A Fresh Start
Adoption marks a huge milestone in the lives of all who experience it. More than 16,000 children and youth adopted from foster care through the Foundation’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® program now have a loving, permanent family who will be by their side through life’s joys and challenges.
Some of these youth have found creative ways to mark this milestone that symbolize the fresh start adoption brought to their lives. Whether changing their name, redecorating a room of their own for the first time or exploring a new hobby or opportunity, we’re celebrating their new beginnings ❤️
When Marisol was adopted after spending 14 years in and out of group homes, it felt like a dream come true. She was thrilled to be with her forever family, but she felt like her name carried the weight of all she had endured.
“My name brought so much trauma … I didn’t feel like that was me,” Marisol shared. “It was a new beginning, and I was getting a new family, siblings, a mom, a dad … this is a new chapter in life for me to change my name and better myself.”
The name she chose has an extra special meaning for her and the rest of the family. Around the time of Marisol’s adoption, her parents Edwin and Heather had a biological daughter.
“Marisol is the baby’s middle name, and I picked that as my first name,” she added with a smile. Being a big sister is one of Marisol’s greatest joys.
DeMarion’s life was filled with uncertainty before he was adopted by Kamesha. With her love and support, he welcomed a new era of his life and chose to change his name to mark the occasion.
“Family means everything to me. I have never felt so loved or accepted. After adoption, I feel like I have purpose. I feel like my mom is guiding me to make healthy, safe choices. I am so blessed,” he shared.
For Bridgett, adoption marked the first time she had a room of her own. With help from her parents and brother Jacob, Bridgett decorated her room with shelves to display her trophies from track and cheer, a vanity to get ready every day and plenty of her favorite color — pink. Now, her room is a safe haven where she can unwind and be herself 🩷
Before adoption, Merriah felt invisible. Being adopted by John and Emilie broadened her view of herself and all that she is capable of. When Merriah’s family encouraged her to choose hobbies that bring her joy, she knew what would be right at the top of the list.
“Dancing was the first thing I did that — it was something I always wanted to do. I love music. I play a variety of different instruments. And so when they did present me with the opportunity of being able to pick a hobby or pick something I could do, I definitely jumped to dance right away. And it is something I thoroughly enjoy.”
Athanial and his brother Levie were adopted into the same family. Now, they get to grow up and make special memories together, and adoption has opened doors to new opportunities for both of them.
Their mom Kristine shared, “We signed Levie up for hockey because he’d always wanted to play. We signed Athanial up for a soccer team, because he had never been able to play a sport.”
Jordan was adopted with his siblings Isaiah and Sophia after being separated for years in foster care. As he moved into his new family, his Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter, Anna, helped him explore his love of music.
“She literally got someone to give us a piano for Jordan … and he’s been doing great at piano,” his dad Shane shared. Jordan continues to excel as a musician, now playing both piano and the French horn. He’s even considering becoming a band director one day.
You can make a difference for youth still waiting for their forever family right now. Explore ways to get involved and join our caring community that makes stories like these possible.
