Each year the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) recognizes the nation’s top 100 employers that offer the best adoption benefits to employees.
This year, America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU) ranked third in the Small Business category, and 76th among all employers nationwide by overhauling its adoption benefits package for employees.
Even amidst the uncertainty brought about by the global pandemic, ACCU has not wavered in its commitment to placing vulnerable children in forever loving homes -- for its members and employees alike. In fact, during 2020 ACCU has also received commendations from the National Council for Adoption, Christian Alliance for Orphans, and Global Orphan Project.
Since 2008, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has compiled an annual list of the 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces to honor employers who set the pace in providing workplace adoption benefits. The rankings, compiled by DTFA are from an annual survey of U.S. employers, and determined by an analysis of each company’s adoption benefits -- including the maximum financial reimbursement -- and the amount of paid leave provided for employees who adopt. To view the full list, visit davethomasfoundation.org/AFW.
More than 25 years ago, Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s®️ and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, led an initiative advocating for better adoption benefits in the workplace. The Foundation, committed to dramatically increasing the number of adoptions from foster care, has carried that legacy forward through its signature Adoption-Friendly Workplace program and 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list.
“Congratulations to all the organizations on this year’s list, and thank you for your commitment to supporting employees who grow their families through adoption,” said Rita Soronen, President & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. “You are making a difference in the lives of thousands of waiting children who need the stability and support of a permanent family now, more than ever.”
America's Christian Credit Union established a workplace program in order to support employees looking to foster and adopt children. “We are grateful to the Dave Thomas Foundation for recognizing the work of others to support the cause of orphans. We believe every child deserves a forever family and will continue to support the work of the Dave Thomas Foundation in their tireless efforts to serve vulnerable children,” said ACCU President and CEO Vicki VannBerstein.
In addition to workplace benefits, ACCU also encourages its employees to volunteer at numerous foster and adoption events throughout the year as part of their “Building Stronger Families” initiative. Volunteer opportunities include local Department of Child and Family Services events to provide information to potential foster parents, adoption finalization events with local courthouses, financial education programs for foster youth at local colleges and universities, and donating to clothing and supplies drives benefiting foster youth. Several ACCU executives also serve as board members and advisors to ministries, adoption agencies, advocates and lobby groups supporting at-risk and foster children and families.