EASE, an initiative of ACED, is the heartbeat of what we do. The idea was generated after longtime friend and donor Phil Oates saw the film The Blind Side. He wondered just how many other "Big Mikes" were out there and visualized a reality where kids like him, talented and driven, were given the opportunity of an excellent education that otherwise might not be afforded to them.

Founded in 2005, The Alliance for Compassion and Education Development - ACED (formerly known as Sacramento Valley Regional Care Coalition) has spent the past 15 years working with underserved youth. As a provider of wrap-around service and support, EASE is focused on and driven by the needs of brilliant and talented young minds who may have been given an unfair start in life.

EASE, an acronym for EMPOWER ADVOCATE SERVE EQUIP empowers students with a top-level education, full support & wrap around services, and provides a foundation that stabilizes their pillars of success. We aim to minimize and if possible, eliminate any environmental factors that would stunt their growth and development. In a partnership with the parent/guardian, a re-routed academic road map is offered to the student.