Keith’s childhood was filled with instability and uncertainty. Abandoned by his mother, Keith lived the first three years of his life in foster care before moving in with his biological father. However, due to neglect, Keith was placed back into the system at 14. Sadly, he spent the next several yea
During the 2024 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® Summit, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption recognized Amy, a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter with Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, as a Recruiter of the Year. Amy’s passion for achieving permanency for children in waiting in foster care is evid
The Foundation originally shared Maci’s adoption story in October 2018. We caught up with her in June 2024 to hear how having the support of a permanent, loving family has changed her journey. Florida – Adopted just 51 days before her 18th birthday, Maci had all but given up hope of having a l
Jahmie grew up in a tumultuous environment, experiencing abuse, neglect and pervasive drug use that made his home unsafe. At 13, Jahmie was placed in foster care and separated from his siblings. He spent the next five years bouncing between different foster homes before aging out of the system at 18
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption welcomed more than 600 child welfare professionals to Columbus, Ohio, April 23–25, for the 2024 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® Summit. During this annual event, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiters and supervisors from across the United States and Canada come tog
During the 2023 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® Summit, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption recognized Andrea, a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter with Raise the Future in Utah, as a Recruiter of the Year. Andrea is a passionate, diligent professional who has a special ability to connect with the childre
Growing up in Nova Scotia, Karen remembers vividly the day she discovered what she wanted to do when she grew up. She was 13 years old when she went to Wendy’s® for chili and a Frosty® and read about the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption-Canada on the food tray liner. Karen with her 2021 Wendy
During the 2023 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® Summit, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption recognized Anna, a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter from Orchard’s Children Services in Michigan, as a Recruiter of the Year. Anna is an advocate and a source of hope for the children she serves. Pictured:
Tennessee — Placed in foster care as a young child, Likisha lived a life in and out of care. Pregnant with her first child at age 16, she was also struggling with poverty, homelessness and trying to escape domestic violence. By 19 years old, Likisha was working hard to give her children the best lif
More than 600 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® recruiters and supervisors, speakers, supporters and Foundation staff gathered in Columbus, Ohio, for the 2023 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Summit, May 9–11. Hosted by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the event offered opportunities for collaborating and shari
