Our Mission

Washington Appleseed advances social justice by bringing together volunteer lawyers and community partners to develop systemic solutions to community needs.

Our History

Washington Appleseed is part of the Appleseed Network. The network is an affiliation of 16 non-partisan and nonprofit organizations across the United States and Mexico working to identify and address injustices in their communities. Appleseed Centers work to build a just society through education, legal advocacy, community activism and policy expertise, addressing root causes and producing practical solutions.  As one of the nation’s largest legal pro bono networks, Appleseed Centers work both independently and collectively, bringing their own experiences to create local solutions that are nationally relevant.

In 2004, the Appleseed Network approached major law firms in Washington State about founding a local chapter in Washington State. Perkins Coie LLC acted early to donate office space. Sue Donaldson acted as local incorporator and the founding board of directors accepted control of the nonprofit on June 6, 2005. The new Washington State chapter of the Appleseed Network shares the national mission, promoting systemic policy change, using the joint power of citizen advocates and pro bono attorneys.

Our Accomplishments

In just five short years, Washington Appleseed has helped to improve the lives of our communities’ most vulnerable individuals. Here are a few selected examples of how Washington Appleseed has made a difference:

• Washington Appleseed has helped over two hundred families gain permanent access to affordable housing through the YWCA of Snohomish County.
  
• We have educated nearly 400 low-wage workers about their eligibility for vital work supports.
  
• We have helped thousands of unbanked households access financial services and assisted hundreds of families avoid foreclosure through the Bank on Seattle-King County program.