Our Mission
To stand with and support adults with experience in the sex trade, and its associated exploitation, trafficking and prostitution, by providing a range of community-based services.
Our story
Inspired by a NY Times article to a statewide lifeline.
From humble beginnings to a thriving organization, our journey reflects a steadfast commitment to empowering survivors, closing gaps in services, and building a community of hope.
Who we are
We practice the power of presence.
RIA is a nonprofit that stands with and supports people with experience in the sex trade and its associated exploitation, trafficking, and prostitution.
Our Vision
A world where people's bodies are not victimized, exploited, bought, or sold for the sexual gratification of another person.
Our values
Five words that guide the work.
Above all, we want participants to feel safe with us. We speak about the sex trade in honest terms, while staying kind.
The meaning behind our logo
Our logo is a circle undergoing transformation as it moves left to right — and back again.
On the left, an open circle: ready. In the middle, gaining momentum: inspired. On the right, whole and full: taking action.
There is symbolism rooted in this icon:
- — a sun's path across the sky: a new day
- — a person in a moment of transition
- — three entities side by side: a supportive unit
- — the three words that make our name: Ready • Inspire • Act
Our journey
Ready
It started by learning
A small group of local women gathered to learn about the buying and selling of people for sex — and to ask how they might organize to help.
Ready
It started by learning
A small group of local women gathered to learn about the buying and selling of people for sex — and to ask how they might organize to help.
Ready
We asked, and we listened
A community readiness assessment: 88 key-informant interviews across nine sectors in MetroWest and Central Massachusetts. It revealed dramatic gaps in services for adult survivors — and made the case for everything that followed.
Ready
We asked, and we listened
A community readiness assessment: 88 key-informant interviews across nine sectors in MetroWest and Central Massachusetts. It revealed dramatic gaps in services for adult survivors — and made the case for everything that followed.
Inspire
RIA House is born
RIA House, Inc. incorporates as a 501(c)(3). Fundraising from local individuals, clubs, and churches funds the first part-time staff member, leading women's support groups in downtown Worcester and downtown Framingham. What a moment that was.
Inspire
RIA House is born
RIA House, Inc. incorporates as a 501(c)(3). Fundraising from local individuals, clubs, and churches funds the first part-time staff member, leading women's support groups in downtown Worcester and downtown Framingham. What a moment that was.
Inspire
Sisters Leading Sisters
Our signature peer mentorship program launches — survivors walking alongside survivors. It remains the heart of how we work.
Inspire
Sisters Leading Sisters
Our signature peer mentorship program launches — survivors walking alongside survivors. It remains the heart of how we work.
Inspire
Two doors open
Our first office opens in MetroWest. Through a generous donor, a second follows in Central Massachusetts.
Inspire
Two doors open
Our first office opens in MetroWest. Through a generous donor, a second follows in Central Massachusetts.
Act
RIA, Inc.
In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we rebrand — to better tell the story of the work we do every day.
Act
RIA, Inc.
In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we rebrand — to better tell the story of the work we do every day.
Act
123 lives, and a body of evidence
RIA delivers one-on-one services to 123 adults. Our research with William James College is published in Psychological Trauma — built on the testimony of dozens of survivors.
Act
123 lives, and a body of evidence
RIA delivers one-on-one services to 123 adults. Our research with William James College is published in Psychological Trauma — built on the testimony of dozens of survivors.
And we're not finished.
With gratitude
We are eternally grateful to the women who attended those first support groups, and to the General Federation of Women's Clubs of MA, First Parish Church of Acton and Stow, The 200 Foundation, Pathways for Change, the United Way of TriCounty, Everyday Miracles, our Board, our Advisory Team — and to the survivors and families who made this work possible.
“I finished my vocational training for the hospitality industry.”
“I was finally able to pay off my debt and open a bank account.”