Can you believe that 2020 is almost over? We sure can't. As we look back at this year, it simultaneously feels like 2020 just started, and also that it has lasted for 28 months.
January got off to a wonderful and busy start. We helped welcome the new Seattle University School of Law Incubator Program cohort. The Incubator Program is near and dear to our hearts, as we were participants in 2016. We spoke at the “Launching a Successful Practice” CLE where we offered tips on how lawyers can offer their services in a more accessible way. We had a full-day planning meeting where we talked about the fabulous things we were able to do in 2019, and the even more fabulous things we had in store for 2020.
In March we closed our physical office "for a few weeks" to try to help slow the spread of COVID here in Seattle. Nine months later, we're still working from home, and all of our meetings and court appearances are via phone or Zoom. While we're fortunate to have been able to easily transition to working from home, and to have safe spaces to do so, that wasn't the case for everyone. As soon as stay at home orders were issued, we saw a devastating increase in domestic violence.
In May, we participated in giveBIG! for the first time ever.
In July, we welcomed a new board member, the wonderful Amanda Hailey! We are beyond thrilled that she's joined our team!
In October, we hosted our second annual fall fundraiser. To say we were nervous is an understatement. Not only is running a fundraiser still pretty new to us, but we've never done so in the midst of a global pandemic.
Our line of work gives us a daily front row seat to the bad that exists in this world, and that can be a struggle even in normal times. In COVID times...yikes. But, our work also gives us countless examples of the incredible good that exists in this world. We see the unbelievable strength and resiliency of our clients, the fierce dedication of our team, and the incredible generosity of our supporters and donors. So, yes, 2020 has been a challenge, but we are also looking back on this year fondly, thanks to you fine folks.