The Foundation originally shared Tonya’s adoption story in May 2020. We caught up with her in August 2024 to hear how having the support of a permanent, loving family has changed her journey.
North Carolina – Tonya was born to a family where she suffered years of abuse and neglect. She lingered in foster care for six long years and began to give up hope that she would be adopted.
“I didn’t think that I would have a family, or anyone who would want to be with me,” shared Tonya.
Thankfully, her journey changed with support from her Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® adoption recruiter, Tiffany. Through the Foundation’s signature program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, adoption professionals work to find loving, permanent homes for children waiting in foster care. These recruiters use a child-focused recruitment model that is proven to be up to three times more effective at serving youth in foster care who are most often overlooked, including children with special needs, siblings and older youth.
Tiffany dedicated herself to finding the right family for Tonya.
“Tonya does not let her trauma or her time in foster care define her,” said Tiffany. “That speaks to who she is inside.”
In 2017, Tonya was adopted by Brian and Kimberly, and Tiffany supported the family every step of the way.
“Tiffany is like family,” shared Kimberly. “Seeing how passionate she was about the cause, it made us as passionate as she was.”
Brian recalled, “The day that it became official, I was happy for Tonya that she didn’t have to worry anymore. She knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she was going to be in our home.”
Tonya will always remember the day she was adopted as the most special day of her life.
“I’m glad that I have a family that actually wants me and loves me as much as I love them,” said Tonya.
An Update to Tonya’s Story
Tonya graduated high school and is continuing her education at her dad’s college alma mater, keeping with a family tradition.
“I have dreamed of being a social worker because I want to give back to the community that helped me find my forever home. I am forever grateful for all of those amazing people,” shared Tonya.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Tonya plans to continue her modeling career that began in high school.
“We are extremely proud of the young lady Tonya has become. We are eager to see her grow and succeed in life!” said Kimberly.
Having a permanent family by her side has given Tonya the hope and confidence she needs to become anything she wants to be.
Tonya’s story has a happy outcome, but thousands of children are still waiting to be adopted from foster care in the United States. You can help – visit our Get Involved page to discover ways you can make an impact for youth lingering in foster care.
