As we embrace the renewal that spring brings, we reflect on how your support has blossomed into significant impact, a journey characterized by both challenges and meaningful victories. Thanks to your unwavering commitment, we have made substantial strides in advocating for the well-being of individuals and families across Maine.

We celebrate the lives we have touched, the legal battles we have fought, and the partnerships we have nurtured. Each success story serves as a testament to our community's strength and unity. Your generosity fuels our passion and propels us forward as we navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

Celebrating Your Impact

In the past year, you have made a profound impact by preventing homelessness for 1,798 households, enabling families to remain in their homes and create stable environments for their loved ones. Together, we were also able to secure an astonishing $3,733,036 in income, savings, and benefits for our clients, empowering them to access essential resources and regain control of their lives.

Additionally, our commitment to supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault culminated in successfully obtaining over 360 new or extended protection orders. These legal measures are critical for providing safety and empowerment to individuals facing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence, helping them escape harmful situations and build secure futures.

Your Support in Action

We want to highlight the exceptional work of one of our advocates, Pedro Vázquez, based in our Portland office. In a challenging Social Security case, Pedro represented a young woman who had been wrongly deemed no longer disabled despite being officially recognized as such for nearly a decade.

At the hearing, Pedro’s skillful representation and compassionate approach addressed the complexities of her situation and alleviated her anxiety. He made sure her voice was heard during the fast-paced proceedings, culminating in a favorable decision from the Administrative Law Judge. This victory restored her access to vital benefits, offering her financial stability and support in managing her health challenges.

Pedro’s thoughtful approach resonated with both the judge and our client, empowering her with dignity and hope for the future. This inspiring outcome exemplifies how your support fuels compassionate advocacy, transforming lives in our community every day.

Navigating Challenges

We celebrate these successful services amidst significant challenges that persist. Many of our clients continue to face the pressures of the affordable housing crisis and economic instability. Our entire community, including our clients, is grappling with uncertainties about how rapid federal changes will affect their lives. At the same time, Pine Tree Legal Assistance is facing its own financial uncertainties, with several funding sources at risk of depletion or elimination. 

These times can feel uncertain. However, with your support, Pine Tree Legal Assistance remains dedicated to championing the rights and needs of Maine residents who face hardships. Our commitment has never wavered, and with your continued support, we are well-equipped to navigate these challenges and continue making a positive impact in our community.

Looking Ahead

Last year, you supported legal work on 7,372 cases for individuals and families in need of help. Our advocacy efforts encompass a wide range of services, from providing essential legal information and advice to offering full legal representation in court and administrative hearings.

Of the 6,173 cases we closed in 2024, 37% (2,716 cases) involved full legal representation, with 96% of those cases resolved favorably for our clients! These statistics highlight the unwavering dedication of our team and underscore the significant impact of committed legal advocacy in upholding individuals’ rights across Maine.

Thank you for your unwavering support, which has been crucial in our efforts to transform lives and foster justice within our community. Sustaining this essential work relies on individuals like you, and we are so grateful to have you standing beside us in our Pursuit of Justice in 2025.

What brought you to Pine Tree and what did you do before?

'I admire the commitment to the mission of providing access to justice. My legal career has focused on serving marginalized folks.'

What are some hobbies you enjoy outside of work?

'Outside of work, I engage in spaceflight image production, STEM education, microsatellites, horticulture, and aviation activities.'

What do you like to study and learn about?

'I am fascinated by the growth of plant life aboard the International Space Station. I have been involved in a number of microgravity experiments involving legumes and have shared the opportunity with students in our community.'

If you could pick one song to play every time you enter a room, what would it be?

'Days of Wild by Prince & The Son of Flynn by Daft Punk.'

What was the first thing you bought with your own money?

'The first thing I bought w cash I earned was a synthesizer keyboard at 13 years old.'

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

'Transdimensional travel.'

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.

While the number and pace of changes described in the news over the last few months may feel disorienting, Pine Tree remains grounded in two things that have not changed. Many people in our communities need legal help in order to meet their basic needs for safety, housing, economic stability and dignity. And the Pine Tree team is made up of many people and supporters committed to equal access to justice, the ideal that our laws protect us all no matter who we are or how much money we have.

Together, we are holding strong to that ideal and putting it into practice in communities and courthouses statewide, just as Pine Tree has done since 1967.

Thank you all for helping make this work possible. 

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