Rita Soronen: President & CEO, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

Rita Soronen has been working on behalf of vulnerable children for decades and has been doing so for the Dave Thomas Foundation for many of those years. Today I spoke with her about why the work DTFA does is *so* vital right now — and what moves her to dedicate her life to this cause. You’ve heard of Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s restaurant? What you may not know is that he left a way more important legacy than hamburger’s when he died. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is the only public nonprofit charity in the United States that is focused exclusively on foster care adoption. It’s National Adoption Month and the reason I was so pumped to speak with Rita is because DTFA has found a way to get older kids adopted out of foster care at higher rates than in the past. This is an incredible accomplishment and so important for these kids, who too often linger in the system until adulthood, only to then suffer awful hardships like addiction, homelessness, depression and more. To move the needle for this demographic is a massive accomplishment and we need to get the message out there. Through their “Wendy’s Wonderful Kids” program, they are truly making a difference. Listen in and see how you can be a part of this important change. What we talked about: * Dave Thomas Foundation* Wendy’s Wonderful Kids* Children’s Rights* DC Family & Youth Initiative* Marian Wright Edelman* Just Mercy Connect with Rita & DTFA: * Facebook* Twitter (DTFA)* Twitter (personal)* Instagram Recent Episodes: * Bobbi McCormick: Letting God Lead When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned* Jess Ekstrom: CEO & Founder of ‘Headbands of Hope’ Paves the Way for Women* Stephanie Lobdell: Where is God in the Everyday Struggle? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices