- Nov
- 14
- 2018
Northwell supports and celebrates National Adoption Awareness Month
When Susan Mateer, AVP for executive compensation, married Mark Bardolf, she found herself with an instant family. Moving to Levittown with Mark’s 12 year-old daughter, Deirdre (shown far left), Susan felt blessed – yet still had the desire to make her new family that much more special.
“I wanted to build our family through adoption. Once our journey began we met so many supportive groups and individuals. In addition to agencies such as Heart Gallery of America and Rainbow Kids, I also found a valuable resource right here at Northwell,” shares Susan.
Northwell’s Adoption Assistance Program provides full-time employees, with at least one year of service, a one-time, tax-free benefit of up to $5,000 per family for costs directly related to the adoption of a minor child (this is in accordance with IRS guidelines for domestic or international adoption).
“In 2009 we adopted our son, Jesse, from Russia, followed by our daughter, Mia, from China in 2012. Adopting these two terrific kids changed the way my husband and I see the world.
In loving partnership with my step daughter, Deirdre, and other family members, we celebrate both of their cultures and remain very connected to Jesse and Mia’s birthplaces.
I volunteer as an adoption advocate and always happy to share my hope and inspiration with others who may be skeptical,” says Susan.
If you’re interested in the Adoption Assistance Program, call the HR Service Center at 516-734-7000. The policy and application can be found on the employee intranet > myHR > Forms and Applications > HR Employee Forms.
There are so many children – both domestic and foreign – that need a forever family. And Northwell is here to help.
We’d love to hear your comments!
Adoption is definitely a beautiful thing. I am blessed to be a mother through adoption. I am also grateful to Northwell for the adoption assistance program. Adoption is very emotional and expensive experience and that grant was extremely helpful.
I adopted three children. all from the United States and all with some form of “special needs”. Through adoption. I have learned the beauty and importance of family !
Adoption provided my daughter with the family she needed at a time in my life when I was unable to provide it. Although I am sad that I was not able to provide what she needed. I am very proud to be a Birthmother.
I am currently in the process of adopting my foster son. He is only 1 years old. It was unexpected, but he is one of our biggest blessing.