About Byrd Barr Place
What is Byrd Barr Place?
Byrd Barr Place is a Seattle nonprofit fighting poverty and advancing equity since 1964. The organization was founded as the Central Area Motivation Program (CAMP) — part of the first generation of community-inspired organizations funded by the U.S. Economic Opportunity Act. CAMP renamed itself Centerstone in 2012 to reflect its broader mission, then became Byrd Barr Place in 2018 in honor of legendary Seattle civil rights leader Roberta Byrd Barr (the first woman and first African American principal at Seattle Public Schools' Lincoln High School in 1973, and moderator of the weekly TV program Face to Face from 1965–1972).
The organization's current mission, verbatim: "we are committed to transforming Washington into an equitable community where every Black individual and family has the resources and opportunities to thrive. Through bold advocacy and impactful programs, we dismantle barriers and create pathways to health, prosperity, and justice." In 2024, Byrd Barr Place celebrated 60 years of service.
Where will I work?
Byrd Barr Place is located at the historical Firehouse 23 in the Central District of Seattle — 722 18th Avenue, Seattle WA 98122. The organization offers a hybrid remote-onsite model with flexibility. Services are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Market (food bank) opens Tuesdays 11–4, Wednesdays 12–4, and Thursdays 10–2; Energy Assistance office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am–12pm.
What is the Byrd Barr Place team like?
In July 2023, Dr. Angela Griffin became CEO after Andrea Caupain Sanderson passed the torch following 20 years of leadership — during which Andrea secured ownership of the firehouse and raised $12.8 million for its renovation. Programs include Energy Assistance (heating/cooling utility support), The Market (food bank), Community Connector (referrals and application assistance), and Financial Empowerment (debt management and savings guidance).
Byrd Barr Place is a member of the Washington State Community Action Partnership (joined 1979) — a network of 30 agencies serving all 39 counties. The organization conducts groundbreaking research, including For the Record (Washington Statewide Community Needs Assessment), and historical reports on Black well-being in Washington State and King County.
Work-Life Balance
In June 2022, Byrd Barr Place announced a six-month four-day work week pilot as part of a 4 Day Week Global cohort of 70+ companies and 3,000+ employees. CEO Andrea Caupain Sanderson said at the time, verbatim: "We care about the staff at Byrd Barr Place. Work is not just about tasks, it's about people and investing in them to support their full humanity and well-being." The pilot ran June–December 2022, after which the Board of Directors was to vote on permanence. The post-pilot status (whether 4DW continues under Dr. Angela Griffin's leadership) is not currently published on Byrd Barr Place's website.
Perks and Benefits
- Mission-aligned anti-poverty and anti-racism work rooted in the Black community of Seattle
- Historical Firehouse 23 office in the Central District
- Programs supporting 60+ years of community service
- Hybrid remote/onsite model with flexibility
Specific staff benefit details (PTO, healthcare, parental leave) are not publicly disclosed on the Byrd Barr Place website. Prospective hires should contact the organization directly via [email protected] or (206) 812-4940.