Rockland County Celebrates Adoption Month

NEW CITY, NY — County Executive Ed Day and Commissioner of Social Services Joan Silvestri announce Rockland County Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Children’s Services Unit is celebrating National Adoption Month for the 11th year in a row with Wendy’s in Nanuet and West Haverstraw on Nov. 16.

The annual event aims to increase awareness of the need for foster families.

Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, who died in 2002, was adopted as an infant. This experience had a lifelong impact on him and as a result he spent much of his life promoting the cause of adoption.

In 1992, he founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption based on his belief that every child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent family.

In honor of Thomas’ legacy, Wendy’s restaurants in Nanuet and West Haverstraw will provide free meals to foster and adoptive families in Rockland County on November 16th. The county said it appreciates the continued support from Wenesco Restaurants and owners Kevin Woodside and Phillip Anastos.

“We are grateful to Wendy’s for partnering with us for the 11th consecutive year to raise awareness of the need for caring and loving foster homes and to recognize the tireless efforts and compassion of our adoptive and foster care parents,” said Joan Silvestri, commissioner of the Department of Social Services.

Foster home recruitment is a key element to the success of adoptions in our diverse county. Over the past 11 years, 78 children in Rockland County have been adopted by their foster families.

“Fostering a child is an opportunity to make a real difference in a young person’s life,” said County Executive Ed Day. “It is truly a special gift for both you and the child; I urge anyone who has ever thought of being a foster parent to reach out to us and get more information.”

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a foster parent, please stop by Wendy’s in Nanuet or West Haverstraw from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, or visit our website.