent home, we will fulfill the dream of a family and a home. Read More

Washington — Adopted as an infant, Charlie realized in college that his dream career would be to help find permanent, loving families for other children in need. Today, he is living that dream as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® adoption recruiter in Washington. Through our Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption supports the hiring of recruiters, like Charlie, who serve youth in foster care who are most often overlooked, including teenagers, children with special needs and siblings. Read More

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is steadfast in our commitment to social justice. We must work together to create a future that our children deserve and one that upholds and celebrates the hope of childhood and justice and equality for all. Read More

Placed in foster care at age 8, Austin spent the next three years longing for the security and stability of a permanent home. Fortunately, Austin’s journey changed with help from his Wendy’s Wonderful Kids adoption recruiter, Chelsey. Austin says adoption means he finally has a family who will help him along the way through life’s ups and downs. “I’m happier,” he shares. “I have a family, I have friends, and I can be myself.” Read More

Dayton, Ohio — Sarah spent four and a half long years in foster care waiting for a safe, permanent family. Fortunately, her journey changed when she was adopted through our Wendy's Wonderful Kids program in 2019. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption recently celebrated the milestone of 10,000 adoptions through the program. “No kid should ever be put in the ‘unadoptable’ category,” says Sarah's mom, Robin. “Kids just need somebody who’s ‘theirs.’” Read More

Rita Soronen, President & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, joined Marcy Bursac on her podcast, The Forgotten Adoption Option. Marcy is an author and blogger who adopted two siblings from foster care. Read More

"Together, we changed 10,000 lives in the most profound, lasting way," writes Rita Soronen, President & CEO of the Foundation, reflecting on the milestone of more than 10,000 adoptions through Wendy's Wonderful Kids. "Ten thousand children now have mom or dad to tuck them in at night and greet them in the morning, to comfort them and to share the joys of everyday life, and to be there every step of the way..." Read More