Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

Adoption had been in Justin and Lacie’s hearts for years, even before they met in college. Support from Justin’s employer, Robins & Morton, allowed Justin and Lacie to make their shared vision of growing their family though adoption a reality ❤️ “It is hard to truly express what it means for your employer to support your adoption efforts, but I think it communicates that they truly care about you as an individual ... outside of your professional career and obligations,” Justin shared. Thank you, Robins & Morton, for helping to make stories like these possible. Does your organization offer adoption and foster care benefits? These benefits can make a world of difference for families like Justin’s. Download our FREE Adoption-Friendly Workplace toolkit to learn more about how to get the conversation started: https://lnkd.in/eYdsubSr

The Foundation is excited to share that more than 1,000 children have been adopted from foster care in the state of Kentucky through our Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program and partnership with the Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “In 2017, the Foundation took on a national scaling effort of our WWK program. Kentucky was one of the first states to sign on and step up. We are grateful for the work they are doing in their communities and the 45 dedicated child welfare professionals who are finding forever families for children who have waited the longest,” said Foundation President & CEO Rita Soronen. “This partnership is only possible because of the shared vision of the state of Kentucky and the Foundation that every child deserves a family.” “We are deeply grateful to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and to every Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter, supervisor and partner who helped make this milestone possible,” said Lesa Dennis, commissioner, Kentucky Department for Community Based Services. “Surpassing 1,100 youth achieving permanency through adoption, guardianship or reunification is a testament to the power of child-focused recruitment, the dedication of Kentucky’s Regional Permanency Branch and the commitment of teams across our state working tirelessly for children who have experienced trauma. As we observe National Adoption Month this November, we celebrate these young people and the families who opened their homes and hearts, and we renew our commitment to ensure every child in Kentucky has a safe, loving and permanent family." Thank you to those families in Kentucky who opened their heart and home to foster care adoption, like Justin and Kasey who adopted a sibling group of four. Learn more about the Foundation’s mission and how you can get involved at https://lnkd.in/eEXSHgM

Save the Date! 🗒️The 20th annual Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace survey will be open from January 5 – April 6, 2026. We hope you’ll join us and participate! Offering adoption benefits can be life-changing for employees who choose to grow their families through adoption, and the survey can be completed in 15 minutes or less 🕒 Plus, NEW in 2026, participating organizations will have the opportunity to earn certifications, including Certified Adoption-Friendly Workplace and Certified Foster-Friendly Workplace, to demonstrate their commitment to current and prospective employees. Register now to receive a reminder to complete the survey when it opens: https://lnkd.in/ddx-_UTg

Jason dreamed of becoming a dad for years 💭 With support from his employer, Verisk Analytics, Jason’s dream came true ❤️ Paid time away from work and flexibility offered by his team made a world of difference as he stepped into his new role as a father. “My daughter deserves a dad who fights for her and pursues what he loves. I didn’t have to make the unthinkable choice between a family and a flourishing career,” Jason shared. Thank you, Verisk, for helping to make stories like these possible. Does your organization offer adoption and foster care benefits? These benefits can be life-changing for families like Jason’s. Download our FREE Adoption-Friendly Workplace toolkit to learn more about how to get the conversation started: https://lnkd.in/gpfSjgii

You’ve probably heard of an Adoption Assistance Program – these voluntary programs provided by employers can include financial reimbursement for expenses related to adoption, paid parental leave for adoptive parents and more. But did you know the Foundation offers a FREE resource that includes a sample Adoption Assistance Program and many other helpful resources to make adoption benefits a reality at your workplace? Download your copy today: https://lnkd.in/gpfSjgii

According to a study commissioned by the Foundation and conducted by The Harris Poll, 68% of Americans say that adoption benefits like employer-provided paid leave and financial assistance impact their decision to adopt. Organizations recognized on our 2025 Best Impact breakout list recognize the importance of these benefits for employees who choose to grow their families through adoption. The list includes companies with more than 1,000 employees in the United States that provide the largest overall reimbursement for adoption costs to the largest number of employees. Join us in celebrating these 2025 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces and the incredible impact they are making 👏 NVIDIA Bank of America Comcast KPMG US Capital One Microsoft Fifth Third Bank Mayo Clinic Trane Technologies Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. Get the conversation started at your workplace with our FREE toolkit. Download it here and get access to sample policies, media releases and more to help your organization implement best in class benefits: https://lnkd.in/gpfSjgii