News

Naples, FL (January 19, 2021)

The recent story of a Central Florida waitress saving a young boy from his allegedly abusive parents has brought to light the importance of reporting suspected child abuse. According to multiple news sources, both national¹ and local², the waitress reported the boy to authorities after she noticed he was bruised and wasn’t being allowed to eat. By communicating to the boy through a sign, she was able to determined he needed help.

Sadly, Youth Haven is well aware of the high rate of child abuse that occurs at the hands of parents. The children & teens that come to Youth Haven have been abused, abandoned, neglected or are homeless. Founded in 1972, Youth Haven was established to fulfill an immediate need for emergency shelter for children who had been removed suddenly from a traumatic home situation. Our 25-acre therapeutic campus houses over 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “heightened stress, school closures, loss of income, and social isolation resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have increased the risk for child abuse and neglect. Child abuse is preventable; implementation of strategies including strengthening household economic supports and creating family-friendly work policies can reduce stress during difficult times and increase children’s opportunities to thrive in safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments. Despite known risk for child abuse and neglect during pandemics and preliminary reports of increased severity of child abuse and neglect in some facilities, official reports to child protection agencies have declined across the United States by 20%–70%, attributed to decreased in-person contact between children and mandated reporters (e.g., teachers, social workers, and physicians).”²

Youth Haven urges the community to help protect our vulnerable children and teens by adopting the mindset of “See something, say something”. “Now more than ever, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are urging the general public to recognize and report suspected child abuse. If you see something suspicious, please say something,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven’s Executive Director.  “Children and teens in abusive situations do not have a voice and they depend on us – their community members –  to speak up for them. Please join us in our efforts by reporting abuse immediately.”

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families (FDCF), below are some signs that a child may be a victim of abuse.³

• Unusual fearfulness
• Lack of hygiene or inappropriate dress
• Delayed emotional, intellectual or language development
• Frequent disorders
• Rocking, self-inflicted pain
• Sleep disorders
• Lack of eye contact, poor socialization
• Acting out in school
• Unexplained scars of bruises
• Malnutrition
• Many school absences

How to make a report
Under Florida law, anyone who suspects a child may be abused or neglected has a responsibility to report it. For additional information on child abuse and who to contact if you suspect a child is being abused, please call 1-800-962-2873 or visit https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/

Youth Haven Contact
If you have any questions, please contact Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven’s Executive Director, at 239-687-5155 or Linda.Goldfield@youthhavenswfl.org.

Sources

1. https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/15/us/orlando-waitress-boy-abuse-note-trnd/index.html?utm_content=2021-01-15T21%3A33%3A07&utm_medium=social&utm_source=fbCNN&utm_term=link&fbclid=IwAR2f8r4XSh7wnD3pro9woJS25yyaldjlYlLiWJhsRy9B40ZJPBc_qVYnOfc
2. https://nbc-2.com/news/state/2021/01/14/quick-thinking-florida-waitress-saves-boy-from-abusive-parents/
3. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6949a1.htm#:~:text=Heightened%20stress%2C%20school%20closures%2C%20loss,abuse%20and%20neglect%20(1).
4. https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/posters/Posters_English2-wdcf-logo-only.pdf

About Youth Haven, Inc.
Youth Haven, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, is Collier County’s only emergency and residential emergency shelter for boys and girls ages 6 – 18 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s 25-acre therapeutic campus houses over 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Also situated on its campus is Rob’s Group Home, Youth Haven’s transitional living cottage, which provides comprehensive 24-hour care, with a longer average length of stay, for homeless unaccompanied teenagers ages 16 -19. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier County, a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient, and holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is focused on protecting and empowering children and teens in Southwest Florida through comprehensive care and community collaboration. For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Naples, FL (January 7, 2021)

Brenda O’Connor, President of Youth Haven’s Board of Directors, announces the retirement of Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven’s Executive Director.

Liggett joined Youth Haven in 2010 as their Program Director before transitioning into the role of Executive Director in 2012. During Liggett’s tenure, Youth Haven greatly expanded its one-of-a-kind programs and services, providing not only immediate protection and healing for traumatized children and teens that have been abused, abandoned, neglected or experiencing homelessness; but hope, inspiration and guidance as well. Liggett, along with her Management Team, increased Youth Haven’s campus from seven beds to over 70 in order to meet the growing needs of the community. Under her leadership, Youth Haven has set a state-wide standard of excellence in for foster care programs.

“Jinx has been an exemplary leader and a shining light in the community,” said Brenda O’Connor, President of Youth Haven’s Board of Directors. “Those associated with Youth Haven recognize Jinx’s passion, dedication and commitment to Youth Haven’s mission of protecting and empowering children and teens in Southwest Florida. Her accomplishments and strong leadership have positioned Youth Haven for even greater success in the years to come. The Board and staff join me in wishing Jinx a happy and fulfilling retirement.”

After an extensive search, The Board of Directors are excited to announce that Linda Goldfield has accepted the position of Youth Haven’s incoming Executive Director. With close to twenty years of non-profit experience, Goldfield most recently served as the Executive Director of the Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida. Past experience also includes serving as Director of Development and External Affairs for Planned Parenthood.

“We are thrilled to welcome Linda Goldfield to Youth Haven,” said Brenda O’Connor. “Linda’s deep roots in the local community will ensure the legacy of Jinx continues to flourish. Her wealth of knowledge in the non-profit sector, development, marketing and community outreach makes Linda an outstanding asset to Youth Haven. She’s positive, energetic, a team focused leader and a relationship builder. We are thrilled she has joined our team to continue our mission of supporting the children and teens that depend on Youth Haven for Home, Hope & Healing.”

About Youth Haven, Inc.
Youth Haven, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, is Collier County’s only emergency and residential emergency shelter for boys and girls ages 6 – 18 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s 25-acre therapeutic campus houses over 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Also situated on its campus is Rob’s Group Home, Youth Haven’s transitional living cottage, which provides comprehensive 24-hour care, with a longer average length of stay, for homeless unaccompanied teenagers ages 16 -19. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier County, a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient, and holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is focused on protecting and empowering children and teens in Southwest Florida through comprehensive care and community collaboration. For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Naples, FL (December 15, 2020)

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they’re a recipient of a $15,000.00 grant from The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, a private family foundation working to meet the basic human needs of the most marginalized members of the human family. The funds received will benefit Youth Haven’s Youth Haven’s food and nutrition services.

Youth Haven, founded in 1972, supports children and teens ages 6 -19 that have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment or are homeless. Youth Haven is an immediate lifeline of safety, love and compassion for innocent children in crisis and the first step in a long journey back to trust, confidence and joy. Our 25-acre therapeutic campus houses over 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care.

Many of the youth that arrive to our campus have never been introduced to healthy foods or a well-rounded diet. Youth Haven’s Food & Nutrition Services is managed by an in-house chef who provides our youth with a professionally-crafted menu focused around nutritional goals.  In addition, our Food & Nutrition Services is also key component of Youth Haven’s Life Skills Program. This program was developed to promote independence, offering classes and workshops that help teens make a successful transition to self-sufficiency and sustainable living. The classes, which take place on a weekly basis, cover a variety of topics including cooking and baking.

“Youth Haven is honored to be a recipient of a grant from The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation. This grant will allow us to continue to provide well-balanced meals and teach children and teens in need valuable life-skill lessons,” said Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven Executive Director.

About Youth Haven, Inc.
Youth Haven, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, is Collier County’s only emergency and residential emergency shelter for boys and girls ages 6 – 18 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s 25-acre therapeutic campus houses over 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Also situated on its campus is Rob’s Group Home, Youth Haven’s transitional living cottage, which provides comprehensive 24-hour care, with a longer average length of stay, for homeless unaccompanied teenagers ages 16 -19. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier County, a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient, and holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is focused on protecting and empowering children and teens in Southwest Florida through comprehensive care and community collaboration. For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Naples, FL (December 2, 2020)

Youth Haven’s financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the sixth consecutive time that Youth Haven has earned this top distinction.

Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics, focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness, to its ratings methodology.  These Accountability & Transparency metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities operate in accordance with industry best practices and whether they are open with their donors and stakeholders.  On June 1, 2016, we upgraded our methodology for rating each charity’s’ financial health with CN 2.1. These enhancements further substantiates the financial health of our four star charities.

“Youth Haven, Inc.’s exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds Youth Haven to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges. Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support Youth Haven.”

“It’s important our donors trust that we’re using their donations wisely to accomplish Youth Haven’s mission,” said Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven Executive Director. “Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to our supporters our good governance and financial accountability.”

Youth Haven’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.  More-detailed information about Youth Haven’s rating is available to Charity Navigator site visitors who become registered users, another free service.

About Charity Navigator 

Charity Navigator, www.charitynavigator.org, is the largest charity evaluator in America and its website attracts more visitors than all other charity rating groups combined. The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency of more than 8,000 charities. Charity Navigator accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations, nor does it charge the public for this trusted data. As a result, Charity Navigator, a 501 (c) (3) public charity itself, depends on support from individuals, corporations and foundations that believe it provides a much-needed service to America’s charitable givers. Charity Navigator, can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 139 Harristown Road, Suite 101, Glen Rock, N.J., 07452.

About Youth Haven, Inc.

Youth Haven, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, is Collier County’s only emergency and residential emergency shelter for boys and girls ages 6 – 18 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s 25-acre therapeutic campus houses over 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Also situated on its campus is Rob’s Group Home, Youth Haven’s transitional living cottage, which provides comprehensive 24-hour care, with a longer average length of stay, for homeless unaccompanied teenagers ages 16 -19. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier County, a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient, and holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is focused on protecting and empowering children and teens in Southwest Florida through comprehensive care and community collaboration. For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Naples, FL (October 23, 2020) Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce their holiday opportunities for 2020. As Southwest Florida’s only emergency and residential shelter for boys and girls ages 6-19 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment or are homeless, Youth Haven relies on community support in order to help them achieve their goals. Below are three ways you and/or your place of employment/organization can help ensure the children & teens that call Youth Haven home have the holiday season they deserve!

• HOST A HOLIDAY DONATION DRIVE – Host a Holiday Donation Drive at your business or organization. You will receive an assortment of gift tags with a requested gift listed on the tag that your team can collect.
• PURCHASE AN ITEM FROM OUR WISH LIST – Our children and teens provided us with their holiday wishes and we need help purchasing the items. On the Wish List, you’ll see a variety of requests for toys, electronics and gift cards.
• DONATE SUPPLIES –Donations of wrapping paper, bows, scissors and tape are greatly appreciated. We’re also in need of all types of batteries so that the kids can play with their new toys on Christmas day!

GIFT CRITERIA: Please note that we can only accept NEW, UNUSED AND UNWRAPPED gifts. We also cannot accept “scary/violent” gifts.

DROP-OFF DETAILS: Please contact us at 239.774.2904 to make arrangements for your gift delivery. The cut-off date for the gift drive is Monday, December 18, 2020.  “Youth Haven is appreciative of the community’s support every year in helping us ensure our children and teens have a wonderful holiday season,” said Jinx Liggett, Executive Director. “We couldn’t do this without our community partners!”

If you’re interested in supporting Youth Haven this holiday season, please contact Laura Lafakis, Associate Director of Development, at laura.lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org.

About Youth Haven
Youth Haven, a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, is Collier County’s only residential emergency shelter for boys and girls ages 6-19 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier County, a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient, and has been in continuous operation since 1972. For more information, visit www.youthhavenswfl.org, like our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/YouthHavenShelter, follow us on Twitter, @YouthHavenCS and Instagram @youthhaven.