Hear from the Winners: Employees Share Their Stories

Abbott
“My daughter Amy was almost 11 years old when she joined our family. At first it was a difficult transition for her and my two other daughters due to cultural and language differences. Fortunately, through Abbott's benefits and workplace flexibility, I was able to take extra time off and then work from home, which allowed us to rebuild our family together. I also was able to talk to experienced counselors through Abbott's EAP – they provided valuable advice on how to ease the transition for an older child like Amy, and helped me keep my life balanced during the initial challenging months. Today, Amy is thriving – she has embraced our family and her new life. I'm thankful for the support that Abbott has provided to my family.”
– Alice McCaslin, Senior Financial Analyst
Photo: Abbott employee Alice McCaslin and her adopted children (from left to right) Jenna, Amy and Joy enjoy a recent winter day.

Bowen Engineering Corporation
Ed was a driving force behind Bowen Engineering’ s development of adoption benefit: “Having experienced the process of adopting a child myself, I had the pleasure of leading the steering committee that brought this benefit to Bowen Engineering. I know that our adoption policy will allow more people to achieve their dreams of becoming adoptive parents. Beyond the financial assistance that this benefit provides, excellent counseling is also provided, allowing prospective adoptive parents to fully understand the adoption process. Since welcoming our daughter into the family, my wife and I have become passionate about communicating the wonderful experience we had and continue to have. Bowen Engineering's adoption benefit is truly in alignment with the company's core value, “Have a genuine concern for others."
– Ed Storrs, Project Manager for Bowen Engineering
Photo:  Ed with wife Lori and sughter Elizabeth

Citizens Financial Group, Inc./RBS Americas

"My life would not be complete without my beautiful children. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to afford to adopt a child, but the bank's adoption assistance program has helped to make my dream of becoming a mother a reality. Citizens not only has helped me to achieve my professional goals, but my life goals as well. These unique benefits are part of what attract people to the company and make them stay. I always will be grateful to Citizens Bank for their assistance in building my family.”
– Nancy Copeland, colleague
Photo:  Adam, Kristina and Anthony

LSI Corporation

"Our decision to adopt a little girl could have been met with many obstacles. Instead, we were fortunate to have received encouragement, support and assistance in all aspects of our lives. Our family, our friends, and LSI were incredible in making our journey the adventure of a lifetime. In a time where the costs associated with adoption make it unattainable for many, it is truly a blessing to have the financial and moral support from one's employer. Adopting our little girl was one of the greatest experiences of our lives and we appreciate the help and compassion that LSI provided us. Thank you.”
– Kevin Kidney, employee

New York University

"The support I received from NYU when I adopted my daughter Olivia was unimaginable. It felt like I announced an addition to the family - the NYU family - as she was greeted with hugs and kisses by all. We were blessed with the opportunity to share this experience with everyone and pleasantly surprised that we would stand to benefit from valuable resources available through NYU when we adopted Olivia.”
– Norma Minguela, Legal Manager of Office of Legal Counsel
Photo:  Norma’s daughter, Olivia, on her birthday.

New York University

"The attitude at NYU is very supportive of families, parenting and adoption. Everyone I came in contact with was extremely understanding and helpful. The process to take advantage of NYU’s adoption benefits and resources was seamless. I was appreciative of the way I was treated and given the same information just like any new mom.”
– Marcia Thomas, Administrative Director

Subaru of America, Inc.

"Thank you for the opportunity to express my appreciation to my employer, Subaru of America, for the generous contribution that we received through their adoption assistance program. Subaru changed our lives by providing us the assistance to form our loving family. Subaru really cares about the quality of life for its employees and their families. We greatly appreciate Subaru's financial contribution.”
– Ken Money, employee
Photo:  Ken with wife AnneMarie and daughter OliviaRose

Timberland
“If anyone has ever wondered if you can love a child that is not your own by natural birth, let me tell you, you certainly can. We were asked to watch the daughter of a friend’s nephew. The minute this baby was in our arms, we felt our hearts tug. As time went by her biological parents went their own way and we could finally begin the adoption process. Timberland was very supportive, both emotionally and financially. Now she is with parents who love her completely and we are so blessed to have finally experienced the joys of adoption.”
– George Belanger, employee
Photo:  George with wife Jennifer and daugher Juleigh Mae

Time Inc.
“I am so grateful to Time Inc. There are so many things to worry about and consider when you decide to take the journey of adopting a child, not the least of which includes all the financial commitments as well as the time you need and want to take to bond with your new child. Both of these issues were put to rest by my Company. The generous adoption reimbursement benefit offered by Time Inc. truly helped alleviate most of the costs we incurred from our China adoption. With that help, my husband and I were able to truly focus on what was really important – our new, beautiful daughter!”
– Julie Pettinelli, Vice President, HR

Wendy’s International, Inc.
Brenda has worked for Wendy’s for 25 years. She and her husband adopted two siblings from foster care, Jimmy and Gina, then 9 and 10 years old. “Wendy’s adoption benefits were very important to us,” said Brenda. “Adopting from foster care was actually very affordable, but the need for time off was crucial. Wendy’s adoption leave allowed me to have the time off to bond with my children, to help them adjust to their new environment and to prepare for their new school. There are so many children out there who need a loving home, especially older children and sibling groups. Because people might be afraid of the expense and time involved in adoption, employers can change the life of a child by simply offering adoption benefits.”
– Brenda Overturf, Capital Control Coordinator
Photo:  Brenda with husband Ron and children Jimmy and Gina