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Ryan and his wife adopted their son, Nikola, from Bulgaria with support from Ryan’s employer, NorthWestern Energy. As Ryan explained, in his experience, international adoption was a “hurry up and wait” kind of process. After completing the required paperwork and background checks, the family waited four years before finally getting the call they had dreamed of.

Ryan shared that Nikola’s adoption required two trips to Bulgaria. Their first trip was the first time they met their son. “It was the most beautiful moment … our hearts were soaring; we cherished every minute,” Ryan said. When it was time to embark on their second trip, their two other children traveled with them, and the entire family was able to celebrate Nikola’s adoption together.

“I would say the financial aspect of the adoption is the most challenging. We are so thankful to NorthWestern Energy. They gave us $20,000 to help cover the cost of our $80,000 adoption. This was a huge help in the process of bringing our boy home,” Ryan said.

He added that parental leave and flexibility with his schedule were also critical in making Nikola’s adoption a reality. After waiting such a long time, once they received the call, Ryan had to arrange travel and time away from work quickly, and NorthWestern Energy accommodated that need.

“We have been home with Nikola for three years now, and I would do it all over again to be this little boy’s family,” Ryan said. “Adoption is a true gift.”

Congratulations, NorthWestern Energy, for being recognized as a Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace and for helping to make stories like Ryan’s possible.  

Does your organization offer adoption and foster care benefits? Download the Foundation’s free Adoption-Friendly Workplace toolkit to get the conversation started. For organizations already offering these benefits, register to participate in our annual survey.