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 108,000 children currently waiting to be adopted from foster care in the United States, instead of focusing on school, they are concerned they may never have a permanent place to call home.
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption believes that every child deserves the best possible opportunity for a bright future. To date, more than 14,000 children in the United States and Canada now have a loving family with help from the Foundation’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® program and our caring community of supporters.
Young people, like Tonya, Isaiah, Kenya and Zach, are now thriving and have the freedom to dream big with the support of a permanent family. Read more of their stories below:
Tonya, adopted at 12
Tonya spent six long years in foster care. As time passed, she began to lose hope of ever being adopted.
But Tonya’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter, Tiffany, was determined to find the right family for her.
After Tiffany formed the connections, Kimberly and Brian welcomed Tonya into her permanent home through adoption.
“I’m glad that I have a family that actually wants me and loves me as much as I love them,” said Tonya.
After a successful high school career, she is continuing her education at her dad’s college alma mater, a family tradition.
Isaiah, adopted at 12
Isaiah spent more than three years in foster care, separated from his younger siblings. Growing up without his family and stability, he often felt anxiety about his future.
Through the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program, he was reunited at last with his brother and sister. Soon, the three children were adopted by Shane and Adrian.
Today, Isaiah enjoys traveling the world with his family, playing sports and growing up without the need to worry.
“I’m able to just be in my forever home,” said Isaiah.
Kenya, adopted at 15
For nine years in foster care, Kenya longed for permanency.
“At one point, they said that I was going to max out in foster care, and I didn’t want that,” shared Kenya.
Thankfully, her Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter, Chelsey, connected Kenya with her aunt Lekeitha. It didn’t take long to realize that Lekeitha would become Kenya’s forever family.
Fast forward to today, Kenya is full of hope and confidence for the future. She looks forward to college and plans to study veterinary medicine.
“I know I’m going to be a veterinarian because I have people by my side who’s going to help me,” said Kenya.
Zach, adopted at 11
Placed in foster care at the age of 6, Zach wondered if he would ever have a permanent place to call home.
“I felt alone in the world,” said Zach.
With the help of his Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter, Carol, Zach’s future forever changed. After five long years in foster care, he was adopted by Joe and Kim.
With his family’s support and guidance, Zach is now living out his childhood dreams of teaching.
“I always enjoyed school growing up; I worked hard and pushed myself to learn all I could,” said Zach. “But I can guarantee that if I weren’t adopted, I would’ve been a college dropout, maybe even a high school dropout. My parents supported my endeavors and pushed me when I fell short. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have my degree.”
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