Lending a Hand When Our Cohearts Need it Most

By MDW Flight Attendant Angelo Salvador

Loving People, supporting each other and our communities, and putting our Heart in action are all ways Southwest Employees cultivate our Culture of caring! One of the most meaningful ways we support our Southwest Family is through the Southwest Airlines Employees Catastrophic Assistance Charity (SWAECAC). The SWAECAC provides Employees with a place to turn for financial assistance during a catastrophic event. Since its founding in 1990, the Charity has awarded more than $16 million in catastrophic assistance and support— making a difference in the lives of thousands of Southwest Employees!

The storm hit on September 28, 2022. Hurricane Ian made landfall on the barrier islands of Sanibel, Captiva, and Ft. Myers Beach, Fla. These areas were some of the hardest hit, experiencing absolute devastation. The hurricane then came inland to Cape Coral and Ft. Myers, where my family and I were directly affected. At the time, my wife and I stayed with my parents in Cape Coral because they’re elderly and disabled and couldn’t evacuate. Mine, my parent’s, and my in-law’s homes sustained significant damage. As a result, I stayed with my parents for an extended period since their caregivers weren’t available. There was no electricity, and a boil water notice was in effect for the area.

As an Employee, I was aware of the Southwest Airlines Employees Catastrophic Assistance Charity; however, it didn’t occur to me to ask for assistance until my wife suggested it. I applied through SWALife and received a grant that helped us through the difficult month. My wife wouldn’t be able to work for the foreseeable future, and the grant helped us tremendously as we recovered from Hurricane Ian.

I’m grateful for the support of my Onboarding Supervisor Judy Scofeild-Scott and MDW Assistant Base Manager Ginny Bona as they took the time to talk with me, reached out to make sure we were ok, and allowed me to get home and stay here as needed. I’d also like to thank everyone that keeps the SWAECAC going. Something like this wouldn’t have been available at my previous employer. It’s another reason why I’m thrilled to be at SouthBEST Airlines! I’ve felt LUV from day one.

If you’re experiencing financial hardship due to a catastrophic event, I encourage you to apply to the SWAECAC!

The SWAECAC is Here to Help!

The SWAECAC supports Employees through the following forms of assistance:

Personal Hardship

Support for those personally impacted by a crisis/event, such as illness, injury, medical needs, loss of life, domestic violence/abuse, etc.

Natural Disaster Urgent Assistance

Immediate assistance with basic needs/necessities (e.g., temporary housing, food/water, alternate/temporary transportation, clothing) resulting from a natural disaster.

Disaster Recovery

Support for those recovering from the impact of a natural or home disaster, such as severe weather, hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, wildfire, or home fire.

To learn more or to seek assistance, visit SWALife >Life & Career >Employee Giving & Support >Catastrophic Assistance.

We Need Your Help!

The SWAECAC wouldn’t be possible without you, as the majority of funds come from Employee payroll deductions and every contribution, starting as little as $1 per paycheck helps. To start making a difference in the lives of our Fellow Employees in need and make a recurring or one-time contribution, launch Workday Voluntary Deductions >Select “Voluntary Deductions” and then “Add” >Select Deduction “Catastrophic Charity.”