(NAPSA)—For more than half a million children in the U.S. fos- ter care system, the concept of a “forever family” may no longer be el 2emcee fs 25 bee i = aw 2 Lil just a dream—thanksto a pro- gram supported by a popular restaurant chain that, with its customers, is helping them find permanent, loving homes. Most children enter the foster care system through no fault of their own, often following abuse or neglect. Robert was one of these children—placed in foster care at the age of 5 after he was deserted by his parents. Robert spent two months on his own, looking after his little brother and sister, and over the next five years moved between foster homes, waiting for a loving family. Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, a A popular restaurant chain is working aggressively to help children in foster care find “forever families.” raise money that comes back to the community in the form of an direct-service, signature program experienced adoption recruiter whose primary job function is to execute aggressive, child-focused for Adoption, is working in all 50 states, the District of Columbia placing foster care children with adoptive families. of the Dave Thomas Foundation and Canada to movefoster care children like Robert into permanent families. Established by Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s and an adopted child, the Foundation concentrates on finding adoptive families for children in the foster care system. “We asked adoption agencies across America what was preventing them from moving children from foster care to permanent homes. They told us they do not have adequate time or resources to focus exclusively on these children,” said Rita Soronen, execu- tive director of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. “Ours is a proven program that demands results, accountability and quality service on behalf of the children who need us most.” Wendy’s restaurants and their customers around the country programs targeted exclusively at With the help of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, Robert founda loving, adoptive family with Elaine, a devoted foster mother now caring for seven adopted andfoster sons. Robert struggled when he first entered Elaine’s home at the age of 10—he had been through a lot and didn’t know whether this home would be any different. After earning Robert’s trust, Elaine helped him make remarkable progress. Now 18, Robert’s grades are up. He is thriving in his new, stable environment. Over the past two years, the program has helped more than 1,100 children like Robert be matched or adopted. With the generosity of community members across the country, the organization will continue to help many thousands of children find forever families.
