A Life Impacted stories highlight the individuals and families whose lives are changed through the work of our investees. These stories offer a deeper look at how expanded access to opportunity can create lasting social and economic mobility.
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, a program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, helps children in foster care who face the greatest barriers to adoption—particularly older youth, siblings, and children with special needs — find permanent families. Adoption specialists, often referred to as “recruiters,” build trusting relationships with each young person in their care. The program is integrated into child welfare systems with the intention to secure a permanent, stable home with a consistent adult presence for every child, setting them on a path to opportunity.
In Ohio, where Wendy’s Wonderful Kids began more than 20 years ago, brothers Dylan and Caleb’s story exemplifies the life-changing impact of that work.
After their mother overdosed at home, the boys’ world fractured. They were separated, moved through numerous foster homes and group settings, and grew increasingly distrustful and guarded. Dylan, the eldest, worked to process his trauma. Caleb remained hesitant about adoption.
As supportive adults and stability came and went, hope itself began to feel risky.
Trent, their Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter, became their advocate and a dependable adult. Dylan described him not simply as a case worker, but as someone he “could trust as a human being.”
That distinction matters: older youth and siblings often need time, consistency, and repeated proof that a relationship will hold. Trent kept showing up—visiting, spending time, building connection—until what once felt impossible began to feel safe.
With Trent’s support, the brothers reconnected in their forever home with parents Kara and Aaron. They were adopted at ages 18 and 17. Dylan’s humor resurfaced. Caleb shed his armor and blossomed into a clever and emotionally intelligent young man.
They are now planning for their futures—saving money with the hope of eventually buying a house.