Stories

Boulder, CO — In an op-ed for the Daily Camera, Wendy's Wonderful Kids adoption professional Chelsea Taylor says she and her colleagues are fighting harder than ever for the youth they serve during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We must shine a spotlight on this crisis and act, so that every child has the loving, permanent home they deserve," she writes. Read More

Columbus, OH — The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is proud to announce an expansion of its signature program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids®, to find adoptive homes for children in Nevada’s foster care system. Through a unique public-private partnership with the State of Nevada and The Adoption Exchange, 12 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids adoption professionals will serve youth over the age of nine, children with special needs and siblings who have been waiting in foster care the longest. Read More

Born into a family in which she suffered years of abuse, Ellie missed three years of school before being placed in foster care as a teenager. Her journey changed when she was adopted at age 19 through the Foundation's Wendy's Wonderful Kids program. In May 2020, she graduated from high school virtually, surrounded by her loving family. Read More

Portland, OR — The Scott family finalized their adoption of three siblings, with support from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and Wendy's Wonderful Kids adoption recruiter, Edna Green. "Even during this pandemic, we had something glorious happen," says Edna. Read More

Indianapolis, IN — Rita Soronen and Wendy's Wonderful Kids adoption recruiter, Tasha Rihm, spoke with Fox 59 News about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth in foster care. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, Rita says, "Don't stop the process. This is the best time to continue to get information." Read More

Rita Soronen spoke with Rob Harter, host of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, to share how the Foundation is working to find adoptive homes for the rising number of children waiting in foster care. Read More

Cleveland, OH — In a conversation on WEWS News 5's COVID-216 podcast, Rita Soronen discussed how the Foundation is working to find adoptive homes for children in foster care who are living through the coronavirus pandemic without the stability and security of a forever family. Read More

Tonya spent six long years in foster care before she was adopted at age 12 through the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® program in North Carolina. She bravely agreed to share her story because she wants to inspire hope in other children who are still waiting to be adopted. “I’m glad that I have a family that actually wants me and loves me as much as I love them,” she said. Read More

As the world longs for social connection and leans on their families for support during the COVID-19 pandemic, children in foster care are particularly vulnerable. Here are five ways you can get involved during National Foster Care Awareness Month to ensure every child has a safe, loving home. Read More

Rita Soronen joined actress, singer and foster care adoption advocate, Jen Lilley, on her new Fostering Hope podcast. “How do we make sure that every child, not just some of the children, but every child, has the opportunity for a safe, nurturing and permanent home?” Rita asked. Jen and Rita encourage listeners to open their hearts and think deeply about getting involved. Read More