Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

As Kenny Bednarek prepares to hit the track tomorrow for the Big Race, many may not know the path that led him there. As a young child, he was placed in after enduring abuse and neglect.

Thankfully, Kenny’s journey changed when Mary adopted him at 4 years old. Over time, Kenny realized how his early years in foster care shaped him. Running became more than a sport ... it became his way of overcoming difficult emotions, ultimately leading him to the world's biggest athletic stage.

Kenny is partnering with the Foundation to help raise awareness about the urgent need for foster care adoption. Learn more about his inspiring journey to becoming an Olympian: https://www.davethomasfoundation.org/dtfa_kennystory/

August is .

When you include the Foundation in your estate plan, your generosity helps to advance our mission to dramatically increase the number of adoptions of children waiting in foster care.

Learn more about how you can create a life-changing legacy: davethomasfoundation.myplannedgift.org/

The support young people receive from their families is crucial to their success in the classroom and beyond. A new national survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption found that nearly 9 in 10 Americans received support from a parent while in school.

The Foundation believes every child deserves the best possible opportunity for a bright future with the guidance of a permanent, loving family. Share this post if you agree ❤

Read more survey insights: www.davethomasfoundation.org/survey-parental-support-is-vital-to-childrens-educational-success-in-k-12-and-beyond/

Become a monthly donor to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption by July 31, and your first THREE gifts will be matched, up to $10,000! Your monthly commitment helps sustain the Foundation’s life-changing work to find permanent and loving homes for children in foster care who are too often overlooked.

Help us reach our goal of 100 new monthly donors! And if you set your monthly donation at $25 or more, you will receive a special tote bag as a token of our appreciation!

Every dollar makes a difference - : https://bit.ly/DTFA_July2024

More than 30 years ago, our founder, Dave Thomas, led an initiative advocating for better in the workplace. To him, it was just “the right thing to do.”

Learn more about our Adoption-Friendly Workplace program and download our Adoption-Friendly Workplace Employer Toolkit: www.davethomasfoundation.org/library/adoption-friendly-workplace-employer-toolkit/

Gather a group and get outside this August! Register today for the 2024 Run for Adoption, hosted by Wendy's and presented by Pure Life US, benefiting the Foundation’s mission. Complete the virtual event anytime, anywhere between August 9-25. Your participation can help find a permanent home for a child lingering in .

Learn more and register: bit.ly/2024_frosty5k

Are you or someone you know interested in ? View our free step-by-step guide to learn how to make a difference in the life of a child ❤️

Get started: www.davethomasfoundation.org/library/finding-forever-families-a-step-by-step-guide-to-adoption-us/

Each year, more than 20,000 children age out of , left without the support of a permanent family.

Even if you are unable to adopt at this time, you can help to raise awareness of the urgent need for .

Share one of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s posts with your friends and family to make a difference.

After 15 years in , Rhianna was adopted into her . Now, with the support of her mother, she is full of confidence and hope for the future.

“I know that I have people that are actually going to be there for me,” said Rhianna.

Read Rhianna’s story: www.davethomasfoundation.org/rhiannastory/

Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Finding loving, permanent homes for children waiting in foster care.

We have some sweet news! 🍦

On July 24 and 25, Toft's Grand Scoop in Columbus, OH, will generously donate 10% of all sales to support the Foundation in finding forever families for children lingering in .

Did you grow your family through ?

Share your with us: bit.ly/DTFAstory

Evie was adopted into her with Chris and Reina ❤️

Three years ago, when the couple became foster parents, they did not know where their journey would lead.

“All we knew was we had lots of love and a bed for a child in need,” said Chris.

Evie was placed in their home two years ago from foster care.

“It’s been an amazing journey to see how far she’s come in her development since she moved in two years ago. We’re so happy we could get her out of the foster system and give her a forever home,” said Chris.

📸: chris_cuthill (IG)

Ernesto spent eight years in due to neglect. During his time in care, he felt anxious that he would never be adopted. Thankfully, Ernesto was placed with Jeff and adopted at the age of 13.

“When I got adopted, I can actually express my feelings and talk about them. Not having to move or going to other places, it feels relaxing.”

Read Ernesto’s story: www.davethomasfoundation.org/ernestostory/

Are you interested in ? Visit our Financial Resources for Adoptive Families webpage for support throughout your .

Learn more: www.davethomasfoundation.org/library/financial-resources-for-adoptive-families/

Thanks to the support of her employer’s , Deneen, a Fifth Third Bank employee, adopted her daughter and son.

“I want to give others who might be in a similar situation hope that you can grow your family. Family does not only occur genetically; whichever way family comes to you, it’s a miracle,” said Deneen.

Congratulations, Fifth Third Bank, for being recognized as a 2024 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace.

Read more: davethomasfoundation.org/FifthThirdBank_AFW2024

Have you heard? The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is making headlines 📰

This year, we encouraged social change through inclusive , raised awareness of the urgent need for and more.

Share a news story with a friend: www.davethomasfoundation.org/media-center/in-the-news/

Media Center Stay updated with inspirational stories of impact, news and highlights from the Dave Thomas Foundation by checking out our media center.

Are you 72 or older? Turn your IRA Minimum Distribution into a life-changing gift to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Your donation will help find forever families for children who have been lingering in foster care the longest.

Learn more: davethomasfoundation.myplannedgift.org/give-from-your-ira

On July 12 from 5-10 p.m., Somewhere in Particular Brewing will generously donate $1 of every pint sold on their patio to benefit the Foundation’s mission.

Enjoy making a difference for children in !

For five long years in foster care, LaShauna waited for the security and stability of a . Thankfully, with support from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, she was adopted by Ashley and Tim.

The couple provided the love and care that LaShauna needed, opening her world to many firsts.

“It was the first time she’d had her own room and her own space … It was a great way to show her that, you know, you’re a part of this family equally,” said Ashley.

The Foundation celebrates the firsts made possible for children through . Learn more about our life-changing work: davethomasfoundation.org

Inspired by the powerful true story, SOUND of HOPE: The Story of Possum Trot, follows Donna and Reverend Martin as they lead members of their church to provide permanency, safety and love for the children waiting in .

Thank you, Angel Studios, for shining a light on this important story of foster care adoption.

Learn more: www.angel.com/hope

On her fourth birthday, Everli Mae was officially adopted into her ❤️



📸: smokey4568 (IG)

We have shake-tastic news! We’ve teamed up with The Yard Milkshake Bar in Columbus, OH, to help raise life-changing funds for children in foster care who need our help the most. Right now, customers can round up their total to the nearest dollar, and 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s mission. With just a few cents, you can make a difference. Thank you, The Yard Milkshake Bar, for your partnership!

Congratulations, American Express, for being a 2024 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace 👏

Organizations like American Express are leading the way in making and a supported option for every working parent.

Survey scores are based on financial reimbursement, paid leave and employee eligibility.

See the full list:
www.davethomasfoundation.org/library/2024-100-best-adoption-friendly-workplaces-list

Adoption-Friendly Workplace Our Adoption-Friendly Workplace program helps employers implement benefits and recognizes workplaces supporting employees who adopt.

We are grateful for everyone who contributed to the success of last month’s Crooked Can Carnival benefiting the Foundation’s mission! to Crooked Can Ohio, event sponsors and all who attended. Your incredible support allows us to keep serving the longest-waiting children in ❤️

More than 30 years ago, our founder, Dave Thomas, made the commitment to help find loving, safe and permanent homes for the longest-waiting children in . We are honored to carry on his legacy.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Thomas! ❤️