Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Amanda Weitz is a seasoned professional in communications and public policy, currently serving as the Manager of Business Development and Government Relations at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption since March 2022. Amanda's expertise includes managing relationships with governmental entities, analyzing child welfare policies, and crafting communications materials. Prior to this role, Amanda held positions in strategic communications and media relations at organizations such as the Ohio Arts Council, BroadwayWorld.com, and The Lantern, where notable achievements included significantly expanding digital reach and leading a student news organization. Amanda holds a Master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University and a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Chinese from The Ohio State University.
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national, nonprofit public charity dedicated to dramatically increasing the number of adoptions of children waiting in North America's foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s® founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs and builds awareness around the growing need and importance of foster care adoption in various ways. We also develop resources for employers and families to support the adoption journey. Through our signature program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, the Foundation provides grants to adoption agencies to hire and train recruiters in our child-focused recruitment model to find loving, permanent homes for children in foster care. This model is up to three times more effective at serving children who have been in foster care the longest, including older youth, siblings and children with special needs. The Foundation offers a free library of resources to help families navigate the adoption journey, such as Finding Forever Families: A Step-by-Step Guide to Adoption and Strengthen Your Forever Family: A Step-by-Step Guide to Post-Adoption. The Foundation also works to build awareness around the growing need and importance of adoption from foster care through public service announcements, social media campaigns, articles, events, sponsorships and more.