An Evening of Hearts and Hope; Families Thrive Gala

An Evening of Hearts and Hope

Families Thrive

Creating Connections. Changing Futures.

At Families Thrive, we believe every child deserves a safe, loving home. Through compassionate and therapeutic foster care, adoption, and family support services and programs across New York state, we help youth and families build lasting bonds, heal together, and thrive as one.

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Families Thrive

Wendy's Wonderful Kids 2025 Heart Gallery Video

The 2025 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Heart Gallery highlights children across New York State who are waiting for permanent, loving adoptive families. Each photo offers a glimpse into their personalities, strengths, and hopes for the future.

2025 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Heart Gallery
A diverse family

Families Thrive

An Evening of Hearts and Hope

Our 2026 Gala, An Evening of Hearts and Hope will be held on November 7th and the Irondequoit Country Club. Tickets and Sponsorships are available now.

News & Events
white and gold heading for a gala event

Building Forever Families Through Adoption

Families Thrive

Adoption is more than a placement—it’s a lifelong commitment to love, stability, and belonging. At Families Thrive, we guide children and families through every step of the adoption journey, creating lasting connections that turn hope into home. Whether reunification is no longer possible or a child is waiting for their forever family, we work to ensure each adoption is rooted in compassion, preparation, and support. Together, we build forever families where children can heal, grow, and truly thrive.

 

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Additional Programs & Services

Families Thrive

At Families Thrive, we understand that every family's journey is unique, which is why we offer a wide range of additional programs and services to meet diverse needs. From trauma-informed parenting workshops and ongoing training to support groups, respite care, and youth mentoring, our services are designed to empower both caregivers and children. We provide individualized guidance, educational resources, and connection to community supports to help families navigate challenges and build strong, lasting bonds. Whether you're just beginning the foster or adoption process or have years of experience, we're here to walk beside you every step of the way.

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Wendy’s Wonderful Kids

Families Thrive

Families Thrive is proud to be a participating partner in the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® program, a signature initiative of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

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Coached Visitation

Families Thrive

Coached visitation is a supportive service designed to help birth parents build and strengthen their relationship with their children when reunification is the goal.

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Family Team Meetings

Families Thrive

Family Team Meetings are a collaborative, family-centered approach that brings together parents, caregivers, caseworkers, and support professionals to create a unified plan for a child’s well-being.

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SSAFE

Families Thrive

The SSAFE (Social Support for Advancing Future Endeavors) program at Families Thrive is designed to support youth aging out of the foster care system as they transition into independent adulthood.

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Licensed to Love Podcast

Families Thrive

What does it really take to open your home—and your heart—to a child in foster care? Licensed to Love is the podcast for future foster and adoptive parents who want to understand the foster care system, build trauma-informed parenting skills, and create safe, loving homes for children who need them most.

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Lauri McKnight and Veronica Black

Help Support Our Mission Today

Families Thrive

Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of children who need it most. Your donation ensures that every child has the chance to thrive in a nurturing, stable home environment. Donate today, and help create a future filled with hope, love, and possibility. Donate Now and be the reason a child finds their forever family.

Donate Today
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An Evening of Hearts and Hope

News & Events

Our 2026 Gala, An Evening of Hearts and Hope will be held on November 7th and the Irondequoit Country Club. Tickets and Sponsorships are available now.

An Evening of Hearts and Hope
white and gold heading for a gala event
white and gold heading for a gala event

Learn More About our 2026 Gala Here!

Families Thrive

Interested in sponsoring? Or donating an item for our auction? Or just want to buy a ticket and enjoy the fun? All information can be found here.