Formerly Homeless Teen Goes to Off College, With a Little Help from Youth Haven

Continued from Youth Haven Highlights…

With support and guidance from staff members and volunteers at Youth Haven, Joseph studied hard to keep up with his classes at Lely High School while dual enrolled at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). After living in Rob’s Cottage at Youth Haven for 5 months, he and six other teens at Youth Haven graduated from high school in May. He applied to several colleges and was accepted at Florida State University. His dream is to become a mathematics professor.

Early in August, as he was preparing for college life in Tallahassee, Joseph became the first male teen to receive the benefits of the GL Homes Good Night’s Sleep program, which has provided shopping opportunities for Youth Haven residents since 2021. He was able to select items to furnish his dorm room, as well as school supplies.

Even as he prepared to head to college, Youth Haven continued to provide support. Rob’s Cottage Manager Mick filled the role of Joseph’s parent, driving him to FSU, helping him move into his dorm room, and attending the orientation sessions with him to ensure a successful first year.

“We’re so proud of Joseph as he begins this new phase of his life. He has been determined, dedicated and resilient. We are excited to see what the future holds for him,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven CEO.

Joseph’s future includes continued connections with Youth Haven through wrap-around advocacy services, providing him with check-in phone calls from case managers and invitations to visit during schools breaks and holidays. If he ever feels he needs support, Joseph knows he can call Mr. Mick or any Youth Haven staff member.

Youth Haven Services for Homeless Children and Teens
Collier County Public Schools reports there were nearly 2,000 homeless children and teens in 2022-23.

Rob’s Cottage, home to Youth Haven’s Homeless Teen Transitional Living Program (HTTLP), offers a safe and caring environment, a place to sleep, and access to intensive case management, educational support, nutritious meals, and medical and mental health services for young people ages 16-20. Youth Haven’s HTTLP focuses on high school graduation, job readiness, preparing for higher education and strengthening community connections.

 

Rob’s Cottage: Hope for Homeless Teens in Collier County

Homelessness among children and teens in Collier County is on the rise, but thankfully they have a place to find a soft landing, the help they need to get back on their feet, and a safe environment to call home thanks to Rob’s Cottage at Youth Haven.

 


Collier County Public Schools has identified 1,289 homeless students in our community, all of whom qualify for the support afforded them by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Youth Haven provides Collier County’s only Homeless Teen Transitional Living Program.

While we serve younger children in a separate area of our 18-acre campus – Rob’s Cottage is a voluntary residential program with an extensive screening process for homeless teens ages 16-20. Teens are given a safe and caring environment, access to intensive case management, educational support, nutritious meals, and medical and mental health services. Programs and classes focus on high school graduation, job readiness, preparing for higher education, and acquiring and maintaining independence and housing.

 

Two teen residents at Rob’s Cottage catch up on homework before group dinner.

Over 90% of the Teens at Rob’s Cottage are referred to Youth Haven by Collier County Public Schools or Collier County Homeless Coalition.

 

Teens at Rob’s Cottage are provided with:

 

  • a safe and caring environment
  • access to intensive case management
  • educational support
  • nutritious meals
  • medical and mental health services
  • classes and programs for everything from high school graduation to financial literacy

The stories of home, hope, and healing for homeless teens that land at Rob’s Cottage are endless. A recent resident decided to bravely share her story with us (and you) to help better illustrate how the structured environment, caring staff, and life-changing programs at Youth Haven helped save her life. Please take a moment to read Johane’s story.

 


 

Johane’s Story: A soft landing and a launching pad at Rob’s Cottage

As the oldest daughter in her family, 16-year-old Johane often had to care for her five siblings. Her single mother had difficulty providing for the family and struggled to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.

Johane recalls the day she couldn’t take it anymore.

 

“It was always hectic. I was busy taking care of my sisters and brothers. I had to put others first. There simply was no time for me. When I told a school counselor that life had gotten so bad that I didn’t want to live anymore, she listened. And then school officials told me about Youth Haven.”

Homeless teens often fall through the cracks in the child welfare system. Younger, more vulnerable infants and children are a higher priority. In Collier County, homeless teens have the option to choose to come to Youth Haven.

 

“When I arrived at Youth Haven, it was hard. I didn’t know anyone. I felt I had to advocate for myself,” said Johane.

“I was grateful that one of the first people I met was Ms. Tina, the Care Coordinator. She was bright, bubbly, and easy to talk to. I also have to say that Mr. Mick, the Manager at Rob’s Cottage, was especially helpful because he also spoke Creole. It was easy to connect with him. In fact, he often checked in on me to see if I needed help. He paid attention to me. He advocated for me when I needed it most.”

After being referred and completing an extensive screening process, Johane and other homeless teens at Rob’s Cottage, Youth Haven’s Transitional Living Cottage, are provided a safe and caring environment 24-hours a day, seven days week. Each teen receives case management services, educational support, nutritious meals, medical and mental health services, career readiness, preparing for higher education and strengthening community connections. Residents are expected to work toward self-sufficiency – an adult life outside of Youth Haven.

Since arriving at Youth Haven nearly six months ago, Johane has been able to focus on the goals she set during the admission process. She is doing well in high school and…

 

…with support from the Youth Haven team, she has earned a full scholarship to Florida International University (FIU) through the Golden Scholars Program.

Johane has been accepted to be part of a special FIU program that is only available to first-generation students from underrepresented backgrounds. She will receive year-round housing, and extra guidance and support will be provided by FIU staff and counselors that starts during the summer session, preparing her for the fall semester at the university.

At Rob’s Cottage, Johane is already serving as an inspiration for some of her teen peers. She is busily applying for nearly 30 additional scholarships and grants, taking the initiative to ensure financial support while she pursues a degree in broadcast journalism, with a goal to become a broadcast technician.

 

She recalls bad days and good days at Youth Haven. Johane shared that she especially enjoyed a shopping day with her roommate and a staff member. She said it was fun to get out and shopping was a good way to get to know her roommate. When she had a particularly tough day and was crying, her roommate was considerate to leave to give her some space. Johane thought she was kind to also come back to see how she was doing, even though they hadn’t known each other for very long.

 

“I am grateful to Youth Haven for giving me an opportunity for a life beyond poverty.

I can see there is a better way to live than the one I experienced for 16 years. At this time, I feel my biggest accomplishment has been to secure admission to FIU, along with several scholarships. While I advocated for myself, Youth Haven staff and volunteers were there to support me,” said Johane.

As the goal of Rob’s Cottage at Youth Haven is to help homeless teens work toward self-sufficiency, Johane certainly serves as an excellent role model.

For the 1,200+ homeless children and teens in Collier County, Johane’s story is all too familiar.  Thankfully, Johane had the support of Youth Haven to help during her time of need. The best way to support the children who call Youth Haven home is to make a donation to support our mission.

Former Football Stars Serve As Positive Male Role Models at YH

Meet Spencer & Culmer, both former football players and two of our Youth Haven staff members who serve positive male role models for the children and teens. 

 


Here to serve.

Spencer Adkins

“When adults mess up, the kids are victims. Through circumstances these kids cannot control, they feel the impact. My heart goes out to them.”

After Spencer Adkins retired from the NFL, he was involved with a few business start-ups and also began looking for other things to do. Because he is very good working with kids, his wife suggested he become a coach. He wasn’t interested in the coaching lifestyle that would keep him away from his family. About the same time, his wife shared an online post for a job with Youth Haven. Spencer sent in his resume and was quickly hired. He was looking for a sense of purpose and he found it at Youth Haven.

Spencer shared that when he was growing up, his family took in kids, even little babies, while relatives or neighbors worked through issues. Their house and his family’s loving arms were always open.  “When I was young, my parents were incarcerated, so I understand the confusion and pain that can affect a child,” said Spencer. “Selfishly, I believe I can help in some way. When I work with kids, I am calm but assertive. I try to be relatable. My goal is to build trust. That takes time and patience.”

Spencer tries to be part of all intake sessions. He chooses to be one of the first at Youth Haven to meet and find out about each child. He wants to know:  Are they hungry, thirsty, or need a shower? Spencer wants to provide a welcoming presence. And, he wants them to know right away that they can rely on him.

“It requires simple interactions,” said Spencer. “I do not chastise. I help them feel they can talk to me at anytime. And, if not me, someone else on the counseling team. I don’t ever want to violate an already fragile child. I especially don’t want them to feel trapped here.”

With great power, comes great responsibility.

Youth Haven Residential Director, Culmer St. Jean, has been with Youth Haven for more than 15 years. “I originally found out about Youth Haven from a friend who served as a counselor in high school,” said Culmer. “I was a challenging kid. I understood frustrations and hardships. I thought I could help, too. So, I became a junior counselor for two years.”

“One of my mentors, Mr. Marker, was just a regular guy. He said to me, ‘People (other high school students) are watching you. You need to be a positive role model.’ I’ll never forget the quote he shared with me: ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ He had a significant impact on my life.”

“I am always transparent with our kids at Youth Haven,” said Culmer. “I might not be ‘their’ person. Some have faced significant trauma and are afraid of larger males. Maybe they didn’t have any father figures in their life. We can’t force our personality on anyone. Another of my peers might be better serving as their mentor and providing guidance. We are fortunate to have a diverse team, with a range of cultures and experiences.”

Culmer St. Jean

Spencer agreed. “Sometimes, there is a truth moment and it is clear that I am not ‘their person.’ Someone else on the team will be the one to build rapport.” He believes that to be the best mentor, you need to allow people to live their life and make mistakes – they learn from those mistakes. “

It is not about giving them answers, it is about guiding them and providing them with advice, without telling them what to do,” said Spencer.

“I often say, ‘this is how I would do this.’ Then, they need to make their own choices and decisions.”

The definition of a mentor is a ‘trusted counselor or guide.’ Spencer suggests that mentors show up at moments you are not at your best, your weak moments, to help you along the path.

Building trust that changes lives.

When Spencer arrived to his new role as a cottage coordinator at Rob’s Cottage, he couldn’t have imagined the possibilities for serving as a mentor and having a positive and lasting impact on children. “I worked with a very independent young girl from Immokalee,” said Spencer. “During one of our conversations, she asked me if I had a home. I said yes, and then asked her if she wanted to have a house. She was very interested. So, with my financial planning experience and background, I taught her about finances and business. She started her own business at Youth Haven, styling girls’ hair for proms. She got a job and bought a car. She learned how to plan and prioritize to get what she wanted. Money was and is very important to her, and that served as a critical driver to change her. It was rewarding to see her turn into a responsible adult.”

Culmer recalls one especially challenging mentor relationship. The child was only 7 or 8 years old when he arrived at Youth Haven. He had just made the age cut. His difficult family background included physical abuse. When he was born, his mom had drugs in her system and he was admitted to the NICU to address the drugs he acquired from her as a newborn. His dad was incarcerated, and the family lived in a trailer.

“He only knew cuss words and everything was a battle,” said Culmer. “He always wanted to fight. He wanted confrontation. To avoid going to school, he hid under a table. He consistently didn’t want to take a shower after playing sports. We debated and negotiated. Finally, I told him he didn’t have to take a shower and if he wanted more time out on the field to finish a game, he simply had to ask. All of a sudden, his demeanor changed and he wanted to take a shower.

Each child has his or her own personality. It just takes time to figure out the best way to help them help themselves.”

The child began excelling at sports, primarily football and basketball. As he improved in sports, his grades in school also improved. He became an ambassador and model for others at Youth Haven. His grandmother started to visit and take him off campus for a few hours. After 2 ½ years of healing at Youth Haven, he was reunited with his family.

“As a mentor, kids probably would say I am both cool and annoying,” said Spencer. “I hold everyone to a standard. But, they would also say ‘he’s got you – he’s got your back. He’ll take care of you.’ I always want to help: Do you need to talk? Do you need a blanket? Just tell me. Others would say I’m supportive and I encourage them to be their best. I tell them: It may not your fault you are here but it is your responsibility to decide what you do for the rest of your life. Own it. You are in control.”

Culmer St. Jean helps a Youth Haven teen add their handprint to a wall on the Youth Haven campus.

In his nearly two decades as a at Youth Haven, Culmer has helped many young women and men as both a mentor and father figure. He’s good with that. “Consistent, understanding, reliable, fair and light-hearted are some of the words kids would use to describe me,” said Culmer. “I always listen and try to get down to the facts. I help kids understand the perceptions of others so they can begin to see what others see. We also talk often about “results” – the outcomes of their actions. And, I’m known for my random, creative handshakes.” 

For some kids, they more quickly and easily identify with Culmer and Spencer who were Division I college and professional sports athletes. Once they they learn about their football and other athletic experiences, kids do Google searches. Spencer says their backgrounds give them some clout and maybe kids are more open and willing to listen. Some kids don’t know or aren’t interested in sports, so it doesn’t matter to them. For others, it can be a helpful icebreaker.

If asked about his football career, Culmer is honest and open. “A few of the kids have watched our sports interviews online. It is humorous when they call me a rock star and believe I must be a billionaire. I do think the sports success gives us more flexibility to initiate talks, to guide, and to train and coach.”

“I do this work to impact a kid so he or she can contribute to society,” said Culmer. “I feel well-versed in stuff these kids need. My measures of success: Did I teach? Did they learn? Do they have the coping skills and others tools they need? Have them developed manners and new ways to communicate? Do they now trust us? You don’t always get the result you want. This role requires patience and you must always look long term. Counselors know they have to give respect, not demand it. We have to show each kid that they are valued. We build them up. Every case, every child, is different. We learn to read the room and find the things that resonate.”

Culmer and Spencer are part of a larger Youth Haven team, all working together bring home, hope and healing to children and teens to prepare them for a productive life as an adult. They have big hearts and are passionate about improving the lives of at-risk children in our community.

Rob’s Cottage: Hope for Homeless Teens in Collier County

Homelessness among children and teens in Collier County is on the rise, but thankfully they have a place to find a soft landing, the help they need to get back on their feet, and a safe environment to call home thanks to Rob’s Cottage at Youth Haven.

 


Collier County Public Schools has identified 1,289 homeless students in our community, all of whom qualify for the support afforded them by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Youth Haven provides Collier County’s only Homeless Teen Transitional Living Program.

While we serve younger children in a separate area of our 18-acre campus – Rob’s Cottage is a voluntary residential program with an extensive screening process for homeless teens ages 16-20. Teens are given a safe and caring environment, access to intensive case management, educational support, nutritious meals, and medical and mental health services. Programs and classes focus on high school graduation, job readiness, preparing for higher education, and acquiring and maintaining independence and housing.

 

Two teen residents at Rob’s Cottage catch up on homework before group dinner.

Over 90% of the Teens at Rob’s Cottage are referred to Youth Haven by Collier County Public Schools or Collier County Homeless Coalition.

 

Teens at Rob’s Cottage are provided with:

 

  • a safe and caring environment
  • access to intensive case management
  • educational support
  • nutritious meals
  • medical and mental health services
  • classes and programs for everything from high school graduation to financial literacy

The stories of home, hope, and healing for homeless teens that land at Rob’s Cottage are endless. A recent resident decided to bravely share her story with us (and you) to help better illustrate how the structured environment, caring staff, and life-changing programs at Youth Haven helped save her life. Please take a moment to read Johane’s story.

 


 

Johane’s Story: A soft landing and a launching pad at Rob’s Cottage

As the oldest daughter in her family, 16-year-old Johane often had to care for her five siblings. Her single mother had difficulty providing for the family and struggled to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.

Johane recalls the day she couldn’t take it anymore.

 

“It was always hectic. I was busy taking care of my sisters and brothers. I had to put others first. There simply was no time for me. When I told a school counselor that life had gotten so bad that I didn’t want to live anymore, she listened. And then school officials told me about Youth Haven.”

Homeless teens often fall through the cracks in the child welfare system. Younger, more vulnerable infants and children are a higher priority. In Collier County, homeless teens have the option to choose to come to Youth Haven.

 

“When I arrived at Youth Haven, it was hard. I didn’t know anyone. I felt I had to advocate for myself,” said Johane.

“I was grateful that one of the first people I met was Ms. Tina, the Care Coordinator. She was bright, bubbly, and easy to talk to. I also have to say that Mr. Mick, the Manager at Rob’s Cottage, was especially helpful because he also spoke Creole. It was easy to connect with him. In fact, he often checked in on me to see if I needed help. He paid attention to me. He advocated for me when I needed it most.”

After being referred and completing an extensive screening process, Johane and other homeless teens at Rob’s Cottage, Youth Haven’s Transitional Living Cottage, are provided a safe and caring environment 24-hours a day, seven days week. Each teen receives case management services, educational support, nutritious meals, medical and mental health services, career readiness, preparing for higher education and strengthening community connections. Residents are expected to work toward self-sufficiency – an adult life outside of Youth Haven.

Since arriving at Youth Haven nearly six months ago, Johane has been able to focus on the goals she set during the admission process. She is doing well in high school and…

 

…with support from the Youth Haven team, she has earned a full scholarship to Florida International University (FIU) through the Golden Scholars Program.

Johane has been accepted to be part of a special FIU program that is only available to first-generation students from underrepresented backgrounds. She will receive year-round housing, and extra guidance and support will be provided by FIU staff and counselors that starts during the summer session, preparing her for the fall semester at the university.

At Rob’s Cottage, Johane is already serving as an inspiration for some of her teen peers. She is busily applying for nearly 30 additional scholarships and grants, taking the initiative to ensure financial support while she pursues a degree in broadcast journalism, with a goal to become a broadcast technician.

 

She recalls bad days and good days at Youth Haven. Johane shared that she especially enjoyed a shopping day with her roommate and a staff member. She said it was fun to get out and shopping was a good way to get to know her roommate. When she had a particularly tough day and was crying, her roommate was considerate to leave to give her some space. Johane thought she was kind to also come back to see how she was doing, even though they hadn’t known each other for very long.

 

“I am grateful to Youth Haven for giving me an opportunity for a life beyond poverty.

I can see there is a better way to live than the one I experienced for 16 years. At this time, I feel my biggest accomplishment has been to secure admission to FIU, along with several scholarships. While I advocated for myself, Youth Haven staff and volunteers were there to support me,” said Johane.

As the goal of Rob’s Cottage at Youth Haven is to help homeless teens work toward self-sufficiency, Johane certainly serves as an excellent role model.

For the 1,200+ homeless children and teens in Collier County, Johane’s story is all too familiar.  Thankfully, Johane had the support of Youth Haven to help during her time of need. The best way to support the children who call Youth Haven home is to make a donation to support our mission.

Donor Spotlight – October 2022 Newsletter

We are so grateful for the individuals and organizations who have donated meals to our foster care youth during our search for a Culinary Coordinator & Chef. These nutritious and delicious meals not only nourished their bodies, but also provided a sense of community and support. We would like to give a special thank you to our community partners for their generous contributions. Your kindness truly makes a difference in the lives of our youth!

  • 485
  • Amy Pulisfico
  • Artichoke & Company
  • Barbatella
  • BCN Paellas Family Meals
  • Campiello
  • Carrabba’s
  • Chef Mussa Bey
  • Circle C Farms
  • Dominick Pizza
  • Fire & Rice
  • Foxboro Sports Tavern
  • Jeannie Barry
  • Jen Dant
  • Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
  • Jewban’s Deli
  • Jodi Bisogno
  • Kelly Jean
  • Kimberly Key
  • Lee & Bud Willis
  • Michelbob’s Championship Ribs & Steaks
  • Nancy Peck & Jerry Holicek
  • Ocean Church
  • Parmesan Pete’s
  • Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
  • Sage Catering
  • Seaside Bar & Grill
  • St. Matthew’s House
  • The Player’s Club & Spa
  • Trevor Smith Memorial Foundation
  • Tricia Leite & Family