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
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
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
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
Arizona — Johnathan and Patty were placed in foster care due to neglect as their biological mother struggled with drug addiction. Scared for their future, Johnathan vividly remembers the night they were removed from their house. “It was just me and my little sister,” said Johnathan. “I was pre
If The Walls Could Talk – TV
The teen featured in this TV PSA bravely shared their lived experiences prior to being placed into foster care. If the Walls Could Talk aims to shine a light on the circumstances from which children are removed and placed into foster care. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption works tirelessly to
Dan, an employee of Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV), and his wife, Jayne, vividly remember the 4 a.m. phone call they received that forever changed their lives. They had been waiting for that call for years since deciding to grow their family through adoption. A baby girl had just been born and w
Jonathan and Megan with their four children, Elizabeth, Julia, Aiden and Cody Jonathan, a Director for Patient Data Solutions for Janssen, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, and his wife Megan, began serving as foster parents seven years ago with the goal of supporting successful reunifications
Amy Chang is a mother and content creator based in Los Angeles, California. Her beauty platform is focused on wellness and helping women look and feel their best. Adopted as an infant from South Korea, Amy was placed in the foster care system again when she was 10 months old before being adopted by
New York At just 8 years old, Brianna was placed in foster care, after experiencing years of abuse and neglect. The youngest of six children, Brianna was separated from her siblings, including her oldest sister, Amanda. “When you go into foster care, you’re like, ‘I don’t know what
