News

NAPLES, Fla. (Sept. 29, 2025) – Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, is pleased to announce it has been awarded a charitable gift of $17,500 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. These funds will be used to support the nonprofit’s education initiatives, ensuring all youth have access to academic resources, enrichment opportunities and independent living skill-building.

Specifically, this gift will support Youth Haven’s Education Hub with essential supplies, books and technology; dedicated staff who provide instruction, tutoring and mentoring; life skills training in areas such as financial literacy, nutrition and daily living; and enrichment opportunities including STEAM, arts, athletics, mindfulness and cultural outings.

“We are extremely grateful to the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation for this crucial funding that will help us continue to close the educational gap for children and teens in our care who have experienced abuse, neglect or homelessness,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “By weaving together academics, enrichment and life skills, we are able to offer a holistic approach that helps youth heal from trauma while gaining the tools and confidence needed to graduate, pursue careers and live independently. Together, we can create a supportive, creative and healing place where these young people can succeed academically and personally.”

Children and teens entering Youth Haven’s care have often experienced profound trauma and instability that can disrupt their ability to succeed in school and prepare for adulthood. Youth in foster care are frequently two to three grade levels behind their peers, while homeless students graduate at far lower rates — only 69% within four years, compared to 85.8% nationally. Locally, over 1,000 students were identified as homeless in Collier County last school year. Without targeted support, these young people face increased risks of dropping out, unemployment, and continued cycles of poverty and trauma.

Youth Haven’s unique education initiative addresses this need by combining academic stability with skill-building for independence in one trauma-informed setting. While the Education Hub provides tutoring, literacy instruction and advocacy with Collier County Public Schools, the initiative also integrates enrichment activities that reduce toxic stress, including STEAM, art, music, sports and mindfulness. All residents also participate in practical life skills instruction including budgeting, financial literacy, job readiness, healthy decision-making and post-secondary planning.

Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, founded the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in the community. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union donates four cents to the Foundation to fund local initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has raised and donated over $55 million.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to find their way and it takes education for this to happen,” says Jeff Kunberger, executive director of Suncoast Foundations. “Our mission is to improve lives and the communities we serve and Youth Haven allows us to put our words into action for the children and youth who will receive support through this program,” he added.

Youth Haven serves as a dedicated community partner and regional leader in providing a safe haven of home, hope and healing 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 Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $19.0 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Un-ion, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 78 full-service branches and serves more than 1.3 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $55 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

NAPLES, Fla. (Sept. 22, 2025) – Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, is pleased to announce is has received a $25,000 grant from The League Club. These funds have allowed the nonprofit to replace an aging van used to safely transport its residents to activities and employment and further its mission of providing home, hope and healing for youth in need throughout Southwest Florida.

“We are extremely grateful to The League Club for supporting our mission and helping us provide a sense of normalcy to the children and teens in our care,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “This funding will ensure Youth Haven can continue offering safe, reliable transportation for our young people to participate in activities and experiences like their peers. For vulnerable youth, it is imperative to have a way to get to school, medical appointments, employment and community enrichments opportunities that are essential for healing and development. Together, we can empower youth in Collier County to build successful, stable futures and fully engage with their community.”

The investment in the purchase of a new, reliable seven-seater van will significantly reduce maintenance and repair costs, extend the vehicle’s lifespan and improve fuel efficiency, resulting in considerable cost savings. This will enable Youth Haven to redirect funds to essential programs that support the well-being of the children and teens who rely on the organization.

In 2025, The League Club selected and awarded grants to 34 area nonprofit organizations focused on improving their communities totaling a record $762,412, which is an $80,000 increase over 2024. Over the past 38 years, The League Club has provided over $8 million in grants to 222 nonprofit organizations in Collier and Lee counties supporting children, families, the elderly and veterans.

Funding for these grants come from The League Club’s Community Trust Fund. These monies are raised from the club’s annual fundraiser, Naples Tables, held every spring in Naples, and from the generosity of its members and donors in the community.

“The 2024-25 year has been an extraordinary one for The League Club,” said Donna Lindberg, president of The League Club. “Thanks to the generosity of our members and donors, The League Club has continued to honor its commitment to community by raising funds and distributing these funds through grants made to carefully vetted not-for-profit agencies in Collier and Lee counties. In its 38-year history, to date The League Club has awarded over $8 million dollars to deserving grant applicants. These grants directly impact the needs of at-risk adults and children in the areas of housing, food scarcity, education, physical and mental health, and the arts. The League Club is inspired by the passion and dedication of its members and donors who make this commitment possible.”

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.

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

NAPLES, Fla. (Aug. 29, 2025) – Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21,

has successfully achieved reaccreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA). The nonprofit was one of the only organizations in Collier County to earn this prestigious distinction.

“We are proud of

this achievement that directly reflects our team’s steadfast commitment to excellence,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “Accreditation provides a framework for organizations to manage resources, offer best practices and strive for continuous improvement. We feel honored to attain this status as we continue our mission to bring home, hope and healing to vulnerable youth throughout Collier County.”

COA is an independent, international nonprofit that accredits child and family services and behavioral healthcare

organizations. Representing the gold standard in the field, COA is focused on improving service delivery outcomes and promoting excellence in human services globally.

Youth Haven’s accreditation was part of a rigorous five-year audit process, which took nearly a year of preparation to complete. Their reaccreditation application was expedited through the Pre-Commission Review Report process because the organization received no out-of-compliance ratings in all of the fundamental practice standards. Only 25 percent of agencies receive this expedited status, and it is the first time in Youth Haven’s history that it achieved this milestone.

In addition to its COA reaccreditation, Youth Haven has demonstrated its strong financial health and ongoing effectiveness and reliability by earning a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, formerly Guidestar and the Foundation Center.

“These important designations are further validation that our supporters can trust our commitment to good governance, but also that we’re using our donors’ gifts effectively,” said Goldfield. “We hope they will introduce our work to new supporters who can help us advance our mission to provide home, hope and healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.”

Youth Haven’s Four-Star Rating designates the nonprofit as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that the organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s comprehensive criteria. Charity Navigator is the nation’s largest charity evaluator, providing donors with thorough and credible ratings of more than 230,000 organizations. Since 2001, the organization has been an unbiased and trusted source of information for more than 11 million donors annually. Charity Navigator analyzes overall nonprofit health and performance based on four key areas, including leadership and adaptability, accountability and finance, culture and community, and impact and results.

“We are delighted to provide Youth Haven with third-party accreditation that validates their operational excellence,” said Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator. “The Four-Star Rating is the highest possible rating an organization can achieve. We are eager to see the good work that Youth Haven can accomplish in the years ahead.”

As part of an elite group of a small percentage of nonprofits in the U.S. to achieve the platinum distinction and highest level of transparency from Candid, Youth Haven has demonstrated a dedication to going above and beyond in sharing detailed information. Earning this seal requires an organization to provide extensive and clear information to the public about its mission and goals, strategies and programs, capabilities, financial information, results, milestones, and impact metrics, making it a significant achievement that demonstrates a commitment to financial and operational openness, accountability and building trust with donors, supporters and the community.

Established in 1972, Youth Haven serves children and teens who are removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or homelessness. With beds for up to 74 youth, Youth Haven provides around-the-clock specialized care in a home-like environment, including counseling and emotional support, educational opportunities and a robust enrichment program. For more information, visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904.