News

NAPLES, Fla. (Nov. 18, 2025) – Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, announced the public launch of its Building Hope for Tomorrow comprehensive capital campaign. This transformational $20 million initiative will support the construction of a new building as well as expand and elevate the nonprofit’s therapeutic, educational and enrichment services and programs for vulnerable youth across the region.

The incredible milestone was commemorated with a launch party hosted by MHK Architecture, which is generously donating all design services for the project and has been a longtime supporter of Youth Haven. Held at their Naples office on Nov. 13, guests enjoyed catering, refreshments, music and remarks from Matthew Kragh, founder of MHK Architecture, Elizabeth Star, capital campaign chair and Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven.

“This is one of the worthiest causes I’ve seen in Naples,” shared Kragh. “Seeing these kids, and having a family of my own, it just hits you. The way they’ve lived, what they’ve been through, the challenges they face — compared to what most families in this town experience — it’s night and day. This is such an important cause.”

With more than half of the campaign goal already secured, Youth Haven enters the public phase propelled by strong early support and an active $1 million matching gift opportunity in effect through Jan. 14, 2026. Naming opportunities remain available for donors wishing to make a lasting impact on the future and wellbeing of local youth, including the building naming rights.

Founded in 1972, Youth Haven has provided lifesaving shelter, therapy, safety and support to children and teens experiencing abuse, neglect, family instability and homelessness for more than five decades. As the need in Southwest Florida continues to grow, the organization is taking bold steps to meet rising demand and create a campus equipped for the future.

“This campaign represents one of the most significant milestones in our 53-year history,” said Goldfield. “We would like to give a special thank you to our partners that have graciously donated their time and talents to our efforts. With community support, we will build a facility that uplifts every young person who comes through our doors. Our hope is this will be an enduring safe space that provides healing and renewal.”

The Building Hope for Tomorrow capital campaign will fund the construction of the Therapeutic Enrichment Center, establish an endowment for long-term sustainability and enhance Youth Haven’s capacity to expand programs that address emotional wellness, education, life skills, family reunification and enrichment opportunities.

The new 22,000-square-foot Therapeutic Enrichment Center will replace Youth Haven’s current building and strengthen every aspect of its mission to provide home, hope and healing for youth in need. The project will be completed in partnership with Curran Young Construction, serving as the campaign’s builder. Additional partners donating their expertise to the project include:

· Mark McLean, national director at MHK Architecture – design services

· Karen Larson Murphy, Sean Murphy and Jim Rafferty from Gordon Pass – property management services

· Natasha Pereira Interior Design – interior design services

Purpose-built using trauma-informed design principles, the new center will transform Youth Haven’s ability to provide lifesaving and life-changing services. The facility will serve as a dynamic hub for healing, growth and connection, ensuring that every child who arrives at Youth Haven feels safe, supported and empowered. Key features include:

· A modern dining hall and commercial kitchen for family-style meals and nutrition programs

· Private therapy suites and group counseling spaces

· A dedicated education hub and library to support academic success and literacy

· A STEAM Lab and art studio for creative expression

· A family visit center and welcoming reception area

· A yoga and meditation studio to support mindfulness and trauma recovery

· Administrative offices and an executive board room

· Outdoor gathering areas and a therapeutic lanai

“Every day, Youth Haven rebuilds the lives of children who have yet to know the true meaning of happiness and stability. And Youth Haven — exactly as the name says — becomes their haven,” said Star. “It is not an easy transition. It is not an easy journey. But the skilled people at Youth Haven, through their therapy, mentoring, kindness, love and caring, they truly make it all happen for these kids. We are in the process of doing something life-changing for Youth Haven’s future and life-changing for the children who call it home. This is an organization of excellence and accountability. We are investing in a place these children call home. I am proud to support this.”

Youth Haven invites individuals, families, businesses and foundations to participate in the campaign. All contributions made through Jan. 14, 2026, will be matched up to $1 million, doubling donors’ impact.

Learn more about Youth Haven and the Building Hope for Tomorrow Capital Campaign at youthhavenswfl.org/capital-campaign 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 the Naples Children 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.

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

Proceeds will help provide home, hope and healing for youth in need throughout Southwest Florida

NAPLES, Fla. (Oct. 15, 2025) – Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, will host its annual Cherish the Children Luncheon at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. Proceeds from the event will support the nonprofit’s mission of providing home, hope and healing for vulnerable youth throughout Southwest Florida.

This year’s event features acclaimed illusionist and keynote speaker Jason Bishop, who will inspire guests with his powerful, uplifting story of resilience. Before becoming one of the most sought-after illusionists in the world, he spent a decade in the foster care system. Bishop will share his journey, crediting child social workers, therapists and caseworkers with saving his life, reinforcing the impact of creating transformational change in the lives of youth in need.

The elegant luncheon will be hosted by honorary chairs Amanda and Ian Schmoyer with Christopher Alan Homes, event chairs Carlos Escoto and Laina Kennedy, and committee members Ann Agens, Rachel Galante, Laura Georgelos, Annie Griffo, Hether Kelly, Erin Otterbeck, Yasmin Papenfuss, Amanda Schmoyer, Rochelle Shucart, Mackenzie Rickman and Laurie Youmans. Amanda and Ian Schmoyer with Christopher Alan Homes and the Fitzgerald Family Foundation will serve as Dream Sponsors. Janet Snyder, renowned morning show host of Kiss 98.5 (WKSE-FM) in Buffalo, New York, will emcee the event. The luncheon’s media sponsor is Naples Illustrated.

A variety of sponsorship and giving opportunities are available, including:

• Dream Sponsor, $35,000 – 20 tickets with premium seating and tableside champagne service; recognition in a press release; opportunity to introduce the keynote speaker; stage recognition during the event; full-page ad in the printed event program; logo/name recognition on website, event signage, social media and event eblasts;
• Home Sponsor, $25,000 – 16 tickets with premium seating and tableside champagne service; stage recognition during the event; full-page ad in the printed event program; logo/name recognition on website, event signage, social media and event eblasts;
• Hope Sponsor, $15,000 – 10 tickets with premium seating; half-page ad in the printed event program; logo/name recognition on website, event signage, social media and event eblasts;
• Healing Sponsor, $10,000 – 10 tickets with premium seating; quarter-page ad in the printed event program; logo/name recognition on website, event signage and social media;
• Heart Sponsor, $5,000 – Eight tickets to the event; quarter-page ad in the printed event program; logo/name recognition on website and event signage;
• Table Sponsor, $3,000 – Eight tickets to the event, recognition in the printed event program; and
• Patron Sponsor, $1,500 – Four tickets to the event, recognition in the printed event program.

Sponsorships must be secured by Monday, Dec. 8 to guarantee inclusion in the printed event program. For more information, contact Allison Pezzuti, philanthropy events officer, at 239-687-5163 or Allison.Pezzuti@youthhavenswfl.org.

Individual tickets are $300. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit cherish.youthhavenswfl.org.

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 or to schedule a tour, visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904.

About Jason Bishop

Illusionist Jason Bishop is renowned for his unforgettable performances, starring in two of his own Broadway shows, “Straight Up Magic” and “Believe in Magic.” His extraordinary talent has captivated audiences worldwide, with appearances on NBC’s “Today Show,” CW’s “Masters of Illusion,” “Breakfast Television Toronto” and the legendary “Le Plus Grand Cabaret Du Monde” filmed in Paris.

The son of two heroin-addicted parents, Bishop’s early years were marked by abandonment, hunger and survival, often left alone in abandoned buildings and forced to scavenge for food. His life began to change through dedicated healthcare workers who guided him through trauma and toward a future he could never have imagined. Today, Bishop not only shares his extraordinary illusions on stage, but also his inspiring journey, showing that with hope, compassion and support, a brighter future is always within reach.

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 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.

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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

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. 17, 2025) – Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, invites the community to support a meaningful, inspiring afternoon for its Healing Youth Luncheon held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Sea Salt in Naples. Proceeds from the event will enhance the nonprofit’s mission of providing home, hope and healing for youth in need throughout Southwest Florida.

The luncheon will feature renowned keynote speaker Victor Rivas Rivers, a best-selling author, actor and national advocate against domestic violence. Born in Cuba, Rivers came with his family to the U.S. at the age of two, enduring horrific child abuse and witnessing abuse on the level of torture at the hands of his father. At age fifteen, he took the then unprecedented legal action against his father, going on to live with a series of foster families. Thanks to the inte rvention of his community, he turned his life around dramatically – going from gang-member to senior class President and lettering in four sports. As a survivor of such severe childhood abuse, his story highlights the importance of healing, advocacy and community, key themes that align with Youth Haven’s mission and affirm the vital impact of their services.

During the event, guests will enjoy a delicious, curated luncheon while listening to inspiring stories and learn how their support can create transformational change in the lives of the children and teens who call Youth Haven home. The luncheon will be hosted in partnership with owners and event sponsors Ingrid and Fabrizio Aielli alongside Cindy Engles.

Both guests of the luncheon and community members will also have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win an exquisite, granulated bangle crafted from stunning diamonds and luxurious 18-karat gold, valued at $9,000. This dazzling Temple St. Clair piece has been generously donated by Shannon Green Collection. Tickets are available for $100 each or three tickets for $250. Presence at the luncheon is not

required to win. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit youthhavenswfl.org/events.

The Fitzgerald Family Foundation, Karen Fitzgerald, president, and Charles Fitzgerald, director, will serve as the Healing Sponsor. Corey Lazar, WINK News anchor, will emcee the event. Media Sponsors for the luncheon include Gulfshore Business, Gulfshore Life and The Naples Press.

A variety of sponsorship and giving opportunities are available, including:

• Healing Sponsor, $10,000 – 10 Tickets to the event; recognition on website and event signage;
• Heart Sponsor, $5,000 – Six tickets to the event; recognition on website and event signage;
• Hero Sponsor, $2,500 – Four tickets to the event; recognition on website and event signage; and
• Friend Sponsor, $500 – Two tickets to the event; recognition on website and event signage.

There is currently a wait list for individual tickets for the luncheon. Tickets are still available via sponsorship opportunities. To be added to the wait list or secure a sponsorship, contact Allison Pezzuti, philanthropy events officer, at 239-687-5163 or Allison.Pezzuti@youthhavenswfl.org. To learn more, visit youthhavenswfl.org/events.

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 or to schedule a tour, visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904.

About Victor Rivas Rivers
A veteran star of more than two dozen films, Victor Rivas Rivers may be best known for such roles as “Magic Mike,” Murphy’s sidekick in “The Distinguished Gentleman,” and Antonio Banderas’ ill-fated brother in “The Mask of Zorro.” On television, Rivers has guest starred on such hit shows as “Better Call Saul,” “Modern Family,” “C.S.I. Miami,” “24,” “Miami Vice,” “Jag” and “Star Trek.”

Upon overcoming severe abuse during his childhood through the support of his community, Rivers attended Florida State University on a full four-year football scholarship. A team captain and scholar athlete, upon graduation he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins with whom he was out as an offensive lineman for their 1978-79 seasons. In 1999, with a successful career and family of his own, Rivers decided to break his silence about his childhood. His ultimate survival and personal success convey the importance of intervention by others who helped him break the cycle of violence.

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.

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. 28, 2025) – Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, invites the community to tee up for its annual charity golf tournament, Fairways for the Future, on Monday, Oct. 27 at Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples. Proceeds from the golf tournament are crucial to supporting the nonprofit organization and its mission of providing home, hope and healing for youth in need throughout Southwest Florida.

Golfers will enjoy scenic views and premier, championship play on one of the renowned country club’s distinct award-winning, world-class courses. The 18-hole scramble-style tournament begins with a 9 a.m. shotgun start and includes a grab-and-go breakfast, a buffet luncheon, an awards reception and raffle prizes.

The event will be chaired by Richard Lublin and Jacqui Resop and supported by committee members Gregg Agens, Mary Cohen, Katrina Falcon, Jessica Judd, Melissa McLaughlin and Allison Murrell. The Fitzgerald Family Foundation, Karen Fitzgerald, president, and Charles Fitzgerald, director, will serve as honorary chairs and the Champion Sponsor, as well as the Visionary Sponsor of Youth Haven’s remaining fundraising events of the 2025-26 season. Corey Lazar, WINK news anchor, will emcee the tournament.

“We are honored to support Youth Haven’s worthy mission and their major fundraisers of the year,” said Karen Fitzgerald. “These events help raise awareness for the impactful programs and lifechanging opportunities they provide for children and teens throughout our community. We invite everyone to join us to support this incredible organization.”

Individual tickets are $650; foursome tickets are $2,500. Tickets for lunch only are available for $100. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit youthhavenswfl.org/events.

Media Sponsors for the tournament include Gulfshore Business, Gulfshore Life and The Naples Press. Additional sponsorship opportunities for Youth Haven’s entire fundraising event season or individual events are also available and raffle prize donations are being accepted by contacting Allison Pezzuti, philanthropy events officer, at 239-687-5163 or Allison.Pezzuti@youthhavenswfl.org.

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 or to schedule a tour, 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.

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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