How The Alumni Emergency Assistance Program Started...

During the summer and fall of 2008, Fay Chapman and Lou Pepper spoke numerous times, and each time they found themselves reminiscing about the great bank they used to work for and the frustration they felt about what was happening to the company.  All of these conversations left them feeling... well… rather "grumpy."

When WaMu was seized by the Feds, they knew what extreme hardship that would cause many of the folks working there, which just added to their grumpiness!  So, reaching back to those long-held WaMu Corporate Values of integrity, kindness, caring and making our communities better places to live, they decided that they had been grumpy long enough and it was time to do something constructive. They, as with all the old WM alumni, were really concerned for the many folks left behind, especially those whose savings had been invested in the company's stock and wiped out by the bankruptcy.

They decided to see if there is some way to help those hurt the worst. They envisioned helping with unpaid medical bills and a variety of other needs. But, as they explored ways to make it happen, they found that help with some things is more difficult to administer than others. 

Teaming with other former Washington Mutual executives, a steering committee was formed  This steering committee has now created two avenues to help former Washington Mutual employees:

• The Washington Mutual Alumni Emergency Assistance Program

• The Washington Mutual Alumni Scholarship Fund

 Wellspring Family Services is helping the steering committee administer the the Emergency Assistance Program.

Wellspring Family Services is a Seattle-based charity that was supported by a number of Washington Mutual employees over the years.  As a result they are pleased to be able to assist the Washington Mutual family in this difficult time. Since 1892,  Wellspring Family Services has been a private, non-profit organization helping families achieve self-sufficiency. Their services have changed over the years, but their commitment to a stronger, healthier community has never wavered.