For more than a century, LiveSafe Resources has stood as a cornerstone of support for individuals and families facing domestic violence and sexual assault. Today, under the leadership of CEO Lisa Mello, the organization continues to evolve by expanding its reach, modernizing its services, and deepening its impact across metro Atlanta.
Founded in 1917 in Marietta as the YWCA of Northwest Georgia, the organization originally served women, children, and World War I veterans. Over time, its mission sharpened to address the urgent realities of interpersonal violence. In 1978, it opened the first domestic violence shelter in the state of Georgia, followed by the launch of a sexual assault program in 1980, both groundbreaking initiatives that set the standard for victim services in the region.
Evolving to Meet Modern Needs
After separating from the YWCA model in the mid-2010s, LiveSafe Resources broadened its scope to reflect the changing demographics and realities of abuse. While women remain the majority of those affected, the organization now serves individuals of all genders and backgrounds.
Today, LiveSafe is the state-certified domestic violence program for Cobb County and the designated sexual assault response provider for Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee counties. This includes coordinating forensic medical exams through trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs), ensuring survivors receive both immediate care and critical evidence collection.
In 2025 alone, the organization served more than 3,700 individuals, including over 2,000 in Cobb County.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
LiveSafe Resources offers far more than emergency response. Its wraparound services are designed to help survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.
These include:
- Emergency shelter and transitional housing
- Legal advocacy, including assistance with temporary protective orders
- Individual and group counseling
- Child advocacy programs in partnership with schools and social workers
- Financial literacy, job readiness, and career support
Through collaborations with local courts, law enforcement, and nonprofit partners, the organization ensures survivors are supported at every stage.
Changing the Conversation
Despite the scale of the issue, misconceptions persist. Domestic violence and sexual assault affect every community, regardless of socioeconomic status, age, or background.
However, there are signs of progress. According to LiveSafe leadership, individuals between the ages of 25 and 45 are increasingly seeking help, an encouraging shift that reflects growing awareness and willingness to break cycles of abuse.
Education plays a key role in this change. LiveSafe partners with schools and community groups to promote healthy relationships and identify early warning signs, particularly among youth. By focusing on prevention, the organization aims to create generational change.
Honoring Women Who Lead Change
That commitment to community is reflected in LiveSafe’s signature annual event: the Tribute to Women of Achievement.
Now in its 41st year, the 2026 gala celebrated 15 exceptional women leaders from across metro Atlanta who have demonstrated outstanding professional success, leadership, and service.
The 2026 honorees included:
- Terri Block
- Kimberly Harmon
- Michele Howard
- Vanessa Ibarra
- Ali Jackson
- Samantha Johnson
- Makia Metzger
- Amy Mollohan
- Allyson Moyer
- Laura Norton
- DeRetta Rhodes
- Raquel Riley Thomas
- Sasha Ugi
- Jaret Usher
- Kathy Young
From this group, Michele Howard was named Woman of the Year, recognized for her leadership and dedication to community impact.
The event not only celebrated achievement but also raised critical funding for LiveSafe’s programs, bringing in a record-breaking total of more than $290,000. The evening featured a dinner, auctions, and community-wide support for survivors.
A Lifeline for Those in Need
At the heart of LiveSafe Resources is its 24/7 crisis line, a vital entry point for those seeking help. For many survivors, reaching out is not a one-time act. It can take multiple calls before someone is ready to leave a dangerous situation.
Whether someone needs immediate shelter, a safety plan, medical care after an assault, or simply someone to talk to, LiveSafe ensures that help is always available.
As LiveSafe Resources moves forward, its mission remains clear: to provide safety, healing, and a path to independence for survivors of violence.