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
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:
Kentucky — For nearly two years, siblings Hailey, Jayden, Alexis and Jase lingered in foster care after experiencing abuse and neglect. They longed for a permanent place to call home where they could grow up together. That’s when Jayden bravely reached out to someone he trusted — his fifth-gra
From teaching their child how to ride a bike, to cheering them on in school activities, to sharing favorite hobbies, there is nothing like the heartwarming bond between a father and their child. Read some of the ways fatherhood has made an impact on the lives of Jamar, Brian, James and Geffrey, all
Ohio — At 6 years old, Ernesto (“Ernie”) was found wandering the streets, trying to find food. Not receiving the care he needed, he was placed in foster care and waited for a permanent home for eight long years. “I was a little stressed out because I’ve moved around, I think four or five
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
By Rita Soronen, President & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption There are no more critical voices in this business than those with lived experience. David Ambroz has a powerful voice and a compelling and very difficult story that he has shared in “A Place Called Home.” His rive
Having the support of a loving, forever family means everything to youth who once lingered in foster care. Read reflections from children served by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program and their moms. Pictured: Kim and Zach Zach (adopted at 11) and his mom K
In 2017, Mathew, an employee of Cardinal Health, and his wife Jessica became foster parents to a baby boy named Blake. From the moment the couple laid eyes on him, they knew he was meant to be part of their family. At 18 months old, Blake entered the couple’s lives, and they have been by his side ev
