The Tamar Lynn Safe Haven Program

The program was named to honor the memory of Tamar Lynn, the first coordinator of the program for WCPP.

The Tamar Lynn Safe Haven Program, an award-winning project, is a program that enhances the safety of children living and going to school in Community School District 3 & 5.

Participating merchants who have been recruited by WCPP and volunteers, display a bright yellow Safe Haven decal on their door announcing that the people inside are ready and willing to help – to make a call home, or to police or simply to offer a sympathetic ear to a frightened child.

From a principal in an elementary school “Thanks for bringing the Safe Haven Program to our school. …It is programs such as yours, brought to us by committed people such as yourself that make a difference.”

The Safe Haven director arranges safety workshops for children in neighborhood public and private schools. The children range between the ages of 9 and 12, grades 4 through 6. WCPP staff members visit schools and community centers and, with the aid of a video called "Streetsmart and Safe", talk with students about safety issues and help children formulate practical safety tips.

WCPP produces and maintains a directory of all Safe Haven locations on the West Side, Central and West Harlem and Hamilton Heights and sponsors safety workshops for parents on the all-important subject of child safety. WCPP also encourages reporting of crimes against children and advocates for children's safety.

From a student
Dear Safe Haven,
Thanks for teaching me if I get lost where I could go. Now I feel safer when I'm walking down the street. I'm starting to see Safe Haven signs all over. Sincerely, C.J.

Felix Figueroa in front of his hardware store, the first Safe Haven in Hamilton Heights

WCPP encourages the reporting of crimes against children and especially encourages schools to report any and all incidents to WCPP and police. When an incident occurs, WCPP follows up with the schools, police and local agencies and helps the young victims and their parents navigate the criminal justice system.

Click to view the Safe Havens.

From the president of a Parent Association “I want to thank you for helping to create a wonderfully informative meeting. You have immense knowledge about keeping children safe in New York City. We felt fortunate to listen to your insights.”

Putting the Safe Haven decal on the first Safe Haven in Harlem.

Pictured in photo are (left to right) Ricardo Morales, Department of Public Safety, Columbia University; Assistant Chief Philip Banks, NYPD; Marjorie Cohen, Executive Director of WCPP; Scott Stringer, Mantattan Borough President; Anoune Mbenge, owner of Subway franchise on 123rd Street and St. Nicholas Avenue.

If you are a parent or school administrator who wants to schedule a workshop, or a merchant who would like to become a Safe Haven location or if you'd like a Directory of Safe Haven locations, just contact us by e-mail or telephone.