November is National Adoption Month — a special time to celebrate families that have grown through adoption and raise awareness of the thousands of children in foster care across the United States and Canada who are waiting for someone to step forward to adopt them. Youth like Merriah, w
Texas — At age 6, Kenya was placed in foster care due to abuse and neglect. After lingering in care for nine long years, she worried she would never have a permanent family. “At one point, they said that I was going to max out in foster care, and I didn’t want that,” shared
Toronto, Canada — At just 2 months old, Rhianna was placed in foster care due to neglect. She spent 15 years of her life waiting for a permanent family, feeling terrified for the future. “I didn’t feel like anybody would want me,” shared Rhianna. “I never really celebrated my birthday because inste
Michael has been a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® adoption professional at the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services since 2018. Among his peers, Michael is known for his positive attitude and unique ability to build lasting connections with the young people he serves. The Dave Thomas Found
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
During the 2023 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® Summit, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption recognized Anna, a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter from Orchard’s Children Services in Michigan, as a Recruiter of the Year. Anna is an advocate and a source of hope for the children she serves. Pictured:
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
Tennessee — Placed in foster care as a young child, Likisha lived a life in and out of care. Pregnant with her first child at age 16, she was also struggling with poverty, homelessness and trying to escape domestic violence. By 19 years old, Likisha was working hard to give her children the best lif
More than 600 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® recruiters and supervisors, speakers, supporters and Foundation staff gathered in Columbus, Ohio, for the 2023 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Summit, May 9–11. Hosted by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the event offered opportunities for collaborating and shari
