Blog
Discover more about our recent advocacy and the communities we fight for through our latest blog posts and media releases.
THE LATEST
Governor Signs Bill to Strengthen Oversight of Private Detention Centers in Washington State
OLYMPIA, WA — On Monday, Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1232 into law, establishing new state oversight over privately run detention facilities, including the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma and Martin Hall, a youth detention facility near Spokane....
2025 Imagine Justice Art Contest
Columbia Legal Services is excited to announce the Imagine Justice Art Contest. We invite all individuals who are currently incarcerated in Washington State to enter an original, 2-dimensional creation that reflects the theme My Community. My Home. - Highlighting the...
Bell v. DOC – Preguntas Frecuentes ACTUALIZADO
Última actualización: 21 de abril de 2025
Honoring a Legacy of Service
CLS staff and board wish a fond farewell to Brenda Carlstrom, a longtime CLS Community Board Member. Brenda has been with CLS since it’s inception when then Evergreen Legal Services split into two organizations – CLS (who would carry on the work that Congress...
Current & Recent Litigation
Columbia Legal Services (CLS) is engaged in multiple cases, at various stages of litigation, at all times. Our advocacy teams consist of lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants, and community engagement specialists working alongside communities impacted by the unjust...
2025 Imagine Justice Youth Art Contest
En Español Columbia Legal Services is excited to announce the annual Imagine Justice Youth Art Celebration & Contest. We invite all youth, ages 5-21, to enter an original, 2-dimensional creation that reflects the theme My Community. My Home. - Highlighting the...
Celebración y Concurso de Arte Juvenil de Imagina la Justicia 2025
In English Servicios Legales Columbia esta emocionado en anunciar la primera Celebración y Concurso de Arte Juvenil de Imagina la Justicia. Invitamos a todos los jóvenes, de 5 a 21 años de edad, a presentar una creación original de 2 dimensiones que refleje el tema Mi...
2025 Legislative Update: Protecting the Rights of Those Sheltering in Vehicles
Session Update! CLS advocates are working hard to advance racial and economic equity in Washington this legislative session. Here's an update from week six:FEATURED BILL Protecting the rights of people who shelter in their vehicles. HB 1240As the homelessness crisis...
Actualización Legislativa 2025: Protección de los Derechos de las Personas que se Alojan en Vehículos
¡Últimas noticias de la sesión! Los abogados de CLS están trabajando duro para impulsar la equidad racial y económica en Washington en esta sesión legislativa. Aquí hay una actualización de la sexta semana:PROYECTO DE LEY DE INTERÉS Proteger los derechos de las...
Bell v. DOC – Frequently Asked Questions UPDATE
Last Updated December 19, 2024.
CLS Moments of 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, we’re reflecting on a year shaped by both progress and profound loss. One of the hardest moments for us was the passing of our beloved HR Director, Allyson Fredricksen. Her kindness, wisdom, and steady presence were a gift to our...
Remembering Allyson
This year has been one of the most challenging years of my career, marked by significant loss and change. As I look back on 2024, I am so grateful for the compassion and support of my CLS colleagues and for the broader justice community in Washington and across the...