Profiles in Service: Project Safe Inc.
Earlier this month, the Summer Fellows visited Project Safe, a local non-profit committed to ending domestic violence through prevention and educational programs. Project Safe brings together advocates, donors, volunteers, community partners, allied organizations and supportive individuals who are committed to ending domestic violence. The organization works with Athens homeless and animal shelters and other UGA organizations to provide their clients and community with a wide range of services and resources. Their services are confidential and free.
Project Safe opened its doors to women and children who are survivors of domestic violence in June of 2000, and since then, it has provided safe shelter for over 1,800 women and children. This year Project Safe Inc. has received about 1200 hotline calls, sheltered 120-145 women and children, and provided countless outreach services for women and children who don’t need to be sheltered, but still need counseling and transitioning assistance. Project Safe was created as a safe shelter to assist battered women and their children as they rebuild their lives, independently and free of abuse.
Throughout the years following the establishment of Project Safe, the programs and services have continued to multiply. In 2007, Project Safe was able to expand its housing program to include transitional housing. Through the transitional program, Project Safe is able to offer safe housing, at a reduced rent, to women for one year.
The organization also offers an array of services, including individual empowerment counseling sessions, support groups, case management, outreach advocacy, legal advocacy, financial assistance, and more. Volunteers assist with childcare services, tutoring for children and adults, meal donations, fundraising, and presentations to educate the community.
Domestic violence affects not only the survivor and the perpetrator, but also the community’s economy. For many that are in the transition obtaining public services and aid is difficult or impossible. Project Safe works to alleviate the economic burden for their clients by providing assistance so that women, children, and families are able to become strong, thriving and independent contributing members of society.
To support Project Safe’s programs, dress up in your favorite and most outrageous 70’s outfit for the “Groovy Nights” fundraiser on August 23rd at 8pm at the Classic Center in downtown Athens.
For any further information please refer to their website or Facebook page.
Know of any more organizations doing great work in our community? Tell us about them here: