Youth Haven SWFL Youth Shelter

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. AWARDED $2,500 DONATION FROM BARRON COLLIER COMPANIES

Naples, FL (February 1, 2021)

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they are a recipient of a $2,500 donation grant from the Barron Collier Companies. The funds received will be used to help maintain its 25-acre therapeutic campus.

Youth Haven is Southwest Florida’s only residential shelter for boys and girls ages 6 – 19 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment or are homeless. The children that arrive at Youth Haven having been traumatized by their situations. They have intense feelings of fear, isolation, sadness, anger, and loss.

Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus affords the youth not only a newfound sense of comfort and security but also many opportunities to participate in normalizing experiences and heal from the trauma they have experienced. They are encouraged to engage in outdoor activities including a myriad of sports, bicycling, gardening, and nature exploration. Many counseling sessions are held outdoors due to some youth responding positively to the open environment. They also engage in playful activities with our animal-assisted therapy dogs, Houston & Champ.

“We are so grateful for Barron Collier Companies’ generosity,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven’s Executive Director. “Our therapeutic campus is a huge component of our program and is instrumental to our children & teen’s success.”

 

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.

 

YOUTH HAVEN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SEVENTH ANNUAL GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE CAMPAIGN

Naples, FL (January 21, 2021)

Youth Haven is one of 40 local nonprofits selected to participate in the Seventh Annual “Give Where You Live” campaign, hosted by the Community Foundation of Collier County. The 24-hour campaign will run from noon on February 10, 2021 until noon on February 11, 2021. Funds will be maximized through a matching fund generously provided by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and the Community Foundation of Collier County.

According to their website, “Give Where You Live Collier is a Collier County-wide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy. This year, with canceled events and lack of donations due to COVID-19, our nonprofits need your help more than ever! Built upon the idea that everyone can be a philanthropist, this project provides an easy way to support the education and basic needs efforts of 40 nonprofits though a 24-hour, online fundraiser and reminds the community of the importance or making a difference where you live.1

“We’re honored to participate in this important fundraising event,” says Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven’s Executive Director. “We’re grateful for the generosity shown by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and the Community Foundation of Collier County. The funding we receive will help make an immediate impact in transforming the lives of our traumatized youth.”

 

Donors are able to give to Youth Haven by check, credit card, or wire transfer. To make a donation starting on February 10, please visit https://www.givewhereyoulivecollier.org/organizations/youth-haven-inc

Donations must be made during the 24-hour campaign timeframe. Please note that it takes more time to process a wire transfer so if you are interested in donating stock please contact Lisette Holmes at (239) 649-5000 or email LHolmes@cfcollier.org.

For more information, contact Laura Lafakis, Youth Haven’s Associate Director of Development at Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org or (239) 687-5175.

 

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.

 

YOUTH HAVEN URGES COMMUNITY TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE

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.

 

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. AWARDED $25,000 GRANT FROM ARTHREX CHARITIABLE GIVING PROGRAM

Naples, FL (January 13, 2021)

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they’re a recipient of a $25,000 grant from Arthrex Charitable Giving Program.

The funds received will benefit Youth Haven’s residential programs that are conducted on its 25-acre therapeutic campus located in East Naples. The grant will also support its enrichment activities and will be used to purchase a variety of materials and supplies to be used by the children on campus, such as art supplies, athletic and fitness equipment, and gardening materials. Activities will be selected with input from the youth and include outdoor activities such as fishing, lawn games, outdoor sports and lawn movies. It will also support indoor activities such as reading, movies and cooking classes.

We’re grateful for Arthrex Charitable Giving Program’s generosity,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven’s Executive Director. “With their support, and the support of all of our community partners, we are able provide Home, Hope and Healing for the children and teens who depend on Youth Haven.”

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.

 

YOUTH HAVEN ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGE

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.

 

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. AWARDED $5,000 DONATION FROM PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS CHARITIES

Naples, FL (January 5, 2021)

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they’re a recipient of a $5,000 donation from Publix Super Markets Charities.

The funds received will benefit Youth Haven’s Residential Shelter and Transitional Living Cottage/Homeless Teen Transitional Living programs and will be used to purchase consumable supplies used in the day-to-day care for the youth who reside on its 25-acre therapeutic campus.  Founded in 1972, Youth Haven 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, abandonment or are homeless.

The Publix Super Markets Charities foundation was established by Publix founder, Mr. George Jenkins, to improve life in our communities.

“Thank you to Publix Super Markets Charities for their generosity in supporting the children and teens that depend on Youth Haven for Home, Hope & Healing,” 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.

 

YOUTH HAVEN RECEIVES FOOD DONATION FROM TERRACINA SENIOR LIVING

Naples, FL (December 22, 2020)

Youth Haven is a recipient of a generous donation from Terracina Senior Living, a premier senior living community located in Naples, Florida.

Terracina Senior Living will be catering food and drinks for a small on-campus holiday luncheon, planned for Wednesday, December 23, 2020, for the children & teens that reside at Youth Haven. The menu consists of some of the youth’s favorite food items including baked ziti, barbeque ribs, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, macaroni & cheese, green beans and salad. For dessert, cakes and pies will be available. Terracina Senior Living will be purchasing, preparing and delivering the food donations as a way to give back to local children in need.

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. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Youth Haven’s food cost has increased exponentially for the year with the children and teens remaining on campus for longer periods of time for virtual learning. Financial and in-kind donations to assist with food expenses, such as Terracina Senior Living’s, are always greatly appreciated!

“The holiday season is a wonderful time to give back and we’re so grateful to be a recipient of Terracina Senior Living’s generosity,” said Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven Executive Director. “The holidays are always a difficult time for our children and teens but they are looking forward to their upcoming small holiday gathering and we’re thrilled that Terracina Senior Living has helped make this a possibility for them. From all of us at Youth Haven, thank you!”

“On behalf of Terracina Senior Living and the Goodman Group we are honored to be given the opportunity to assist our community and we encourage Intergenerational development. Bringing together people of all ages is an important focus of Terracina Senior Living. Children Learn from the experiences and the encouragement of seniors, while children’s wonder and boundless enthusiasm help keep seniors young at heart,” said Giovanni Simon, Campus Director of Business Development.

 

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.

 

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. AWARDED $15,000 GRANT FROM THE PULTE FAMILY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

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.

 

Home, Hope & Healing Fundraiser Logo | Youth Haven

ONLINE FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS

Naples, FL (December 11, 2020)

Youth Haven’s recent Home, Hope & Healing Online Fundraiser was a resounding success, raising over $11,000 to support the children & teens that depend on Youth Haven. The virtual auction, which launched on #GivingTuesday, December 1, 2020 and conceded on December 4, 2020, included items such as golf foursomes, gorgeous jewelry donated by Marissa Collections, gift certificates to local dining, spa packages, trips, gently loved high end designer handbags.

Youth Haven is grateful for the many local businesses that donated items for our Online Fundraiser. It’s been a difficult year for many due to the COVID 19 pandemic so this was a great way to not only support Youth Haven, but also Southwest Florida businesses. Thank you to: Bokampers, Cariloha, Congo River Golf, Daruma, Dave & Busters, Dillard’s, Doc Ford’s, Edison and Ford Estates, Florida Everblades, For the Love of Golf, Inc., Foxboro Sports Tavern, Gumbo Limbo (The Ritz-Carlton Naples), Kathryn’s Collection, Marissa Collections, Mel’s Diner, Naples Botanical Garden, Naples Grande Golf, Natalie’s Skin Solutions, Norman Love Confections, Pure Barre, On the Pontoon, Pampered Pet Resorts, Philip Douglas & Co., Ridgway Bar & Grill, Sam Snead’s, Tavern on the Bay, Tommy Bahama, True Fashionista, Turk + Turk, The Bevy, The Players Club & Spa, The Turtle Club and Vampire Penguin Shaved Snow & Desserts.

“By choosing Youth Haven, you are choosing to support the boys and girls ages 6-19 who 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, and is the first step in a long journey back to trust, confidence and joy. We’re so grateful for our community’s support and thrilled that our Online Fundraiser was a success,” 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.

 

TREVOR SMITH MEMORAL FOUNDATION SUPPORTS YOUTH HAVEN

Naples, FL (December 7, 2020)

Youth Haven, Inc. received a $20,000 donation from the Trevor Smith Memorial Foundation on #GivingTuesday, December 1, 2020.

The funds were raised during the foundation’s annual T-Rex Tournament Series’ “One Last Cast” fishing tournament, held in October 16 – 17, 2020 in Marco Island, Florida.

This donation will be used to support the children & teens that depend on Youth Haven for Home, Hope & Healing. Youth Haven’s 25-acre therapeutic campus houses over 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care.

“We’re so grateful to be a recipient of the funds raised during the “One Last Cast” fishing tournament. Thank you to the Trevor Smith Memorial Foundation and the community for supporting Youth Haven!” says Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven’s 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.

 

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. EARNS COVETED 4-STAR RATING FROM CHARITY NAVIGATOR

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.

 

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. RECIPIENT OF THANKSGIVING GENEROSITY

Naples, FL (November 23, 2020)

Youth Haven, Inc. is a recipient of other local organizations’ generosity in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday.

St. Matthew’s House will be partnering with New Hope Ministries, in Naples, FL, to donate cooked turkeys and sides on Thanksgiving day to feed Youth Haven’s children, teens and staff. Youth Haven’s teens have offered to assist with the turkey preparations as a token of appreciation. St. Matthew’s House provides innovative solutions to fight homelessness, hunger, substance abuse, and poverty in Southwest Florida.

Youth Haven also received a $500.00 donation from Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church in Naples, Florida to be used for food purchases throughout Thanksgiving weekend. Trinity has assisted Youth Haven with Thanksgiving for the past few years; however, due to Youth Haven’s closed campus policy as a result of the pandemic, their volunteers are unable to prepare Thanksgiving meals on-site for our children and teens. The monetary donation will help significantly with feeding expenses over the holiday weekend.

Youth Haven’s food cost has increased exponentially for the year with the children and teens remaining on campus for longer periods of time for virtual learning. Financial donations to assist with the food budget are always greatly appreciated!

“Thanksgiving is a time to show gratitude and we’re so thankful for St. Matthew’s House, New Hope Ministries and Trinity-by-the-Cove’s food donations,” said Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven Executive Director. “The holidays can be a difficult time for our children and teens but knowing that the community cares really helps makes a difference. From all of us at Youth Haven, thank you!”

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 6-18 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.