Rockland County is once again partnering with local Wendy’s restaurants to recognize National Adoption Month and raise awareness about the need for foster families.

For the 15th consecutive year, the Rockland County Department of Social Services (RCDSS) Children’s Services Unit will join Wendy’s locations in Nanuet and West Haverstraw on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, for an event honoring foster and adoptive families throughout the county.

As part of the celebration, the two participating Wendy’s restaurants will provide free meals to Rockland County foster and adoptive families in recognition of the legacy of Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted as an infant.

Thomas became a longtime advocate for adoption and founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992, based on his belief that every child deserves a safe, loving and permanent home.

The local restaurants are operated by Wenesco Restaurants, whose owners, Kevin Woodside and Phillip Anastos, are continuing Thomas’ legacy by supporting foster care and adoption initiatives in the community.

99 Rockland County Children Have Found Forever Homes

The annual partnership has helped bring attention to the importance of foster family recruitment and adoption throughout Rockland County.

According to county officials, 99 children have found their forever homes over the past 15 years with the assistance and support of community partners like Wendy’s.

“We are grateful to Wendy’s for partnering with us for the 15th 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 Patrick A. Frawley, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Social Services.

County Executive Ed Day also encouraged residents who have considered fostering a child to learn more about the opportunity.

“Fostering a child is a truly special opportunity to change a young person’s life,” Day said. He encouraged anyone considering becoming a foster parent to explore the process and discover the difference they could make in a child’s life.

Residents Invited to Learn About Becoming Foster Parents

In addition to honoring existing foster and adoptive families, the November 18 event will give residents an opportunity to speak with representatives and learn more about becoming a foster parent or navigating the adoption process.

Anyone interested in learning more is invited to stop by either participating Wendy’s location between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18.

Participating locations:

• Wendy’s Nanuet: 90 Route 59, Nanuet, NY
• Wendy’s West Haverstraw: 125 Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY

Residents interested in becoming foster parents can also find additional information through the Rockland County Department of Social Services at FosterRockland.com.

The annual event serves as a reminder that every child deserves a safe and loving home, and that becoming a foster parent can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.