Project Safe news & updates

June 2026

In This Issue...

  • Summer at Project Safe
  • Save the Date(s) for Fall Events!
  • Changing of the Guard
  • Expanded Thrift Store Hours
  • We're Hiring!

Summer at Project Safe

It's Summertime at Project Safe, and that means it's time to have some healing and productive fun! The kids who are working with us, both in Shelter and through our Outreach team, will have a number of opportunities this season to have new experiences and see new things, the biggest of which is Superheroes Camp! For one week this summer, at no cost to their families, young people who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence will have the opportunity to participate in a week-long day camp experience! Activities will include field trips to Rush Trampoline Park and Sandy Creek Nature Center, painting and other crafts, indoor and outdoor games, and other activities that are engaging, healing, and help learn about healthy communication and relationships.


There are still slots available, so if you know of a child aged 7-18 who has experienced or witnessed domestic violence, please contact Ritwika Chakrabarti at rchakrabarti@project-safe.org for details and to begin the referral process.

Save the Date(s) for Fall Events!

Dancing with the Athens Stars may be past, but there's more fun to be had this fall! We start off the fun on September 19 at the VFW with Project Safe's longest-running event: Groovy Nights Retro Lip Sync Battle! Teams of groovy people from all over Athens will take the stage and make a scene lip syncing to the biggest hits from the 70's, 80's, and 90's followed by a disco dance party!


Then, on Sunday October 25, join us at the Colbert-Benton Guest House for an afternoon of good music, good food, and good company on the lawn at our newest event, Acoustic Autumn. There will be a silent auction featuring signed UGA merchandise and other unique finds, and a TBA line-up of local acoustic acts!


Project Safe's events support our work empowering survivors of domestic violence in more ways than one. Our events raise funds that go directly to the services we provide, raise awareness about the work we do in communities that may otherwise be unaware, honor the great people who laid the foundation for us to make the impact we make today, and enable us to deliver this message in a joyful and celebratory manner. We hope you'll join us for all of our events this fall! Keep an eye out on our website and social media for more information!

Honoring William Olmstead

William Olmstead joined Project Safe as a volunteer in 2016, shortly before beginning an internship as part of his Masters of Social Work curriculum. As an intern he served across all of Project Safe's programs and learned that legal advocacy was a vital part of our services to survivors of domestic violence. He joined Project Safe's staff in 2017 as a Legal Advocate, and since then he has re-written the meaning of the role. He helped to expand our police report review process, leading to the funding and formation of our High Risk Team, a model which has since been emulated in other counties across the state. He created, maintained, and expanded a weekly TPO clinic which provides valuable assistance to survivors in the midst of confusing and onerous paperwork. He has worked with Advantage Behavioral Health to facilitate a men's support group, helping to expand services to a population that is often under-served by DV organizations. He has provided real-world training and examples to Athens-Clarke County police officers on ways to effectively identify and handle domestic violence situations they encounter in their day-to-day operations. William has made an undeniable impact on Project Safe's operations for nearly 10 years, but now it's time for him to move to the next chapter of his life - law school! William says:


"I think I will miss being part of our collaborative relationships the most. I've seen the most long term positive change in what we've built with the PD, the courthouse, the FJC, other non profits, and other DV agencies. As much as I hate to leave the work here (even though I doubt it will be permanent), there are things that I've helped build that will persist long after my last day. The people here care deeply about our community and I hope we are able to maintain that connection during a time of such conflict and chaos."


We wish William all the best in his future and we know that his years of experience advocating for survivors of domestic violence will help him make an impact on those around him in his future career as an attorney. Thank you William for you years of service at Project Safe!

Expanded Thrift Store Hours

Due to popular demand, we are adjusting our Thrift Store hours to be more accommodating to our customers! Starting July 1 the new hours will be as follows:


Athens Location (995 Hawthorne Ave, #7, Athens, GA 30606):


Monday 11 AM - 6 PM

Tuesday 11 AM - 6 PM

Wednesday 11 AM - 5 PM

Thursday 11 AM - 5 PM

Friday 11 AM - 6 PM

Saturday 11 AM - 6 PM

Sunday Closed


Donations accepted until 30 minutes before close Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.


Danielsville Location (295 Sam Groves St, Danielsville, GA 30633):


Monday Closed

Tuesday 11 AM - 6 PM

Wednesday 11 AM - 5 PM

Thursday 11 AM - 5 PM

Friday 11 AM - 6 PM

Saturday 11 AM - 6 PM

Sunday Closed


Donations accepted until 30 minutes before close Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.


Come out and see us for some of the best deals in town, all supporting Project Safe's work empowering survivors of domestic violence!

We're Hiring!

We are hiring for full and part time positions! If you are someone who is passionate about helping others and bettering your community through empathetic, compassionate, trauma-informed care, Project Safe may be the right place for you. Check out our website here for full job descriptions and to apply.

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube
 
 
Because everyone deserves to be safe in their homes and in their relationships.
PROJECT SAFE | www.project-safe.org
 
X Share This Email
LinkedIn Share This Email