Because everyone deserves to be safe in their homes and in their relationships.
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Project Safe works to end domestic violence through crisis intervention, ongoing supportive services, systems change advocacy, and prevention and education in the community.
Founded in Athens, GA first as a network of safe houses, and later as a confidentially located emergency shelter and hotline, Project Safe has expanded over the years to better meet the needs of those seeking to put the pain and horror of abuse behind them. Serve UGA has been partnering with Project Safe as a Serve Athens Site since 2017! What does Service at Project Safe Look Like?
Lending hands at Project Safe’s thrift store means that volunteers will get the opportunity to participate in indirect service. Indirect service occurs when those serving do not actually come in contact with the ones they are serving. Because domestic violence is an issue that affects the physical, mental, and economic wellbeing of its victims, it is important that the individuals directly working with victims are highly trained and skilled. However indirect service is still an essential part of helping an organization carry out its mission. For Project Safe, this means that volunteers will be asked to do a variety of jobs around the thrift store. This can range from folding clothes to sorting items within the store. Service with Project Safe will take place at the Project Safe thrift store. The thrift store is a place for the community to shop and donate where Project Safe clients can shop at the store for free with vouchers. 90 cents of every dollar made at the store goes to supporting client services and programs. Volunteers clean and organize inventory at the thrift store, allowing the store to appear more presentable, and in turn attract more customers and fund Project Safe's services and initiatives. |
Meet the Community Partner:
Our community partner is Stephanie Molkentin. Stephanie is a licensed social worker and the current community involvement and Volunteer Coordinator for Project Safe. She recruits, trains, and manages over 300 volunteers for eight programs and an interdisciplinary team of 20+ interns. She also develops evaluation methods for intern training and program and serves as a point of contact for community interviews, inquiries, and promotion of Project Safe services.
Stephanie works with the community to give presentations about domestic violence and Project Safe's services, talk to community members, organizations, and businesses about ways to get involved with Project Safe, recruit and manage volunteers, and craft website and social media content. Mrs. Molkentin was new to Athens and learned about Project Safe through a friend and really loved the organization's mission and values. She was so excited when there was a position opened where she could contribute her skills to work towards ending domestic violence. In the future, Stephanie looks to expanded Project Safe's services and reach and to continue work with the amazing organizations and individuals in the community. Message: "Project Safe works to end domestic violence through crisis intervention, ongoing supportive services, systems change advocacy, and prevention and education in the community. Our Thrift Store is an excellent place for students to volunteer. It's flexible and it's our only opportunity that allows groups. Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of our work, people who want to volunteer 1:1 with clients go through a rigorous background check and training that is offered only 3 times per year." Fun Fact: "I served in Peace Corps from 2008-2010 in Ukraine." Contact: smolkentin@project-safe.org |
Meet the Site Leaders!
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meghna kamath Major: Biology, International Affairs Why did you join Serve UGA? "I joined ServeUGA because I wanted to surround myself with others who were also passionate about serving the Athens community! I am infectiously enthusiastic and can't wait to encourage all of those around me to participate in sustainable service all over Athens." Fun Fact: I ran into Hasan Minhaj, my favorite comedian, in an elevator in NYC! Contact: mkk18017@uga.edu |
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aryan rath Major: economics Why did you join Serve UGA? "To make a continuing impact on issues affecting the Athens community, while forming bonds with those who have similar passions." Fun Fact: In my free time, i enjoy watching/playing soccer watching movies, and drumming Contact: ar44863@uga.edu |
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sarah vidyasagar Major: Biological Engineering Major, Applied Biotechnology Minor Why did you join Serve UGA? "I wanted to join Serve, because I wanted to invest in the Athens community in a more sustainable way. I also had heard Serve was a great service and social justice organization with a welcoming, friendly community! " Fun Fact: I saw Hamilton on Broadway with the original cast! Contact: smv84065@uga.edu |
Additional Resources
Interesting Article Discussing Covid-19 and Domestic Violence:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/world/coronavirus-domestic-violence.html
Discussing Signs of Dating Violence among Teens and more:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/21/health/teenage-girls-dating-violence.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/world/coronavirus-domestic-violence.html
Discussing Signs of Dating Violence among Teens and more:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/21/health/teenage-girls-dating-violence.html
