20 Jul
Messages from the CEO, News

When graduation feels impossible: four young adults at Youth Haven defy the odds

For most students, graduating high school is celebrated with family photos, graduation parties and plans for the future. For four young adults living at Rob’s Cottage, part of Youth Haven’s Homeless Teen Transitional Living Program, earning a diploma meant overcoming a challenge many of their classmates never had to face: experiencing homelessness.

This spring, four residents of Rob’s Cottage crossed the graduation stage while continuing their journey toward independence. Their achievement represents far more than academic success. It reflects months, and in some cases years, of perseverance, healing and learning to believe in themselves despite circumstances that once made the future feel uncertain.

One graduate, who completed high school through Acceleration Academy, once doubted graduation would ever happen.

“He truly didn’t believe he was capable of graduating,” recalled Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “Then something changed. He realized he could do it. Once he believed in himself, he became determined to finish what he started.”

That shift in mindset transformed more than his education. It gave him confidence to begin planning for college before pursuing a career in the military—goals that once seemed out of reach.

His story is not unique.

Each graduate arrived at Rob’s Cottage carrying different experiences and obstacles, but all shared a common need: a safe, stable place to live while preparing for adulthood.

Located on Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus, Rob’s Cottage serves young adults ages 16 to 21 experiencing homelessness. The transitional living program provides more than housing. Residents receive individualized case management, educational support, life-skills training, employment assistance and guidance as they prepare to live independently.

Today, every resident at Rob’s Cottage is working toward education, employment or a career pathway.

Among this year’s graduates is a young man who completed an automotive technology program while excelling academically and now plans to pursue an engineering degree. Another graduate secured steady employment while finishing high school and is working toward technical school, independent housing and financial stability. A third graduate balanced academics with athletics and now hopes to pursue a nursing career.

Although their paths are different, their success is rooted in the same foundation of consistency, encouragement and people who refused to let them give up on themselves.

“These graduates have worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone,” said Goldfield. “They have overcome challenges that no young person should have to face while staying committed to their education and their future. Their success shows what becomes possible when young people have stability, caring mentors and a community that believes in their potential. We are extremely proud of them and will continue supporting them as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.”

Graduation is not the end of their journey.

The four young adults remain residents of Rob’s Cottage, where Youth Haven continues providing support as they pursue higher education, careers and independent living. From budgeting and job readiness to transportation, life skills and emotional support, the program helps bridge the gap between homelessness and self-sufficiency.

Joel Louis, manager of Rob’s Cottage, sees that transformation firsthand every day.

“We are not just preparing youth for independence; we are walking alongside them as they discover their strength, build their confidence and step into their future with hope,” he said. “Our work is rooted in consistency, compassion and accountability, creating a space where youth can grow, heal and begin to believe in themselves again. Youth Haven remains committed to being that steady foundation, so each young person knows they are seen, supported and capable of success beyond our doors.”

For Youth Haven, these four diplomas represent more than educational achievement. They are proof that with stability, support and hope, a young person’s story can change.

For more information about Rob’s Cottage and Youth Haven, visit youthhavenswfl.org.

 

24 Jun
Messages from the CEO, News

Youth Haven reaches major construction milestone with foundation pour for new Therapeutic Enrichment Center

Progress continues on transformational Building Hope for Tomorrow capital campaign

NAPLES, Fla. (June 23, 2026) – Youth Haven has reached a significant milestone in its Building Hope for Tomorrow capital campaign, completing the foundation for its new Therapeutic Enrichment Center. The foundation is the first permanent structural element of the new 22,000-square-foot facility, which will expand access to critical services for abused, neglected and homeless children and teens across Southwest Florida. The foundation pour follows a groundbreaking ceremony held earlier this year.

Once completed, the Therapeutic Enrichment Center will replace Youth Haven’s 53-year-old community building, creating a modern, trauma-informed environment designed to better meet the complex needs of vulnerable youth for generations to come.

As Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, the new center will serve as the cornerstone of Youth Haven’s $20 million Building Hope for Tomorrow comprehensive capital campaign, strengthening every aspect of the organization’s mission to provide home, hope and healing. The new facility will significantly enhance the quality and depth of services available to the approximately 150 children and teens served annually.

“This foundation symbolizes far more than a construction milestone; it represents the future we are building for the children and teens who depend on Youth Haven,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “Every child who comes to us deserves a safe, nurturing environment where they can heal, grow and discover their potential. As this building begins to take shape, so does our vision for expanding opportunities, strengthening families and creating brighter futures for generations of youth in Southwest Florida. We are deeply grateful to every donor, partner and supporter helping make this dream a reality.”

Designed using trauma-informed principles, the new Therapeutic Enrichment Center will include dedicated spaces for individual and group counseling, art and music therapy, family reunification, fitness and wellness programming, educational support and life-skills development. Additional features include a state-of-the-art Education Hub, expanded library and makerspace, a commercial kitchen to support nutrition and independent living skills, and enhanced indoor and outdoor gathering spaces for residents.

The building will also include administrative offices on the second floor, allowing the current administrative building to be reconfigured into a Community Outreach and Prevention Center. This new space will support expanded family services, prevention programs and community partnerships designed to strengthen families before crises occur.

Construction is being led by Curran Young Construction, with design services generously donated by MHK Architecture. Additional project partners include Gordon Pass and Natasha Pereira Interior Design, whose contributions have helped advance the campaign and maximize community investment in the project.

As construction progresses, Youth Haven continues to seek community support to help bring the vision to life. Naming opportunities remain available for individuals, families, businesses and foundations interested in creating a legacy for vulnerable children and teens throughout Southwest Florida.

To learn more about the Building Hope for Tomorrow capital campaign or available naming opportunities, contact Katie Schweikhardt, director of development, at Katie.Schweikhardt@youthhavenswfl.org or 239-774-2904 ext. 104.

Learn more about Youth Haven and the Building Hope for Tomorrow capital campaign at youthhavenswfl.org/capital-campaign or call 239-774-2904.

 

12 May
Messages from the CEO, News

Youth Haven awarded $30,000 grant from The League Club to support food and nutrition services

NAPLES, Fla. (May 12, 2026) – Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, is proud to announce it has received a $30,000 grant from The League Club to support its vital Food and Nutrition Services program.

This funding will help provide nutritious meals, snacks and hands-on culinary learning opportunities for youth living on Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus. The program plays a critical role in healing, ensuring children and teens receive consistent, high-quality meals while learning essential life skills such as meal preparation, budgeting and healthy eating habits.

“We are deeply grateful to The League Club for their continued investment in the well-being of the children and teens we serve,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “Access to nutritious, thoughtfully prepared meals is foundational to healing. This generous support not only nourishes our youth physically, but also fosters emotional stability, connection and confidence as they build brighter futures.”

Youth Haven’s Food and Nutrition Program serves approximately 150 unduplicated children and teens annually across its emergency shelter, residential program and transitional living program. Meals are prepared by an on-site chef and culinary assistant, reviewed by a registered dietitian and tailored to meet diverse dietary needs. Shared family-style dining experiences create a sense of normalcy, helping youth feel safe, valued and at home, often for the first time.

Youth Haven was selected as one of 29 nonprofit organizations to receive funding from The League Club in 2026, with total grants awarded reaching $785,651, which is an increase of $23,000 over the previous year. Organizations are chosen based on their meaningful contributions to the Collier and Lee County communities.

Funding for these grants comes from The League Club’s Community Trust Fund, supported by its annual Naples Tables fundraiser and the generosity of its members and donors. Over the years, The League Club has made a lasting impact by supporting programs that address critical community needs, including food insecurity, education, health and family stability.

Youth Haven serves as a dedicated community partner and regional leader in providing a safe haven for children and teens in need throughout Southwest Florida. For more information, visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904.

 

About Youth Haven

For more than five decades, Youth Haven has served as a sanctuary in Southwest Florida, providing home, hope and healing to children and teens experiencing abuse, neglect and oftentimes, homelessness. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for boys and girls ages 6 to 21, Youth Haven provides far more than shelter, delivering comprehensive programs including therapeutic services, trauma-informed holistic care, foster and transitional housing, and enrichment initiatives that help every child realize their potential and have a bright future. Youth Haven is accredited by the nationally recognized Council on Accreditation, licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families, and is a partner of Children’s Network of Southwest Florida. Rated 4-star (excellent) by Charity Navigator and Platinum by Candid/Guidestar, Youth Haven is a beneficiary of Naples Children & Education Foundation. For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

About the League Club

The League Club, Inc. is a 501c(3) organization of women in Southwest Florida strengthening communities through fellowship, education, volunteerism and philanthropy. The League Club is open to women who have been or are active members of a Junior League that is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International. Learn more at LeagueClub.org.

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Contacts:

Katie Schweikhardt, Youth Haven, 239-774-2904, Katie.Schweikhardt@youthhavenswfl.org

Angela Bell, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, Angela@GSMA.pro

06 May
Messages from the CEO, News

Foster Care Awareness Month: Creating stability, strengthening families and supporting every child’s path forward

OP ED By Linda Goldfield, CEO of Youth Haven

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, a time to recognize the more than 365,000 children across the United States who are in foster care and to honor the caregivers, child welfare professionals and community partners who support them every day.

Behind each number is a child who has experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment; young people navigating uncertainty at a time when they need stability most. Here in Florida, which ranks third in the nation for foster care placements, the need for safe homes and comprehensive support continues to grow.

Approximately 18,500 youth age out of the foster care system each year without a permanent family. Without the stability and guidance that many of us take for granted, these young adults face significantly higher risks of homelessness, unemployment and poor health outcomes. That reality underscores the urgency of expanding support systems, including homeless teen transitional living programs like Youth Haven’s Rob’s Cottage, where older teens gain the skills and confidence needed to move toward independence.

Foster Care Awareness Month is not only about recognizing the system; it’s about strengthening it. And that requires community action.

There are many ways to make a difference. Becoming a foster parent provides a child with a safe and nurturing home during a critical time. Mentoring offers guidance and connection that can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Volunteering and supporting local organizations help ensure that essential services remain available to those who need them most.

Not everyone can foster, but everyone can play a role.

At Youth Haven, we see both the challenges and the possibilities. Many of the children and teens who come into our care arrive carrying the weight of trauma. In fact, research shows that approximately 90% of youth in foster care have been exposed to traumatic experiences. These experiences shape how they see the world, build relationships and respond to everyday situations. That’s why trauma-informed care is essential.

On our therapeutic campus in Collier County, children ages 6 to 21 find more than just a place to stay. They find safety, structure and the opportunity to begin healing. Across our five cottages, youth receive 24/7 care in a home-like environment, along with nutritious meals, educational support, medical and mental health services, and enrichment activities designed to restore a sense of normalcy and childhood.

Through evidence-based, trauma-informed care, we provide individualized therapy, life-skills education and creative outlets like art, recreation and outdoor exploration. Whether it’s a child discovering confidence through an art project, learning teamwork on the playing field or simply feeling safe enough to laugh and play, these moments are the building blocks of resilience.

Our goal is always permanency. Children in our care are working toward reunification with family, placement with relatives, foster homes or adoption. Kinship care, when relatives step in to care for children, plays a vital role in maintaining family connections and cultural identity. Strong partnerships with organizations like the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida help ensure that children and families receive the coordinated support they need throughout this journey.

At Youth Haven, we believe every child deserves a childhood and a future filled with possibility. This May, I encourage our community to stand with foster youth, support the families who care for them and take action in whatever way you can. When the community comes together, we don’t just support children in foster care, but we help them heal, grow and thrive. At its core, foster care is about providing stability in moments of crisis and hope in moments of uncertainty. It is about reminding every child that they are not alone and that their future can be brighter than their past.

Learn more about Youth Haven and how you can support foster youth in our community at youthhavenswfl.org.

Linda Goldfield is the CEO of Youth Haven, where she leads Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for children and teens ages 6 to 21 who have experienced abuse, neglect or homelessness. For more than five decades, Youth Haven has provided home, hope and healing in a safe, stable and nurturing environment where young people can realize their potential and build brighter futures. Through comprehensive, trauma-informed care, the organization delivers therapeutic services, academic support, life-skills training, foster care and transitional living programs tailored to each child’s needs. As a nonprofit, Youth Haven relies on community support to sustain these critical services. Learn more or make a donation at youthhavenswfl.org.

25 Oct
Messages from the CEO, Uncategorized

Creating a Therapeutic, Healing Environment

Daily I am left speechless by the resilience of our children. Many are born into desperate situations that could derail their future, from a ten-year-old girl whose grandfather repeatedly molested her to a thirteen-year-old boy whose parents abandoned him at our campus gates. Our staff works tirelessly to create a therapeutic, healing environment where children can move beyond their past to a brighter future. Helping them to acknowledge the good in their lives is one of the first steps. Their loving and nurturing care at Youth Haven cannot negate the trauma, abuse, and neglect they have suffered. And helping them to connect to the world at large through meaningful experiences, normalcy, and healthy relationships with caring adults helps our children make space for joy and gratitude. After the hurricane, our children were involved in clean-up and found the experience rewarding. Monthly our children are giving back to the community that has given so much to them—creating happiness, building stronger relationships, and the skills to deal with adversity. I am honored to be even a small part of their lives and growth, and I thank you for providing us with the funding for our programs that create transformational change in our youth.