Philadelphia, PA — In April, the Adoption Center (the Center) named Independence Blue Cross (Independence) a premier member on the Center’s first-ever Honor Roll, a list of more than 40 leading organizations that value building families through adoption.
Independence received recognition on the Adoption Honor Roll based on its comprehensive employee-assistance program that includes:
- financial reimbursement and paid leave after a child is placed, and
- on-going family support services with free, confidential counseling.
“At Independence, we have an unwavering commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve, and that includes helping our associates maintain a healthy work-life balance,” said Jeanie Heffernan, Independence EVP and chief human resources officer. “To that end, we are so proud to offer adoption assistance and adoption leave as part of our comprehensive associate benefits and services.”
The Adoption Center is a Philadelphia-based private non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the number of children who become members of permanent, adoptive families. They are children whose birth families are unable to raise them. Since its founding in 1972, the Center has become a leader in adoption and has helped to create more than 24,000 families.
“The Adoption Center congratulates Independence Blue Cross for its inclusion in our first Adoption Honor Roll,” says Ken Mullner, the Center’s executive director. “The benefits that extend to employees who are considering or are moving through their adoption journeys can often make the difference in whether or not they go on to adopt. It is such a milestone decision, and the support of an employer that understands and offers benefits is critical. We hope more companies will follow Independence’s example.”
Other companies on the Honor Roll include AT&T, Citizens Bank, Comcast, CVS Health, Ernst and Young, Mastery Charter Schools, PECO Energy Company, Target Corporation, Temple University, The Walt Disney Company, University of Pennsylvania Health System, and Urban Engineers.
Earlier this year, the Philadelphia Inquirer awarded Independence a Top Workplaces 2019 honor based on employee feedback. The anonymous survey measured several aspects of workplace culture, including how employees feel about company values and whether their job makes them feel part of something meaningful.
Media contact:
Kathleen Conlon
215-241-4576
Kathleen.conlon@ibx.com