Greenbriar Children’s Center, the only local coordinator in Chatham County for National Project Safe Place, is reminding everyone that the week of March 20 through March 26 is National Safe Place Week. 

Safe Place focuses on the prevention of child abuse and neglect by partnering with local businesses to provide safe havens for those children in immediate need of help. Greenbriar has established over 60 safe place sites in Chatham County. 

“Many teens are not aware that, if they feel they are in immediate danger, there are several places in our community where they can look for the bright yellow and black, diamond-shaped Safe Place sign,” said Gena P. Taylor, Executive Director of Greenbriar. “These signs are located at police stations, schools, community centers as well as businesses such as convenience stores and restaurants. Staff at these locations have been trained on how to find immediate assistance for a child who is in crisis.” 

In addition to the physical Safe Place locations, children can reach out for help by using their cell phones to text SAFE and their current location (address, city, state) to 4HELP (44357) for immediate help. 

“TXT 4 help is a nationwide 24 hour text for support service for teens in crisis wherever they are located.  Greenbriar’s emergency shelter for children is also open 24 hours a day. That number is 1-800-292-4014.  There are children in need in Chatham County 365 days a year/24 hours a day and we are hoping that our community can help us to spread the word about all of these services which are available to children in crisis,” added Miss Taylor.