Why I’m Dancing for Project Safe
Joan Prittie and I both moved into Forest Heights in 2004.
We didn’t meet for several years, but I noticed her out walking her dog early on. With such imposing stature, she’s hard to miss, and back then — if I remember correctly — she had a leather motorcycle jacket that further solidified my impression of her as a badass.
At some point, I learned she is the Executive Director of Project Safe. The Athens area non-profit works to end domestic violence, which is also badass. Since she took over leadership of the organization in 1999, its services, staff and capacity have grown tremendously. Last year alone, Project Safe answered 2,592 crisis calls and kept their shelter at near 100% capacity throughout the year.
Vital Community Asset
All of us deserve to have family and friends in our corners, who will come to our assistance, if we find ourselves in abusive relationships. But that isn’t always the case. Project Safe steps in to fill that gap for people who need it. Yet, they also do so much more.
Even when survivors of domestic violence have friends and family behind them, it’s often a new and scary situation for everyone involved. Project Safe carries institutional knowledge for our community about what can be done to protect people — what steps can be taken and how to take them swiftly and safely. But that’s not all either.
Project Safe’s primary service area is Athens-Clarke, Madison, Oconee, and Oglethorpe Counties, and the organization actively reaches out to survivors identified through police reports there. In 2025, this pro-active approached enabled them to identify and help 887 outreach clients from their offices on Lexington Road. Plus, they work with public and private partners to advocate for education and system changes that can have broad impact here in Georgia, and even nationally.
I’ve Been Inspired
Seeing Joan in the neighborhood — and knowing of her work — has been a regular inspiration for me over the years. Since moving to Athens for law school in 1990, she’s dedicated her career to helping others, and when she asked if I would like to participate in Dancing with the Athens Stars, I was excited to pitch in.
The event, which takes place Saturday, March 21, is one of Project Safe’s biggest annual fundraisers — along with Groovy Nights each fall. Proceeds from the event and affiliated donations will help support several new initiatives, including staff positions focused on trauma-informed advocacy for survivors and a weekly clinic at the Oconee County courthouse to help people seeking temporary protective orders.
Project safe is also remodeling its emergency shelter to allow survivors to bring their beloved pets inside to stay in their bedrooms (rather than in outdoor kennels on the property).
If you want to help me raise money for Project Safe, here are the options:
House Concert in the Hood - On Sunday, March 8, I’m giving an intimate house concert for 40 people in Forest Heights at Claire Campbell's Music Box at 355 Rivermont. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the show will start at 7. Get more details and reservations here.
Picture Books Campaign - From now through March 15, I’m collecting donations that will be used to support Project Safe’s general fund AND print a stack of my children’s picture books for Project Safe to give to kids who pass through. Learn more about donating to that.
Team 10 “stars”: Lucille and me
“Vote” for Team 10 - During Dancing with the Athens Stars, my daughter Lucille and I will perform a tap routine with Catherine Huff of DanceFX. The team that receives the most dollar votes between now and the end of the competition will receive the Audience Favorite Award at the end of the night. Donate your vote to us here.
Come Watch Dancing with the Athens Stars - The event will be in Athens at the Classic Center on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 7 p.m., and proceeds from ticket sales support Project Safe. Be sure to select Team 10 when you purchase tickets here.
Joan’s Favorite Things About Forest Heights
When they moved to Forest Heights, Joan and her wife, Sandy, were looking for their forever home with more space and lots of options for walking. But after more than 20 years here, what they love most is the natural setting. “Looking out the windows and seeing all the hardwood trees, and flowers and birds — and, of course, deer,” Joan said, “it feels like we live in a park.”
She also noted Forest Heights feels like the neighborhoods they grew up in, and they enjoy the nostalgia of the homes, kids on their bikes, lemonade stands, plus the nearby school and churches.
