Press Release

Jamie’s* mom was on drugs. When he was born, Jamie had to quickly be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to eliminate the drugs he acquired from his mom. His dad was

incarcerated. Jamie lived with his family in a run-down trailer. His difficult, young life included physical abuse and neglect. Jamie was only 8 years old when he arrived at Youth Haven. (*name changed for privacy)

17-year-old Eduardo was struggling in and out of school. His parents were not part of his life and his siblings lived out of state. A godmother tried to help him. He felt isolated and alone, with no real hope for the future. His school principal referred him to Youth Haven.

Understanding and assessing the types and depth of the traumas Jamie, Eduardo and all of the children at Youth Haven have undergone provides critical insight into the custom care and therapies they receive at Youth Haven.

“We are seeing an unprecedented number of children and teens coming from toxic situations of abuse and neglect, suffering with significant mental and physical health.”  — Kelly Starke, MS, Vice President of Programming

Youth Haven is committed to providing the highest level of trauma-informed, research-supported care and therapy to help our children and teens truly heal. Every child and teen housed at Youth Haven is now receiving a baseline assessment. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) assessment provides guidance on the therapies and services to reduce current and long-term mental and physical health problems resulting from trauma.

The 10 ACEs we screen for at Youth Haven:

ABUSE

• Physical
• Emotional
• Sexual

NEGLECT

• Physical
• Emotional
• Household Dysfunction

VIOLENCE IN THE HOME

• Incarcerated caregiver/parent
• Parent/caregiver substance use
• Parents separated or divorced
• Parent/caregiver mental illness

As a result, these fragile and traumatized children and teens require a combination of traditional and holistic therapies which are available through Youth Haven’s comprehensive programs. Our therapist, Jama Thurman is now providing quarterly functional assessments for all residents to identify issues and concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems.

“Progress toward healing also involves therapies such as animal-assisted, yoga, improv, art, music, as well as healthy meals, and enrichment activities, including holiday celebrations, and fun excursions to local events. These all help bring normalcy to children’s lives.” — Jama Thurman, MA, LMHC, Therapist

The entire Youth Haven team is trained for their roles to serve as advocates for children and teens. Along with professionally trained counselors, they play a critical part in the healing process, building trust and meeting the emotional and physical needs of every child.

With community and donor support, an additional therapist is being recruited to expand individual and group therapy programs to address the at-risk children served by Youth Haven programs.

We encourage you to support these critical programs to stabilize, nurture and transform these traumatized and hurt children and teens into productive, well-adjusted adults. Make a gift today to help us expand counseling services and create more ways to bring normalcy to children on their journey to a better life.

To make a donation to help transform lives, please click HERE.

With Gratitude,

NAPLES, FL (November 22, 2024)  – Youth Haven, Inc., Southwest Florida’s only emergency and residential shelter for children and teens ages 6 to 20, is proud to announce a $30,000 grant awarded by the Collier Community Foundation. This funding will bolster Youth Haven’s essential Food & Nutrition Program, which provides more than 25,000 home-cooked meals annually to help its residents heal and thrive.

Youth Haven ensures each child receives a healthy breakfast, lunch, and after-school snack, meeting their nutritional needs year-round. Proper nutrition is a cornerstone of the healing process, particularly for children who arrive at Youth Haven after experiencing food insecurity, malnutrition, or obesity. These challenges often lead to health and developmental issues such as anxiety, depression, and failure to thrive.

The Food & Nutrition Program addresses these critical needs by fostering long-term healthy habits, enabling children and teens to rebuild their lives in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Linda Goldfield, Chief Executive Officer of Youth Haven, shared her gratitude:
“We are deeply grateful to the Collier Community Foundation for their generous support. This grant ensures we can continue to provide the nutritional care our children and teens need to recover, thrive, and build brighter futures.”

For more than five decades, Youth Haven has provided Home, Hope, and Healing to Southwest Florida’s most vulnerable children and teens. The organization remains committed to offering a safe haven where young lives can heal, grow, and thrive.

About the Collier Community Foundation
Collier Community Foundation® is a tax-exempt, public, charitable organization established in 1985 to increase and focus on local private philanthropy. Today, the Collier Community Foundation manages over 850 funds, works with hundreds of nonprofits, and has granted over $362 million to nonprofit organizations, community programs, and scholarships. Informed giving. Powerful results®. Learn more at colliercf.org or call 239-649-5000.

About Youth Haven, Inc.
Youth Haven, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 1972 and provides Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens, ages 6 – 20, in SWFL. Its 18.5-acre therapeutic campus in Naples, FL, offers the only Emergency shelter in Collier County for youth removed from their homes. Youth Haven offers a Residential/At-Risk care facility where individuals can stay for an average of 270 days. Additionally, they operate a shelter specifically for homeless, unaccompanied teens, helping them make a successful transition to adulthood. With beds for up to 70 youth, Youth Haven provides around-the-clock specialized care in a home-like environment, counseling to begin their healing process, educational support, and a robust enrichment program. 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 info or to schedule a tour, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Naples, Fl (April 30, 2024) Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to welcome Christine Stahl Lublin to its Board of Directors, effective April 2024.

Christine Lublin was an executive at IBM for many years, leading teams and managing businesses throughout the Southeast United States and Puerto Rico. Since coming to Naples, she has been involved with several philanthropic organizations, serving in many positions, including committee chair, presenting sponsor, and honorary chair. In addition to Youth Haven, organizations she has supported include Bucket List Bash (American Cancer Society), Naples International Film Festival, Naples Winter Wine Festival, Naples Zoo, and Naples Botanical Gardens. Christine feels strongly that all children deserve love and a place to call home and is delighted to be a member of the Youth Haven board.

“Youth Haven is honored that Christine Stahl Lublin has joined our Board of Directors,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven’s Chief Executive Officer. “Christine is an incredible addition to our Board of Directors. Her support will allow us to continue to provide the best care to the children and teens that depend on Youth Haven for Home, Hope, and Healing.”

About Youth Haven, Inc.
Youth Haven, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 1972 and provides Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens, ages 6 – 20, in SWFL. Its 18.5-acre therapeutic campus in Naples, FL, offers the only Emergency shelter in Collier County for youth removed from their homes. Youth Haven offers a Residential/At-Risk care facility where individuals can stay for an average of 270 days. Additionally, they operate a shelter specifically for homeless, unaccompanied teens, helping them make a successful transition to adulthood. With beds for up to 70 youth, Youth Haven provides around-the-clock specialized care in a home-like
environment, counseling to begin their healing process, educational support, and a robust enrichment program. 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.

Naples, Fl (November 9, 2023) Youth Haven, Inc. celebrates a triumphant start to a busy 2023-2024 season with two highly successful events.

Uncorked was held Friday, October 13, 2023, at The Club at Mediterra. The eighth annual wine pairing event, chaired by Charlie Miller and Jacqui Resop, featured delicious food and drinks, live music, a silent auction, and more. Thank you to our Sommelier Sponsor, International Diamond Center, and Wine Sponsor, Pacific Southern Wine Company. $90,000 was raised to support Youth Haven.

Healing Youth was held Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Sea Salt. For a third year, Sea Salt owners Ingrid and Chef Fabrizio opened their doors to host a luncheon raising $40,000 to benefit Youth Haven’s children and teens. The luncheon featured Keynote Speaker Christina Meredith, author of the best-selling book CinderGirl: My Journey Out of the Ashes to a Life of Hope.

Gulfshore Life/The Naples Press was the media sponsor of both events, and Corey Lazar, WINK News Anchor, served as Emcee.

Please save the dates for Youth Haven’s following two events:

Cherish the Children will be held at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, on Monday, January 22, 2024, starting at 11:00 am. The Cherish the Children luncheon offers an engaging opportunity to learn more about the programs that help to create transformational change in the lives of our children and teens. Event Co-chairs: Trina Mostyn and Jen Porter, Honorary Chairs: Dr. Richard Lublin and Christine Lublin. The luncheon will feature keynote speaker Steve Pemberton, best-selling author of The Lighthouse Effect. The media sponsor is Naples Illustrated. Individual tickets are $300.

Starry Nights will occur on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. Join us for Starry Nights, a mesmerizing evening celebrating Youth Haven featuring a cocktail reception, dinner, live entertainment, dancing, a silent auction, and more! We hope you join us for this enchanting evening where every child of Youth Haven is a star! Event Chairs are Ingrid Aielli, Beverly Fanning, Rufino Hernandez, and Brenda Melton; Honorary

Chairs are Mr. John and Dr. Amy Quinn. TV Personality Courtney Hansen is also returning as the event emcee, along with Corey Lazar. The media sponsor is Gulfshore Life/The Naples Press. Individual tickets are $500.

Founded in 1972 and continuous operation for over 50 years, 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 18.5-acre therapeutic campus houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven views challenges as opportunities to help each child gain confidence, independence, and success as they continue to strengthen the community they serve.

“We are grateful for our sponsors, attendees, vendors, in-kind donors, and volunteers that helped make Uncorked and Healing Youth a success,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven’s Chief Executive Officer. “We hope you can join us at Cherish the Children and Starry Nights to support the local abused and neglected children that depend on Youth Haven. Together, we can continue to provide transformational changes and ensure a brighter, better future for the children and teens in our care.”

For sponsorship opportunities for Youth Haven’s events, please visit youthhavenswfl.org/events/

If you have any events or sponsorship questions, please contact Michele Rubin, Events Manager, at (239) 687-5163 or Michele.Rubin@YouthHavenSWFL.org.

About Youth Haven, Inc.
Youth Haven, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 1972 and provides Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens, ages 6 – 20, in SWFL. Its 18.5-acre therapeutic campus in Naples, FL, offers the only Emergency shelter in Collier County for youth removed from their homes. Youth Haven offers a Residential/At-Risk care facility where individuals can stay for an average of 270 days. Additionally, they operate a shelter specifically for homeless, unaccompanied teens, helping them make a successful transition to adulthood. With beds for up to 70 youth, Youth Haven provides around-the-clock specialized care in a home-like environment, counseling to begin their healing process, educational support, and a robust enrichment program. 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 info or to schedule a tour, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Naples, Fl (August 31, 2023) Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Johnson as Chief Development Officer (CDO).

Peter has a wealth of fundraising experience, having dedicated over two decades to various nonprofit organizations, including St. Matthew’s House and the Boy Scouts of America. Peter is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a board member for the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). He is also a member of the Estate Planning Council of Naples and a proud graduate of Leadership Collier.

After graduating from New York University, Peter served in the Peace Corps in Paraguay, where he taught beekeeping to subsistence farmers and spent a year in Senegal, competing on the amateur beach wrestling circuit. Peter makes his home in Naples with his wife, Ashley, and their three children.

Founded in 1972, Youth Haven provides Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida. Located in Naples, Florida, with beds for up to 70 youth at a given time, 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. As the CDO, Peter will serve as a key executive team member and will work closely with the CEO to set a strategy for ongoing revenue growth. The CDO will propel Youth Haven to new levels of fundraising success and align the development team’s efforts with the organization’s strategic priorities.

“We’re honored to welcome Peter Johnson to Youth Haven,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven CEO. “Peter’s visionary and entrepreneurial approach and fundraising expertise make him an outstanding addition to Youth Haven and will allow us to enhance our mission and vision.”

To contact Peter, please call 239-774-2904, ext. 104, or email Peter.Johnson@YouthHavenSWFL.org.

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 children and teens ages 10 – 19 removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus, located in Naples, Florida, houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven provides programs that create transformational change in its youth. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier and the Keys, and a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient. It also holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is “To provide Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.” For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.