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.
Our story
Founded in 2014. Built on presence.
RIA, Inc. began with a simple, stubborn idea: that adults navigating the sex trade deserve company, not commentary. Headquartered in Framingham with an office in Worcester, we serve Greater Boston, MetroWest, and Central Massachusetts.
Our model is called accompaniment. Peer-led. Trauma-informed. Survivor-engaged at every level. We don't rescue. We walk alongside — and the path is yours to set.
The logo says the rest: a sun rising across the sky, a person in a moment of transition, three figures side by side. Ready • Inspire • Act.
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 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 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.
Earnest Honest. Realistic. Committed.
Above all, we want participants to feel safe with us. We speak about the sex trade in honest terms, while staying kind.
Affirming Welcoming. Non-judgmental. Empathetic.
We welcome people at any point in their life journey. We don't judge their progress — that's not our job. We affirm their reality and support their process.
Egalitarian Just. Ethical. Equitable.
Regardless of history, we all deserve equal rights and opportunity. We stand side by side with our participants.
Resolute Persistent. Unwavering. Steadfast.
RIA meets people wherever they are. There is no requirement to have exited, and no judgment about where you are in your journey.
Encouraging Uplifting. Supportive. Optimistic.
We help people uncover their own power. We can be courageous together, with the power of presence.
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
December 2012·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.
January–May 2013·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.
2014·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.
Late 2015·Inspire
Sisters Leading Sisters
Our signature peer mentorship program launches — survivors walking alongside survivors. It remains the heart of how we work.
Mid-2016·Inspire
Two doors open
Our first office opens in MetroWest. Through a generous donor, a second follows in Central Massachusetts.
January 2021·Act
RIA, Inc.
In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we rebrand — to better tell the story of the work we do every day.
2025·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.
Stand with usWith 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.”
— Mara. Five months of rental assistance made that happen. Mara now works two jobs in hospitality and is moving into her own apartment.
“I was finally able to pay off my debt and open a bank account.”
— J. Rental assistance gave J. room to budget, save, and focus on therapy.