Stories

We heard our children’s stories – how they were in and out of care, frequently separated due to “difficult behaviors,” and the fact most homes weren’t open to that many children. Diagnoses, labels and stories were scripted for our kids, making it more difficult to find a home where they could stay together. Read More

Jerry, a Registered Nurse - Acute Care at Prisma Health, dreamed of becoming a parent for years. When he and his wife decided to grow their family through adoption, his employer supported him through adoption benefits. Read More

Over the years, the federal government has enacted several laws intended to advocate for the needs of every child in foster care. This blog includes highlights of laws, which may not be familiar to everyone in a child’s village. Read More

There’s a common saying that “it takes a village to raise a child,” within the foster care system it could not be more true. Dive into a child's village during their time in care and learn how each one supports their journey to find legal permanency through 5 practical steps. Read More

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption believes that every child deserves a permanent family and the best possible opportunity for a bright future. Read stories from youth who, after lingering in foster care for years, can now focus on their futures with the stability and security of a permanent home. Read More

For five long years, Zach moved between his family of origin and foster care with no permanent place to call home. Fortunately, his journey changed when he was adopted at age 11 through our Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. Read More

Placed in foster care when he was 7 years old, Conner spent nearly half of his life longing for a permanent place to call home. Fortunately, Conner was adopted at 12 years old by James and Jayme through the Foundation’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. Read More

Tonya spent six long years in foster care before she was adopted through the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program in North Carolina. She bravely agreed to share her story because she wants to inspire hope in other children who are still waiting to be adopted. Read More

A survey commissioned by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption shows how heavily children in the U.S. rely on their parents for educational success, highlighting a major barrier for youth lingering in foster care. Read More

Kenny Bednarek is an American track and field sprinter and two-time Olympian competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics. He recently spoke with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption about his experience being adopted from foster care and how his journey has made him who he is today. Read More