Becoming. Identity. Self-discovery. These are the words that come to mind for Olympic athlete Kenny Bednarek when he reflects on his life. A life that was made possible because of foster care adoption. Born in Oklahoma, Kenny was placed in foster care after experiencing abuse and neglect
South Carolina — Preston was placed in foster care after experiencing abuse as his biological mother struggled with substance use. After being in foster care for a short time, he was adopted by a family in Nebraska who moved to South Carolina. Sadly, the trauma that Preston had experienc
The Foundation originally shared Ellie’s adoption story in May 2020. We caught up with her in June 2024 to hear how having the support of a permanent, loving family has changed her journey. Utah – Born into a family in which she suffered years of abuse, Ellie missed four years of school before
The Foundation originally shared Maci’s adoption story in October 2018. We caught up with her in June 2024 to hear how having the support of a permanent, loving family has changed her journey. Florida – Adopted just 51 days before her 18th birthday, Maci had all but given up hope of having a l
Hannah, Senior Director of Ecommerce Site Merchandising at Carter’s, Inc., opened her home as a foster parent to Hayden. After fostering him for a year, Hannah adopted Hayden when he was 3 years old. The stability of a permanent family provided Hayden with the support and love he needed to thrive.
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 Ken, Jamar, Brian, James and Geffrey,
Jahmie grew up in a tumultuous environment, experiencing abuse, neglect and pervasive drug use that made his home unsafe. At 13, Jahmie was placed in foster care and separated from his siblings. He spent the next five years bouncing between different foster homes before aging out of the system at 18
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: Emilie, Harlow (sister) and Merriah. Merriah (a
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption welcomed more than 600 child welfare professionals to Columbus, Ohio, April 23–25, for the 2024 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® Summit. During this annual event, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiters and supervisors from across the United States and Canada come tog
Jane Waldman and her daughter, Elaina Braverman (adopted at age 3) I am Jane Waldman … an adoptive mom and a supporter of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the wonderful work the organization does on behalf of adoptive parents and children. I am passionate about advocating for adoption as
