As we embrace the season of gratitude this November, we at Pine Tree Legal Assistance are reminded of the incredible impact of our work and the strength of the communities we serve. With the support of our dedicated staff, volunteers, and generous donors, we continue to fight for justice, ensuring that individuals living in poverty have access to the legal protections they need. Whether helping clients escape abuse, securing housing stability, or defending basic rights, we are honored to be part of so many meaningful journeys. As we reflect on the lives we've touched, we are deeply grateful for your continued support, which makes our work possible. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the pursuit of justice and equality.

This month, we are especially reminded of the transformative power of legal support. As we assist clients in securing protection orders from abuse, we see firsthand how the law can provide a vital sense of strength, security, and peace. Two clients reflect on their experiences: 

These powerful reflections remind us of the profound impact legal support can have on individuals facing difficult and dangerous circumstances. Each success story reinforces our commitment to fighting for justice and ensuring that those who need help the most are never left without a voice. The strength and resilience demonstrated by our clients inspire us every day, and we are honored to be part of their journey toward safety and peace.

Our Incredible Team: Behind Every Success

Our staff is the heartbeat of Pine Tree Legal Assistance, and their dedication makes all the difference. The expertise, compassion, and commitment they bring to every case extend beyond legal victories – they provide the emotional support and encouragement clients need during challenging times. A client who turned to us for assistance with a student loan issue shared:

Words like these serve as a powerful reminder of the profound impact our team has on the lives of those we serve. It’s not just about resolving legal issues—it’s about ensuring people feel supported, understood, and empowered every step of the way. Each positive outcome, whether in the courtroom or through personal support, reflects the unwavering dedication of our staff and the tangible difference we make in the lives of Maine people. This, in turn, strengthens our commitment to advocating for justice and equality for all.

The Resilience of Our Clients: Heroes in Their Own Journeys

We are continually inspired by the strength and determination of our clients. Their unwavering resilience is the foundation of the success stories we celebrate, and we are honored to play a role in their journeys. One former client recently reached out after several years to express how our support had made a lasting impact on her life:

Her heartfelt message serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of our work. We are truly grateful for the chance to help our clients transform their lives and honored to witness their growth and success along the way.

A Time for Gratitude and Reflection

As we embrace this season of gratitude, we encourage you to reflect on the many contributions of those around us. Let us take a moment to honor the legal protections that defend justice and dignity, the compassionate staff who support Maine people through their most challenging times, and the courageous individuals whose strength and perseverance inspire us all.

Your support has already made such a meaningful impact, and we ask you to continue standing with us in our mission to create a more just and equitable world. With your continued partnership, we can do even more to transform lives and bring hope to those who need it most.

Together, we can make a lasting difference—and for that, we are deeply grateful.

Our clients are the heart of everything we do,

and you are the driving force behind our ability to serve them. 

Your support is crucial in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their economic circumstances, has access to the same safety and legal protections.

Thanks to you, we’re able to create more happy stories to be thankful for—



helping people stay housed, opening doors to job opportunities for low-wage workers, protecting vulnerable community members from abuse, amplifying voices that have long been unheard, and breaking down the barriers to justice for those in Maine facing poverty.

The fight for justice moves forward, and it’s because of you.

Members of the Maine Bar can support PTLA’s work by donating to the Campaign for Justice, a special collaborative fundraising effort by

Maine’s legal community to support legal aid.

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What brought you to Pine Tree and how long have you been here?

"I worked in New York representing tenants in eviction and warranty of habitability cases before I started at Pine Tree in 2017 and I and feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of such an amazing organization. When I first moved to Maine, I attended a tenants' rights training in Lewiston presented by two Pine Tree attorneys, Maureen Boston and Jill Hunter, and they were so passionate and knowledgeable about the work they were doing, I immediately felt inspired to learn more about Pine Tree. The breadth of work Pine Tree does to increase access to justice in Maine, and the opportunity to directly serve so many clients and learn from a talented group of people, really spoke to me. As part of the pro bono team, it's also been moving to witness the commitment and dedication of so many Pine Tree volunteers who show up and make a difference day after day, even when they have jobs and other responsibilities. It's been extremely rewarding to be a part of the Pine Tree community."

Where is your favorite place in Maine?

"It's hard to pick one, but I would say Sandy River Beach in Jonesport is among my favorites. The beach has fine sand and clear water and there are usually very few people around. It's the best place I've found in Maine for an ocean swim."

What are some hobbies you enjoy outside of work?

"We're big women's soccer fans at my house so watch a fair amount of NWSL and USWNT soccer. I also like playing soccer and tennis, reading short stories and other fiction, running/walking on trails, and coming up with creative projects to do with my 6 year old. I'm also trying to embrace the process of learning to play the ukelele but I would not call that a hobby just yet."

All of us at Pine Tree Legal Assistance have much to be grateful for, most of all for the many people who are sources of light for us, especially at this darkest time of year. I'm grateful for our brave clients, wise Board of Directors, generous supporters, kind partner organizations, dedicated volunteers, and talented staff.

 Thank you all, more than words could say. 

On behalf of the entire team at Pine Tree Legal,

we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support.

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