May Monthly Meeting

Pathways to Safety International, Paula Lucas

This month, we are honored to welcome Paula Lucas, founder of Pathways to Safety International, as our featured speaker. Paula’s remarkable journey—from surviving domestic violence abroad to founding the first organization dedicated to helping American victims of abuse in foreign countries—is both powerful and inspiring.

After fleeing an abusive situation in the Middle East in 1999, Paula arrived in Oregon with her three young sons and a determination to create change. From a domestic violence shelter, she launched what would become a globally recognized nonprofit, providing crisis services to thousands of Americans experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, forced marriage, and sex trafficking abroad.

At its peak, Pathways to Safety operated a 24/7 crisis center in Portland with a dedicated team of 15 and a $1 million budget. While federal funding was discontinued in recent years, Paula and her team continue their critical work, responding to hundreds of victims through a crisis email hotline and advocating for legislation like the Supporting American Victims Overseas Act, which would allow VAWA funds to be used for services abroad.

Paula will share her personal story, the ongoing mission of Pathways to Safety, and how we can all be part of a global movement to help victims live lives free of abuse. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a courageous changemaker whose vision continues to impact lives around the world.