Skip to content
Keeping you & your loved ones SAFE when you need it most.
Straightaway Assistance Fund for Employees
SAFE program logo: Straightaway Assistance Fund for Employees, featuring two stylized blue hands encircling SAFE.
Financial assistance for all.

The Straightaway SAFE Program

At Straightaway Tire & Auto, we know that life can throw unexpected challenges your way. That’s why we’ve created an employee care fund—to provide financial support when you or your family need it most. With two options available, direct grants and charitable grants, these funds are here to make sure you’re never facing hardship alone.

Learn More About Our Direct Grant
Direct grant program.

Because Hard Times Shouldn’t Mean Harder Choices

Eligibility for Assistance

Find Out if You’re Eligible for SAFE Program Assistance

The SAFE program, a 501(c)3 organization, is designed to support those who have been part of the Straightaway family, offering help when unexpected financial hardships arise. Current Straightaway employees, their family members, and former employees employed within the last 12 months can apply for assistance. Family members of former employees may also qualify, as long as the employee left in good standing and was not terminated for misconduct.

Qualifying Hardships

This program covers a range of financial difficulties you or your family may face.

Helpful Financial Support When You Need It Most

Financial hardships come in all shapes and sizes, which is why we don’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you’re facing an unexpected home loss, a major car repair, or a family emergency, this program is here to help with up to $5,000 for qualifying situations.

  • Loss or damage to a home due to natural disasters, such as a fire, flood, or other unforeseen events
  • Major vehicle repairs, including transmission or engine replacement
  • Unexpected sale or foreclosure of a rented home, resulting in displacement
  • Rental housing deemed uninhabitable or condemned
  • Financial strain due to illness, injury, or medical expenses
  • Financial hardship caused by a spouse’s job loss
  • Victim of a crime, including robbery, burglary, or identity theft, leading to financial distress
  • Death of a close family member, including a spouse, parent/in-law, child, or associate
  • Necessary travel expenses to attend the funeral of an extended family member
  • Educational expenses for undergraduate, graduate, or technical programs not covered by employer funding
GoFundMe fundraising page showing over $322K raised, featuring donate and share buttons for supporting a cause.
Charitable grant program.

Lifting Others Up & Making a Difference That Matters

Our Charitable Grant Program is designed to help make a positive impact on the lives of those in need by supporting community-driven causes. Whether raising funds for medical treatment, a local outreach project, or an urgent cause affecting someone in your network, this program amplifies your efforts. For every dollar you raise, we’ll match it with two dollars, up to $5,000, to further support your charitable campaign. It’s our way of helping you do even more good and make a real difference in the lives of others.

This program provides additional financial support for causes our direct grant options may not cover. If you or someone you know is leading a charitable campaign to support an important cause, our matching funds can help bring your goal closer to reality. With our Charitable Grant Program, you’re not just raising money—you’re raising hope, and we’re here to help make sure your efforts reach their full potential.

Apply to Our SAFE Program Today

Step 1

Submit Your Request

To apply for a direct grant, you’ll need to provide evidence of the expenses you’re requesting assistance with, such as a quote, invoice, or bill for basic living or funeral expenses. Requests can be submitted online via the link below.

Request Form Here

To apply for pre-approval for a matching grant, submit your request using one of two methods. Requests can be submitted online via the link below. You’ll need to provide details about the event, along with an overview of the fundraiser.

Request Form Here
Step 2

Application Review & Support

Once your request is completed with all required documentation, someone will reach out within 48 hours to assist you and begin processing your application. You’ll receive a notification of your grant approval or decline within 72 hours. If additional time is needed for review due to extenuating circumstances, you’ll be notified within 72 hours with an updated timeline.

Step 3

Decision Status

When assistance is approved, the applicant will receive funds directly from the foundation via check or transfer.

Donate to the Program

The SAFE program is made possible through the generosity of employees, corporate partners, vendors, and individual donors who believe in supporting those facing unexpected hardships. Employees can contribute through a one-time donation or set up a recurring payroll deduction to provide ongoing support.

Every donation, regardless of size, helps provide critical assistance to those in need. Want to be part of the mission? Click below to donate directly.

Meet the SAFE Board Members

The SAFE Board, responsible for reviewing grant proposals, is made up of a dedicated group of team members who are integral to our organization. Their expertise and commitment to supporting our mission ensure that each proposal is carefully evaluated and aligned with our goals. Together, they play a vital role in driving the success of our initiatives.

The SAFE Board, responsible for reviewing grant proposals, is made up of a dedicated group of team members who are integral to our organization. Their expertise and commitment to supporting our mission ensure that each proposal is carefully evaluated and aligned with our goals. Together, they play a vital role in driving the success of our initiatives.

A smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a white blazer sitting against a dark blurred background.Couple posing next to a red off-road vehicle on a rocky terrain under a cloudy sky.
Cameron Chernikow
Chief Customer Officer, SAFE President
Smiling person in a fleece vest with Straightaway Tire & Auto logo in an indoor setting.Person in black hoodie on a wooden bridge in a forest, with a flowing stream in the background.
Tony Bottiglio
Vice President of HR, SAFE Secretary
A person with long gray hair, sitting outdoors on a bench, wearing a dark blue shirt with yellow and blue text.A person with long gray hair, sitting outdoors on a bench, wearing a dark blue shirt with yellow and blue text.
Richard Vietz
Village Autoworks, SAFE Treasurer
Portrait of a man wearing a black polo shirt with a logo, standing in front of a gray brick background, smiling slightly.Portrait of a man wearing a black polo shirt with a logo, standing in front of a gray brick background, smiling slightly.
Michael Bueno
All County Automotive
Smiling man in a black collared shirt against a neutral background.Smiling man in a black collared shirt against a neutral background.
Jim Ellis
Auto Care Plus
Smiling woman with long hair at a sports stadium, wearing an orange and blue outfit, seated in a row of blue chairs.Smiling woman with long hair at a sports stadium, wearing an orange and blue outfit, seated in a row of blue chairs.
Brooke Moore
EAS
Smiling woman with long dark hair in a black blazer stands outdoors against a backdrop of green trees.Smiling woman with long dark hair in a black blazer stands outdoors against a backdrop of green trees.
Julia Matt
Victory Auto Service
Smiling woman in a beige top at a restaurant, with a blurred male figure beside her. Warm lighting sets a cozy atmosphere.Smiling woman in a beige top at a restaurant, with a blurred male figure beside her. Warm lighting sets a cozy atmosphere.
Emma Fearing
Village Autoworks

SAFE Sponsors

Back To Top