Foundation Launches Wednesday's Child Adoption Program in Philadelphia

March 24, 2004 — The Freddie Mac Foundation, NBC 10 and the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) announced today the Delaware Valley area launch of the Foundation’s signature Wednesday’s Child, an Emmy Award-nominated televised program. Through this innovative program, the Foundation has teamed with the local news station and child welfare organization to find loving, permanent homes for children in foster care who are considered hard-to-place.

NBC 10 Anchor Vai Sikahema is the newest host to join the Freddie Mac Foundation's Wednesday's Child family.

The Delaware Valley launch of Wednesday’s Child was announced at an event today that included Mayor John Street and Commissioner Joan Ohl, as well as child welfare officials and providers from the region. Philadelphia joins Washington, DC; Atlanta; New York; Los Angeles and Chicago as the sixth member city of the Freddie Mac Foundation Wednesday’s Child family.

“We’re thrilled to launch this program in the Delaware Valley,” said Maxine B. Baker, President and CEO of the Freddie Mac Foundation. “Our experience teaches us that a significant number of the children featured on Wednesday’s Child will find a ‘forever’ family. The Freddie Mac Foundation has made finding permanent, loving homes a top priority, and I know we can help many of the Philadelphia region’s children find families who are waiting to love them.”

“Over the past few years, DHS has made tremendous strides in achieving permanency for the children in our care,” said Alba Martinez, Commissioner Philadelphia Department of Human Services. “Last year, we finalized 654 adoptions, an agency record, and with the added awareness we can raise through the Wednesday's Child segments, we look forward to eclipsing that number this year.”

Freddie Mac Foundation President and CEO Maxine Baker and Foundation Giving Director Cheryl Clarke (at far left and right) with Andrew, a child featured on Wednesday's Child Philadelphia. Andrew is also joined by his social worker (at back) and NBC-10 Anchor Vai Sikahema.

There are more than 7,000 children in foster care in Philadelphia, making the area one of the largest in the country in terms of foster children. Each week, during the Wednesday evening 5 o’clock news and Saturday morning 9 o’clock news, Wednesday’s Child will introduce local viewers to one or more of these children awaiting adoption. Hosted by NBC 10 Anchor Vai Sikahema, the segments give viewers a glimpse of each child’s interests, dreams and talents. Viewers who want to learn more about a child or children featured in the segments can call a special hotline at 1-866-DO-ADOPT, or access NBC 10’s website, or the national Wednesday’s Child website.

"This is an outstanding program, and I'm thrilled that NBC 10 has been selected to partner with Freddie Mac," said NBC 10 President and General Manager Dennis Bianchi. "Every child deserves a good foundation, and that begins with family. NBC 10 is committed to this program, and we look forward to helping to make a difference in the lives of many."

Nationwide, nearly 600,000 children are in foster care and 126,000 of those are available for adoption. Wednesday’s Child is a key tool in reaching the goal of providing a home for these children and promoting awareness about the need for adoptive homes. Since the program’s creation in 1992, it has succeeded in placing more than 600 children in permanent, safe and loving homes. In the past 12 years, the Foundation has committed nearly $13 million to Wednesday’s Child.

The Freddie Mac Foundation focuses on strengthening families by preventing child abuse and neglect, helping find foster children adoptive homes, and developing youth. In addition to sponsoring its signature programs—Healthy Families America, Wednesday's Child and J.C Nalle Community School—the Foundation supports the community by providing funds for various non-profit organizations serving children and their families.

The Philadelphia Department of Human Services is the City agency charged with protecting children from abuse, neglect, and delinquency; ensuring their safety and permanency in nurturing home environments; and strengthening and preserving families by enhancing community-based services. In partnership with community organizations, DHS provides services to strengthen the overall well being of Philadelphia children, youth, and families using a customer focused approach that is responsive to evolving community needs.

Read the press release.