Updates: Leadership + Victories 🔥🏺

30 Jun Updates: Leadership + Victories 🔥🏺

Together, We’re Making a Difference

In the midst of challenges in our world, we’re excited to celebrate progress made possible by SAFE partners like you. From leadership transitions, and Marlena’s inspiring journey, to community awareness and collaboration at the Atlas Free conference, these stories show how we are moving closer to ending sex trafficking in Washington together.

Leadership Transition at SAFE

Heather Tuininga, founder of SAFE in Washington, has faithfully served in the anti-trafficking movement for over 20 years. She now transitions from Chief Servant Officer to the Advisory Board, entrusting day-to-day leadership and partnerships with frontline and community partners to Audrey Baedke, who will carry forward this vital work.

“As a former frontline partner, I’ve already experienced the strength of the SAFE community: bringing partners together to identify and fund the most urgent, high-impact strategies that move the needle to end sex trafficking. I’m committed to building on that momentum and advancing this work across Washington State.”
— Audrey Baedke

Thank you, Heather, for your legacy of compassion and action.

If you haven’t had the chance to meet Audrey yet and would like to connect, she’d love to hear from you. Schedule a coffee meeting via Calendly or reach out at audrey@safeinwashington.com | 206-492-4253.

Marlena’s Smile Says It All

Marlena, 22, was brought to Washington from a reservation in South Dakota by a known sex offender, along with three other girls. She was discovered during a narcotics raid and brought to SAFE’s partner, Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative—scared, injured, and in urgent need of care. She was recovering from a recent assault and had an abscessed tooth so swollen it looked like a golf ball in her cheek.

Ninety days later, with your support through IHTC, Marlena has completed her GED, started working, and is living in transitional housing. She’s sober, reconnecting with her culture, and spends time in the community garden. In June, she’ll begin supervised visits with her young children. Her smile today reflects not just healing—but hope.

Will you support SAFE today to ensure more survivors like Marlena receive the healing and support they need after escaping trafficking?

Support SAFE!

Public Transit: A Lifeline for Survivors
Engedi Refuge Raises Awareness in Whatcom County

Did you know that 1 in 4 survivors credited public transportation for playing a role in at least one of their exit attempts from their trafficking situation?

This month, our partner Engedi Refuge launched a powerful public transit awareness campaign in Whatcom County. The message is simple: everyday resources—like a bus or lightrail—can be the difference between captivity and freedom.

By supporting SAFE, you’re helping create safer pathways for people in vulnerable situations.

Read more in the Lynden Tribune: Engedi Refuge is driven to make a difference

Your support helps make stories like Marlena’s possible and builds a stronger network across our state. As organizations are seeing cuts to federal funding, consider giving to help us continue this work—together.

Support SAFE!