Stories

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

Columbus, Ohio — The Foundation is proud to announce that its signature program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids®, has helped to find adoptive homes for more than 10,000 children in foster care across the United States and Canada since 2004. “Wendy’s Wonderful Kids helped me want to be adopted. It changed my life because I have a wonderful, loving, caring family who will always be there for me...” said Jace, an 18-year-old who was adopted through the program last year. Read More

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption-Canada welcomed John Mulvihill, Senior Director, Supply Chain Management at Wendy's Quality Supply Chain Cooperative, Inc. as a member of its board of trustees. "I am humbled to serve the Foundation’s mission to find loving, forever homes for children across Canada," said John. Read More

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption welcomed Laura Butrico as a member of its board of trustees. “I have always been moved by Dave Thomas’ quote, ‘These children are not someone else’s responsibility. They are our responsibility.’ I look forward to helping to place children waiting in foster care into loving and forever homes.” Read More