Our Challenge

Boston Globe - October 4, 1997
CAMBRIDGE - After two agonizing days, hoping their 10-year-old son would come home, the parents of Jeffrey Curley learned of his horrific murder yesterday morning - and that two men who aided in an intensive neighborhood search were linked to the crime.

Jim Tomaszewski, a parent of three young children was worried. This was just one of many similar stories that he had come across. If children aren't safe in their own neighborhood, where could they be safe?

He was motivated to try to help. He sold his successful graphics company and dedicated his life to educating young children about safety. To help him get the message across he designed a character called Lil' Iguana : an entertaining friend who could talk to kids at their level.

Jim had no idea what he had started. Within weeks his Lil' Iguana character was visiting local schools. Requests for more public appearances came quickly. Today the Massachusetts Safety Officers League, Massachusetts Highway Safety Bureau and many child care providers have adopted Lil' Iguana as their "safety mascot" - teaching children that "A Safe and Happy Childhood Lasts A Lifetime."