Formerly the Public Defender Association, Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA) is a nonprofit organization that plants seeds for a world rooted in community and care instead of punishment and neglect. We work with people actively seeking to move past experiences of harm and injury, along with neighborhood and public partners. Through compassion and a harm reduction framework, we create and implement better responses to public health and safety.

Non Profit

Social Impact

Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA)

Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA)'s headquarters in Seattle, WA, United States

Tara Moss

Jacquelynn Loos

Ashley Dawson

Xiaorong Jajah Wu

Brenton Zachry

Brandi E. McNeil

Sam Wolff

Chevonna Gaylor

The Program Directors at Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA) lead and oversee various initiatives aimed at transforming public health and safety approaches through a harm reduction lens. They manage specialized programs like the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) and Civil Survival Project, collaborate with community partners, and ensure the integration of compassion and data-driven strategies in all endeavors. Their collective work aligns with PDA’s mission to foster a supportive and equitable society.

Program Directors

The Project Management team at Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA) coordinates and oversees various initiatives aimed at fostering community resilience and addressing public health and safety through compassionate and harm reduction strategies. They manage projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with PDA's mission of replacing punishment and neglect with care and support. The team also collaborates with public partners and individuals seeking to move beyond past harms, fostering a holistic approach to community well-being.

Project Management

The Clinical and Outreach Team at Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA) provides critical frontline support by integrating clinical care with proactive community outreach. They deliver immediate medical and psychological assistance, supervise case management, and work to establish trust and safety within communities, adhering to a harm reduction framework. This team collaborates closely with neighborhood stakeholders to design and implement responsive and compassionate public health and safety interventions.

Clinical and Outreach Team

The Legal Services Team at Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA) provides legal support and advocacy for individuals transitioning from experiences of harm and injury. Focused on reducing racial disparities and supporting harm reduction initiatives, the team offers legal expertise, coordinates legal internships, and collaborates with community partners to develop compassionate and effective public health and safety responses.

Legal Services Team

The Participant Support team at Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA) provides direct assistance and resources to individuals moving past experiences of harm and injury. Utilizing a harm reduction framework, the team offers personalized support to empower participants, fostering their well-being and aiding in their path towards stability and community reintegration.

Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA)

Org chart

Teams

Program Directors

Project Management

Clinical and Outreach Team

Legal Services Team

Participant Support

Offices

Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA)

Org chart

Teams

Program Directors

Project Management

Clinical and Outreach Team

Legal Services Team

Participant Support

Offices

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