WORCESTER—The Safe Exit Initiative (SEI) celebrated a milestone this week with the grand reopening of Harbor, a vital community resource center and day shelter in Worcester.
The event, held on Wednesday, Aug. 28, marked the completion of major renovations designed to better serve those who have lived or are currently experiencing the sex trade.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew a crowd of local government officials, community leaders, and residents, on hand to tour the newly upgraded space.
Harbor, which is operated by SEI, has been a critical lifeline for those seeking assistance in the city. With the renovations, the center’s first floor now features a fully equipped kitchen, a donation closet, and new service areas, all aimed at improving accessibility and expanding the center’s capacity to meet the community’s needs.
“It has taken a lot of hard work to get here today, and we want to thank our SEI staff and supporters for their dedication,” said Audra Doody, SEI’s co-executive director and chief programs officer in a statement. “Creating the Drop-In Space on the first floor and administrative offices on the second floor, bringing both departments under one roof, has been a goal of ours since 2019.”
The event featured speeches from SEI leadership, including co-Executive Directors Audra Doody and Courtney Ross Escobar, as well as Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty and other notable local officials.
“SEI has been quietly reorganizing, rebuilding, and rebranding over the past several months,” said Escobar in the announcement. “We are excited to share what we’ve been working on with our community today and in the coming months!”
Harbor’s revamped services continue to include access to harm reduction and hygiene supplies, support groups, food, clothing, and both medical and legal services. The center’s mobile outreach van, which brings these essential services directly into the community, remains an integral part of its operations.
SEI expressed deep gratitude to everyone who attended the reopening and to the many partners and stakeholders who contributed to making Harbor’s transformation possible.
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