Straightaway Tire & Auto Launches Employee Assistance Program for Unexpected Hardships

April 25, 2025
Funding for the program comes from a combination of Straightaway funding, vendor sponsorships, and voluntary employee donations.

Straightaway Tire & Auto has launched an employee assistance program to provide financial relief to team members facing unexpected hardships, as shared in a recent press release.

The Straightaway Assistance Fund for Employees offers direct grants of up to $5,000 for scenarios including housing emergencies, major vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and educational pursuits not covered by employer funding.

The board overseeing the program is made up of representatives from each of Straightaway's five founding brands, alongside platform leadership, the company said.

Funding for the program comes from a combination of Straightaway funding, vendor sponsorships, and voluntary employee donations. The company is also offering a 2:1 match of up to $5,000 for employee-led fundraising efforts.

Current employees, their family members, and former employees who left in good standing within the past 12 months from any of Straightaway’s over 65 locations across 7 states are eligible to apply for SAFE assistance.

“We created the SAFE Foundation to invite participation from a wide range of partners who share our belief that supporting people during times of hardship is simply the right thing to do,” said Cameron Chernikow, chief customer officer & president of the SAFE board. “As we launch the SAFE Fund, we're especially highlighting to our vendor community in particular how meaningful this initiative is to us and that this is an important part of doing business with Straightaway, and we’re incredibly thankful and encouraged by the support we’ve received thus far.”

About the Author

Ratchet+Wrench Staff Reporters

The Ratchet+Wrench staff reporters have a combined two-plus decades of journalism and mechanical repair experience.

Sponsored Recommendations

View insights, research and solutions curated specifically for shops like yours.
Our dedicated Valvoline Trusted Advisor Sales and Support Team provides hands-on classroom and targeted in-store coaching to help your employees become more skilled at selling...
Increase Sales and Customer Traffic To Your Store(s).
Reinvigorate your team and business success behind Valvoline's proven strategy that helps separate your business from competitors and create meaningful growth in sales and customer...