Project Safe

Volunteer

As an organization that began through the dedication of compassionate volunteers, Project Safe continues to deeply value every contribution made by volunteers. Volunteers make it possible for Project Safe to provide victims and survivors of domestic violence with more extensive services than our small staff could provide alone, and volunteers bring energy, enthusiasm, diversity, and new skills to our team. Our volunteer program is always growing, and volunteers have contributed more than 18,000 hours of donated time annually for the last two years.

Become a Volunteer

For more information on volunteering at Project Safe, or to receive a volunteer application, e-mail Community Involvement & Volunteer Coordinator April Byrne at abyrne@project-safe.org.

Because of the safety needs of our clients and the sensitivity surrounding the issue of domestic violence, volunteers in most positions are required to receive formal domestic violence training before beginning. Typically, training sessions occur every 12-14 weeks. The last training was Saturday, January 26th, from 10am-5pm.

A majority of the volunteer opportunities below necessitate a high level of commitment and responsibility. Please keep in mind that the available positions for each listed volunteer opportunity are limited. However, we are dedicated to exercising the unique skills and interests of everyone from our community who is interested in helping Project Safe. This listing is regularly updated as new positions become available.

Thrift Store Volunteers: OPENINGS AVAILABLE

At the Project Safe Thrift Store, all Project Safe clients can shop for free. In addition, all proceeds from the store directly fund the services offered to victims of domestic violence. Thrift Store volunteers help process donations, prepare items to display on the sales floor, organize shopping aisles, or work the cash register. The store is located at 995 Hawthorne Avenue in Bell’s shopping plaza and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thrift Store Group Projects: OPENINGS AVAILABLE

At the Project Safe Thrift Store, all Project Safe clients can shop for free. In addition, all proceeds from the store directly fund the services offered to victims of domestic violence. Organizations are welcome to bring their groups to help with larger projects that take many hands! The store is located at 995 Hawthorne Avenue in Bell’s shopping plaza and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Groups of volunteers can be accommodated at any point during those hours.

Furniture Movers: OPENINGS AVAILABLE

Volunteer furniture movers serve victims of domestic violence by picking up donations of furniture and household items from donors’ homes and delivering them to the Project Safe Thrift Store. Furniture movers also help with transportation of donations to the new homes of recent survivors of domestic violence. Ideally, these volunteers will have access to a reliable truck or moving van. However, it is not required to have a truck or moving van, but willing to assist Thrift Store Manager in pick ups and drop offs.

Support Group Meal Donors: OPENINGS AVAILABLE

During Project Safe support groups and programs, dinner is provided for the participants and their children in order to help caregivers balance the responsibilities of family life with the need to receive services. Project Safe is seeking restaurants, families, individuals, church groups, or other volunteer organizations willing to donate these meals for up to 20 women and children. Meals can be homemade, store bought, or catered from a restaurant; no kitchen is available at program locations to cook or warm food items. Meals are needed on Tuesday evenings year-round.

Spanish Interpreters: OPENINGS AVAILABLE

Spanish interpreters help to make Project Safe services more accessible to the Spanish speaking population. Spanish interpreters must be entirely fluent in Spanish and have excellent Spanish reading and writing skills. Interpreters are called upon on an as-needed basis to translate conversations both over the phone and in-person.

Shelter Maintenance Assistants: OPENINGS AVAILABLE

Maintenance assistants help keep the emergency shelter a safe place for victims of domestic violence to receive support by tending to building maintenance issues. Shelter maintenance assistants should be generally "handy," i.e. able to change a lock, operate a lawn mower, fix broken appliances, etc. These volunteers would be called upon on an as-needed basis.

Project Sales Client Mentors: FULL

Project Sales is a job training program for individuals affected by domestic violence. The program strives to provide skills and work experiences to each participant, empowering individuals to support themselves independently from abusive partners. Mentors are needed to provide support to adult clients who seek employment. Mentors will discuss in detail topics such as resume building, interviewing, professionalism, job search, sales instruction, etc. This program will be open year long and be available to any client on an as needed basis.

"Mantra" Teen Support Group Mentors: FULL

Project Safe is looking for volunteers to work closely with teens during Mantra, a 10-week support group for teens who have experienced domestic violence in their homes. Throughout the program, Mantra volunteer mentors will help teen participants to move past the abuse they have experienced rather than just survive it. Volunteers will work closely with Project Safe’s Outreach Advocates to facilitate group activities during meetings while also providing individual support for the teen with whom they are paired. We’re always looking for responsible male mentors to act as positive role models for the participants. The next session of Mantra will begin in August.

"Superheros" Youth Support Group Mentors: FULL

Project Safe is looking for volunteers to work closely with children ages 6 to 11 during "Superheros," a 10-week support group for youth who have experienced domestic violence in their homes. Throughout the program, Superheros mentors will help kids to move past the abuse they have experienced rather than just survive it. Volunteers will work closely with Project Safe’s Outreach Advocates to facilitate group activities during meetings while also providing individual support for the child with whom they are paired. We’re always looking for responsible male mentors to act as positive role models for the participants. The next session of Superheros will begin in August.

Child Care Providers: FULL

Project Safe’s child care providers offer safe and reliable babysitting services to shelter and outreach clients of Project Safe who are receiving counseling, tutoring, or are attending support groups. These volunteers must be comfortable caring for children of all ages without direct supervision. This opportunity requires between 6-10 hours per month. We’re always looking for responsible male volunteers to act as positive role models for the children! Availability around holidays and during UGA breaks is preferred.

Tutors for Adults: FULL

Project Safe’s tutors provide support to adults in the areas of GED prep, math skills, reading and writing skills, resume building, scholarship applications, etc. Volunteers are also needed to help children in all basic school subjects. A commitment of 1-2 hours a week for 4-8 weeks is required as volunteers help a client work toward an educational goal.