Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

Chris and Alicia adopted seven children from #FosterCare, desiring for them to know that "they are loved and ... their lives have value and meaning." Together, the family of 12 enjoys family fun nights. On these nights, they play silly games, munch on pizza and ice cream and watch their favorite movies 🎥🍿🍕 📸: chrisjohnsondoz (IG)

Thank you, National Council For Adoption, for raising awareness of the need for adoption-friendly workplaces. Whether you are an adoptive parent, agency professional, HR manager or employee advocate, this session will provide valuable perspectives and resources to help your workplace better support adoptive families. This FREE training will provide 1 CE credit for social workers. Register today: https://lnkd.in/eVuUxXbc

Felicia, an employee at Bank of America, considered adoption for years. The opportunity finally presented itself when she and her partner, Ruth, were introduced to three sisters in need of a #ForeverFamily.  Felicia vividly remembers the instant connection she felt with the siblings and knew early on they were meant to be a family. After getting to know the sisters better, Felicia and Ruth decided to become their foster parents, and they officially became a family. Throughout the adoption process, Felicia turned to her employer for support. Bank of America offers a Family Planning Reimbursement Program, which helped Felicia with the legal fees associated with the siblings’ adoption. “An important part of Bank of America’s commitment to be a Great Place to Work is providing benefits and resources that support our employees during moments that matter, like becoming a parent,” said Kate Phillips, Head of Global Benefits. Read Felicia’s story: https://lnkd.in/gxgqn6e2

Kayla and her husband, Jerad, weren’t sure what their journey of becoming foster parents would bring. They certainly didn’t anticipate welcoming five children into their forever family! But a sibling group of five children, ranging from ages 2 to 13, captured their hearts. Now, four years later, Kayla shares her story to encourage other parents on their own adoption and foster care journeys. 📸: MakingTheMoffitts (IG) Read her guest blog: https://lnkd.in/gQWGTDhs

Samantha had yet to experience many childhood firsts in #FosterCare. Thankfully, her journey changed when she was adopted. “All of the things that we take for granted were like firsts for Samantha,” said Amy, Samantha’s adoption professional. “She just reminds you about what's important in life.” Read her story: https://lnkd.in/gvJbQbbt

Child welfare professionals: Tune in on January 16 for a FREE webinar to learn practical methods on how to empower youth in foster care. Dr. Sharrica Miller will share her lived experience over 12 years in the system, providing a powerful perspective on resilience, trauma-informed care and key strategies to transform a youth’s setback into future success. Register Now: https://lnkd.in/gVafNvcH

Being a child welfare professional can be a thankless job, but we see you – and the Foundation’s supporters see you. Here’s one of many messages of appreciation shared by the Foundation’s supporters this year: “Thank you for your commitment to finding safe, permanent, loving homes for children waiting in foster care. As an early childcare worker, I understand it is often a thankless job and burnout is easy. Please know the work you’re doing matters and is so important. You are so appreciated and supported for all that you do!”

Our founder, Dave Thomas, started an initiative advocating for adoption benefits in the workplace more than 30 years ago. Today, we continue this legacy by encouraging organizations to implement adoption and foster care benefits and providing a toolkit of resources to help organizations develop their benefit policies. Learn more about our Adoption-Friendly Workplace program and download our Adoption-Friendly Workplace Employer Toolkit ⤵️  https://lnkd.in/gSuswthr 

Freeze for this sweet news! ❄️ Frosty Key Tags are available now at participating Wendy’s restaurants and through their mobile app. At least 90% of every $3 key tag sold will go towards helping the Foundation ensure more children in #FosterCare have the best possible opportunity for a bright future. Thank you to the The Wendy's Company and their loyal customers for your support! Together, we can bring the hope and joy of a #ForeverFamily to more children waiting in foster care.

The 26th CBS special, Josh Groban and Friends Go Home for the Holidays, airs tonight, December 20 at 9 p.m. ET! Get ready for a special event full of uplifting #FosterCareAdoption stories and a chance to sing along with Josh Groban, Jennifer Hudson, James Bay and War & Treaty. Get your watch party ready and celebrate 26 years of impact 🍿 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gm_kjJBk