This episode of Mississippi Stories features Marshall Ramsey, Mississippi Today’s Editor-at-Large, and Rita Soronen (President and CEO of The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption). Soronen is the national leader of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (a non-profit public charity) and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Canada (2004-2006). She works to find adoptive parents for the more that 150,000 children in North America’s foster homes. The Foundation’s grant-making has increased significantly under her leadership. She also developed strategic initiatives to address the urgent nature of the problem. The Foundation allocated $40.9 million in 2021 to grants and award-winning programs such as Wendy’s Wonderful Kids and Adoption-Friendly Workplace. The Foundation also raises awareness through social media campaigns, articles and sponsorships, as well as public service announcements. Marshall met Soronen while she was visiting Mississippi to announce a partnership between the Mississippi Department of Children Protection Services and Marshall. Marshall Ramsey talks with Joe M. Turner, magician and speaker, about growing up in Mississippi and Turner’s magic career.