By Gianna Bergstrom
Audra Doody, Co-CEO and Chief Programs Officer of Safe Exit Initiative (SEI), recently spoke to members of the Rotary Club of Wellington during one of the club’s weekly luncheons at The Wanderers Club. Audra shared the organization’s survivor-led mission to create safe, sustainable exits from the sex trade and exploitation. During her presentation, Doody highlighted SEI’s comprehensive support services, strategic partnerships, and continued expansion into Florida, including its growing presence in Jupiter.
Founded and led by survivors, Safe Exit Initiative has built a nationally recognized model centered on compassionate, trauma-informed care for individuals impacted by trafficking, exploitation, and the sex trade. While headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts, the organization also serves communities throughout Massachusetts and Baltimore, Maryland, now expanding its reach in Florida to meet the growing need for survivor-centered services and community partnerships.
While speaking, Audra discussed the realities faced by individuals experiencing exploitation, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers to services and creating pathways toward long-term stability and independence. She shared how Safe Exit Initiative provides emergency exiting services, transportation assistance, medical care and referrals, mental and behavioral health support, case management, recovery resources, and other essential services designed to help participants rebuild their lives. She also spoke about the critical role that community organizations, business leaders, and local advocates can play in supporting survivors through education, collaboration, and awareness.
As Co-CEO and Chief Programs Officer, Audra brings decades of lived and professional experience to her work serving survivors. Under her leadership, Safe Exit Initiative continues to expand its impact through direct services, legislative advocacy, and strategic partnerships that empower individuals while educating communities about human trafficking and exploitation. The organization’s survivor-led approach ensures that every program is informed by experience, compassion, and a commitment to lasting change.
Rotary Club of Wellington is dedicated to bringing together local leaders to strengthen the community through service, education, and collaboration. By welcoming Audra to speak, the club provided members with valuable insight into the realities of human trafficking and exploitation while highlighting the importance of community partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities for prevention, awareness, and survivor support. The presentation reflects Rotary’s ongoing commitment to addressing critical issues that improve the well-being of individuals and families throughout the region.
For more information about Safe Exit Initiative, to donate, or to get involved, visit www.safeexitinitiative.org or email hello@safeexits.org.
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ABOUT Safe Exit Initiative (SEI):
SEI’s mission is to create safe, sustainable exits from the sex trade and exploitation through quality services, strategic partnerships, and legislative advocacy. Headquartered in Worcester, SEI services include emergency day shelter (8 am–8 pm/7 days weekly), immediate basic needs (food, clothing, hygiene products, laundry, and safe space to sleep), transportation assistance, medical care and referrals, and mental/behavioral health services including residential recovery, case management, care coordination, and referrals to detox, treatment, and recovery services. SEI also supports youth and adults referred from across Massachusetts at Worcester-based programs.
SEI is survivor-founded and led. SEI’s Co-CEO & Chief Programs Officer and VP of Programs have over 30 years of lived and professional experience relevant to participants. Direct care services have operated for over a decade, supervised by survivors of the sex trade/trafficking.
To donate or get involved, please visit our website at www.SafeExitInitiative.org or contact us at Hello@safeexits.org.
Audra Doody, Co-CEO & CHIEF PROGRAMS OFFICER, Safe Exit Initiative speaking at Wanderers Club
