Worcester Business Journal

56 Giving Guide 2024 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS Safe Exit Initiative is pursuing exciting goals in 2024 and beyond: 1. Expansion: opened an office in Baltimore, Maryland. SEI is supporting multiple policy/advocacy initiatives in this region as part of the Baltimore City Human Trafficking Collaborative and will be launching a street outreach program in 2025. 2. New Departments: e Policy & Research Practice and the SEI Training Center were created to develop our advocacy work, and training curriculum for frontline workers, first responders, and fellow community organizations. 3. More Services: With the success of Jana's Place, a specialized residential program serving women exiting the sex trade, and Harbor, a community- based resource center for individuals with lived/living experience in the sex trade, SEI plans to open similar programs in Hampden County, Massachusetts. Expanding these programs will increase access to specialized harm reduction and residential rehabilitation services for individuals involved in the sex trade. 4. Brand Development: With new branding in place, our next focus is to elevate brand recognition, locally and regionally in respect to Massachusetts and Maryland. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES Annual Fundraiser: Not For Sale: Ending Exploitation: On September 20, 2024 guests will journey through a gallery exhibit followed by a live storytelling event with special guest, Ashley Judd, delivering the keynote address. Spring walk-a-thon: Our spring walk-a-thon in April embodies the sense of community, support, and encouragement that are key components in our participants' journey to recovery and is a great way for our supporters to connect with SEI! People can support these events in various ways, including: 1. Donate: Provide direct financial support; 2. Participate: Join the event and get your friends and family involved too; 3. Sponsor: Offer financial or in-kind sponsorship and receive business branding opportunities; 4. Volunteer: Help with event planning, setup, execution, and cleanup; 5. Promote: Use social media, email, and word of mouth to raise awareness and encourage others to participate or donate; and 6. Host mini-events: Organize related activities like bake sales or car washes to support the main fundraiser. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Online donations gratefully accepted year-round. Donations are welcome for our Annual Winter Coat & Boot Drive and Holiday Gi Collection. Donations to support programs accepted year-round: • Feminine hygiene products and toiletries • Dry goods (canned goods, pastas, paper goods, etc.) • Full size bed-in-a-bag (to be gied to Jana's Place residents) VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Community members are encouraged to volunteer professional services and mentorship opportunities to benefit SEI participants and to volunteer at community events with SEI. Joining our pro bono lawyer network, providing career training opportunities, and facilitating skill development and educational programs for Jana's Place and Harbor participants are avenues for community members to share their talents and expertise and support the mission of SEI. To discuss volunteering with SEI, please contact us at hello@safeexits.org. Safe Exit Initiative Carissa Clearwater, Rat's Nest Salon, President Julianne Hertel, Dream Big Wealth Strategies, Treasurer Kyla Pacheco, Worcester Education Collaborative, Secretary Audra Doody, Safe Exit Initiative, Co-Clerk Courtney Ross Escobar, Safe Exit Initiative, Clerk Audrey Morrissey, My Life My Choice, Member "Safe Exit Initiative resonates with me because of my personal history and deep understanding of the challenges faced by those who are exploited, struggle with substance use disorder, and deal with mental health issues. Coming from a family with such experiences, I am driven to be part of the change that offers vulnerable individuals a chance to feel safe and cared for with unconditional support. is nonprofit embodies the compassionate, transformative impact I want to contribute to, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to reclaim their self-worth, empowerment, and build a better future." - Carissa Clearwater, Board Chair 4 East Central St., #3490 Worcester, MA 01613 Phone: (508) 762-9660 SafeExitInitiative.org Full-time Employees: 27 Annual Revenues: $4.1M Year founded: 2014 MISSION STATEMENT To create safe and sustainable exits from exploitation and the sex trade through quality programming, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive legislative initiatives. SERVICE AREA The Safe Exit Initiative is a nonprofit organization serving communities throughout Massachusetts supporting individuals with histories of commercial sexual exploitation by providing essential resources, specialized programming, and facilitating community connections. Through advocacy and outreach programs, we enable survivors to navigate their paths to safety and healing, on their own terms. Together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for those seeking to leave the sex trade and rebuild their lives. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 45% Managed care organizations 35% State contracts 14% Grants and contributions Audra Doody Co-Executive Director and Chief Programs Officer Courtney Ross Escobar, Esq. Co-Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer Carissa Clearwater Board President

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