Welcome to EASE

Emergency Assistance for Seattle Employees

We are pleased to introduce a new effort that will benefit City of Seattle employees. EASE was created to provide assistance to co-workers who experience an unexpected financial situation due to a catastrophe or crisis in their life. City employees will soon have a place to turn in times of great need - and we hope you join our efforts.

Our Mission Statement is "To provide support and financial assistance to City of Seattle employees and/or their immediate family in times of great need." EASE is self-supporting and funded by employee contributions. Donations are genuine acts of caring ... by employees ... for employees.

EASE is a dream come true.

On a trip, Junko Whitaker, a Seattle Public Utilities employee, had read about an Alaska Airline Employee Assistance Fund that was started by a pilot who wanted to help fellow employees. After reading about the program and inspired by the possibilities, Junko approached other City employees to discuss her interest in starting a program like Alaska Airlines.

In 2006, she formed a board of directors from departments across the City who also believed in helping fellow employees. Each member donated $100 without hesitation to create EASE, and together formed a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

"EASE is really a grassroots effort by those who saw a need and were willing to pursue establishing a fund to help those in great need," said Junko. "Employees are the City of Seattle's greatest asset, and EASE allows us to assist each other through direct financial assistance."

EASE is self-supporting and is funded by contributing employees, individuals and organizations.

A caring community giving to its employees in times of need.