Ohio — Born with health challenges that required a triple organ transplant, Samantha was placed into foster care as an infant due to medical neglect. Her biological family was unable to care for her complex needs. And for the next 14 years, Samantha moved in and out of foster homes. Thankfully, ever
Wayne, a Customer Care Agent at Hilton Grand Vacations, and his wife have been fostering for years, opening their homes and hearts to children who need it the most. In 2019, a 10-month-old baby boy entered their home, and the couple developed a special bond with him. The priority of the
Six years ago, Beth, an external communications professional at nVent, and her husband, Andrew, began to wonder what their future family life would look like. With family members who had been foster and adoptive parents, the couple was aware of the urgent need. When Beth and Andrew obtained their fo
Texas — For more than three years, Isaiah, Jordan and Sophia lingered in foster care after enduring physical abuse and neglect as their biological parents struggled with substance use. The siblings bounced from house to house, often separated from one another. “When I was in foster care, I had a lot
November is National Adoption Month — a special time to celebrate families that have grown through adoption and raise awareness of the thousands of children in foster care across the United States and Canada who are waiting for someone to step forward to adopt them. Youth like Merriah, w
Texas — At age 6, Kenya was placed in foster care due to abuse and neglect. After lingering in care for nine long years, she worried she would never have a permanent family. “At one point, they said that I was going to max out in foster care, and I didn’t want that,” shared
Toronto, Canada — At just 2 months old, Rhianna was placed in foster care due to neglect. She spent 15 years of her life waiting for a permanent family, feeling terrified for the future. “I didn’t feel like anybody would want me,” shared Rhianna. “I never really celebrated my birthday because inste
Michael has been a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® adoption professional at the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services since 2018. Among his peers, Michael is known for his positive attitude and unique ability to build lasting connections with the young people he serves. The Dave Thomas Found
New York — Merriah was placed in foster care when she was 6 years old after enduring abuse and neglect. For nine long years, she moved between multiple foster homes and her mother’s home. As the years went by, Merriah lost hope that she would ever have a permanent family. “I didn’t thin
As young people head back to school this fall, many are excited about the new friends they will make or subjects they will learn. But for the more than 113,000 children waiting to be adopted from foster care in the United States, it may be hard to focus on school when they are worried they may have
