This is a bittersweet moment as I transition out of my role as Executive Director at MA Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. While keenly aware of the work that still lies ahead, I am so proud of all we have accomplished together and grateful for the trust and support given to me over this […]
It is with a mixture of profound gratitude and sadness that we announce Deborah Silva’s upcoming departure as Executive Director of MA Appleseed Center for Law and Justice on December 6, 2024. We will miss her unparalleled commitment to the pursuit of justice for all, but are proud of the legacy she leaves behind and […]
The formal legislative session ended in the early morning hours of August 1st and while few bills ultimately made it across the finish line, we saw progress on a number of vital policies. First, Access to Counsel was included in the FY25 state budget, with $2.5 million included to establish a statewide pilot program! Supported […]
In the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) where children may be removed from their families, the consequences of language barriers can be profound. Limited English proficient parents are deemed noncompliant and uncaring when, because critical documents and information are only provided in English, they simply do not understand the steps they must take […]
Boston, MA — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court made its decision in the historic Johnson v. Grants Pass case, allowing cities to punish people with no choice but to sleep outside for using things like pillows, blankets, or cardboard boxes to protect themselves from the elements and dealing a devastating blow to the civil rights […]
The end of the formal legislative session is fast approaching, and we need to make the most of these final weeks! The legislature is currently considering two major bills: the economic development bill and the housing bond bill. Key amendments to these bills filed by our legislative champions in the State House have given us […]
We celebrated a major victory in 2022 when the CROWN Act was signed into law, establishing civil rights protections against natural hairstyle discrimination to prevent the over-policing and surveillance of Black and brown girls as young as five years old. But we cannot stop now – just a few months after the passage of […]
Honoring Yasmin Ghassab, Compliance Director at Vertex Pharmaceuticals On Thursday, April 11, MA Appleseed held its 2024 Good Apple Award Reception at the Boston Harbor Hotel to celebrate and honor Yasmin Ghassab, Compliance Director at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. A civic leader, a pro bono champion, and a steadfast advocate of diversity and inclusion, Yasmin’s dedication to […]
From members of the staff to dozens of volunteers, MA Appleseed is proud to be led by so many remarkable women. This Women’s History Month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of our exemplary board members, Carolin Hetzner, Senior Manager of the Court Service Centers, Massachusetts Trial Court! Sharing her insights, advice, and […]
Earlier this month marked Joint Rule 10 Day, the deadline for legislative committees to take action on bills and a pivotal moment as we learn which of our legislative priorities have a chance to get passed this session. Four outcomes are possible for each bill: Reported out favorably: The bill advances in the legislative process. […]