YOUTH HAVEN, INC. AWARDED $300,000 GRANT FROM NCEF

Naples, FL (July 21, 2020)

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they’re a recipient of a $300,000 grant from the Naples Children & Education Foundation, founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival.

The funds received from NCEF will benefit homeless youth that depend on Youth Haven in their transition to a safe, healthy and responsible adulthood. Youth Haven’s Transitional Living Cottage, Rob’s Group Home, provides comprehensive 24-hour care, with a longer average length of stay for homeless unaccompanied youth ages 16 to 19. Rob’s Group Home offers our homeless teens a safe and caring environment, a place to sleep and access to intensive case management, educational support, nutritious meals, and medical and mental health services. The program focuses on high school graduation, job readiness, preparing for higher education, and strengthening community connections.

Youth Haven’s Homeless Teen Transitional Living Program (HTTLP) is the only program in Collier County for youth experiencing homelessness and in need of assistance in making a successful transition to self-sufficient and sustainable living. By helping them to heal from their severe trauma and build skills that promote a healthy transition into adulthood, we accomplish this. The program addresses the various developmental, educational, emotional, social, physical, and mental health needs of homeless youth and utilizes individual service plans and offers life skills classes that promote independence and housing readiness.

The Naples Children & Education Foundation, the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is improving the educational, emotional, and health outcomes of underprivileged and at-risk children. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCEF has impacted over 45 of the most effective nonprofits in the community, providing over 275,000 children with the services and resources they need to excel. NCEF’s unique approach, which emphasizes collaboration between organizations and bridges public and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform a community, one issue at a time.

“Naples Children & Education Foundation’s grant will have a tremendous impact on the programs and services that Youth Haven offers to our homeless teens,” said Jinx Liggett, Executive Director. “We’re extremely grateful for both NCEF and the community’s support in raising these funds during the Naples Winter Wine Festival to support underprivileged and at risk-children in the Naples community. Our community partners are wonderful!”

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, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.

YOUTH HAVEN RECEIVES FOOD DONATION

Naples, FL (July 14, 2020)

Youth Haven recently received a donation of fresh vegetables and fruit for its children, teens and the staff that cares for them.

Pickleball for All partnered with NAACP, the American Culinary Federation and Sunbelt, and was supported by Five Star Gourmet Foods of Naples, to distribute 10 pound boxes of fresh food to people in the Naples community of Saturday, July 11th. Leftovers consisting of sweet broccoli salad, baby carrots with ranch dip, garden salad, summer salad, creamy jalapeno coleslaw and fresh season fruit were delivered to Youth Haven. The food was used to support the children and teens that depend on Youth Haven for Home, Hope & Healing. The staff that cares for the children were also recipients of the generous food donation.

While Youth Haven has closed its campus to volunteers and visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain committed to being a lifeline of support, with 73 beds available, for abused, abandoned, and homeless children and teens. The unexpected need to increase staff and purchase additional food and other necessities has put a strain on our budget; however, we’re committed to doing whatever is necessary to provide the same level of exemplary care to our children and teens.

“The donation of food for our kids and the staff that cares for them is so appreciated. We’re grateful for the support we received from Pickleball for All, NAACP, the American Culinary Federation, Sunbelt and Five Star Gourmet Foods of Naples. Our community partners are wonderful!” said Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven Executive Director.

If you have any questions or would like to support Youth Haven, please contact Laura Lafakis, Development Manager, at 239-687-5175 or Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org.

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, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.

YOUTH HAVEN RECEIVES $15,000 GRANT FROM THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF COLLIER COUNTY’S COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT POOL

Naples, FL (July 7, 2020)

Youth Haven is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Collier County’s Community Impact Grant pool. The grant pool is made up of generous donors who put their trust in the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors to use the funds to address current community needs.

The funds received will be applied to Youth Haven’s general operating support for residential care for abused, neglected, abandoned and homeless youth. The funds will provide assistance with unexpected expenses that accrued as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Youth Haven is extremely grateful for The Community Foundation of Collier County and its donors that donated to the Community Impact Grant pool, says Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven Executive Director. “It’s amazing how our community has come together to support those in need and we’re so honored to be a recipient of this grant. Our community partners are amazing.”

The Community Foundation of Collier County awards grants through a competitive application and review process. Selected organizations receive grant dollars address immediate and long-term needs such as food, medical expenses and supplies, rent, education, technology, and legal assistance.

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 6-19 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 and 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.

About the Community Foundation of Collier County
The Community Foundation of Collier County, now entering its 35th year, is a tax-exempt, public, charitable organization established in 1985 to increase and focus on local private philanthropy. Today, the Community Foundation of Collier County manages more than 750 funds, collaborates with hundreds of nonprofits, holds $214 million in assets and has distributed over $184 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community programs since its inception. The Community Foundation of Collier County is one of Florida’s fastest-growing community foundations. For good. Forever. Learn more at cfcollier.org or call 239-649-5000.

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. ANNOUNCES 2020 – 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Naples, FL (June 30, 2020)

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce its Board of Directors for 2020 – 2021 effective July 1, 2020.

  • Brenda O’Connor, President
  • Denise Murphy, Vice President
  • Patrick Arnall, Treasurer
  • Lynda Waterhouse, Secretary
  • Jackie Balandra
  • Mary Beth Johns
  • Christina Linaberry
  • Pamela Lundborg
  • Evelyn McKoan
  • Mike Prioletti
  • Christopher Raphael

“Youth Haven is honored to have a dedicated team of professionals volunteering their time to serve on our 2020 – 2021 Board of Directors,” said Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven’s Executive Director. “They share our commitment of supporting the many children and teens that depend on Youth Haven for Home, Hope and Healing.”

Honorary Lifetime Trustees
Youth Haven’s Honorary Lifetime Trustees consists of Carol Boyd, Lamar Gable, Lavern N. Gaynor, Frances Pew Hayes and Sheriff Kevin Rambosk.

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, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. AWARDED $40,000 GRANT FROM McCUNE FAMILY FOUNDATION

Naples, FL (June 22, 2020)

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they are a recipient of a $40,000 grant from the McCune Family Foundation.

The funds received will benefit its Homeless Teen Transitional Living Program, which is designed to help abused, neglected, and homeless teens transition to safe, healthy and responsible adulthood. The grant will allow Youth Haven to continue to build the program and provide intensive case management, mentoring, and life skills classes for teens as they expand the shelter and receive an increased number of drop-ins. Working with a case manager, Youth Haven is able to develop individualized goals to help stabilize the teens and transition them to adult life, through counseling, therapy, education, training, transportation, referrals and employment services

“The McCune Family Foundation’s extremely generous gift will allow us to continue to improve our Homeless Teen Transitional Living Program at Youth Haven. This program is a life changer for the teens that are a part of this program and we’re grateful for the McCune’s Family Foundation’s support,” says Jinx Liggett, Executive Director.

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, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. AWARDED $20,000 IN COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS FROM RICHARD M. SCHULZE FAMILY FOUNDATION

Naples, FL (June 9, 2020)

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they’re a recipient of $20,000 in COVID-19 emergency relief funds from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation.

The funds received will help cover the unexpected financial hardships that Youth Haven has encountered at the result of the pandemic. The need to increase youth care worker staff due Florida’s stay-at-home order and transition to virtual learning, keeping our children and teens on campus 24 hours a day, as well as the need to purchase additional food, necessities and cleaning supplies all put a strain on Youth Haven’s budget. In addition, Youth Haven’s annual spring charity golf tournament, previously scheduled for April 14, 2020, was cancelled due to social distancing regulations.

Despite these unexpected occurrences, Youth Haven continues to be committed to doing whatever is necessary to provide our children and teens with the same level of exemplary care that they deserve. With the pandemic affecting everyone, Youth Haven is even more grateful for the support they have received so its children and teens know that they are protected and cared for, especially in these difficult times.

According to a letter that Youth Haven received, to date, the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation’s Board of Trustees has approved over $8 million in COVID-19 emergency relief funds to organizations across their geographic focus areas of Southwest Florida and the Twin Cities metropolitan region in Minnesota.

“The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation’s COVID-19 emergency relief funds will provide just that for Youth Haven…relief. The unexpected expenses we have accrued have been challenging; however, the support we are receiving is so needed and so appreciated,” said Jinx Liggett, Executive Director. “We’re extremely grateful for the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation’s generosity.”

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 and Education Foundation grant recipient, and has been in continuous operation since 1972. For more information, visit www.youthhavenswfl.org, like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.

TURK & TURK TO SUPPORT YOUTH HAVEN

Naples, FL (June 1, 2020)

Turk & Turk recently announced a promotion to support Youth Haven. Between now and Labor Day, September 7, 2020, make a purchase at Turk & Turk (with the exception of their facemasks) through this designated link (https://turkandturk.com/?ref=zXq345WIHF-G ) and 10% will be donated to Youth Haven! Turk & Turk, based in local Florida, offers designer accessories where each luxurious piece blurs the line between a work of art and a wearable piece.

“Turk & Turk is so excited for this promotion and we’re looking forward to supporting Youth Haven,” said Ilkay Turk, founder of Turk &Turk Miami.

“We’re so grateful for Turk & Turk’s support in helping us raise funds for the children and teens that call Youth Haven home. We really do have amazing community partners,” said Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven Executive Director.

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 and Education Foundation grant recipient, and has been in continuous operation since 1972. For more information, visit www.youthhavenswfl.org, like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.

YOUTH HAVEN CELEBRATES ITS SIX GRADUATES

Naples, FL (May 29, 2020)

Youth Haven is excited to introduce its six teens that are graduating from high school this year! These amazing individuals have overcome so many obstacles to achieve this goal. While they definitely did not anticipate the end of their high school career to occur in the midst of a pandemic, they all have positive attitudes and are looking forward to a bright future! Meet our Class of 2020:

  • Lamar will be graduating from Palmetto Ridge High School and hopes to become a Professional Gamer and IT Technician. He loved his Animation classes and believes that “Familiar paths end at the edge of your comfort zone…” (quote by Holly Jennings).
  • Merci is graduating from Golden Gate High School with hopes of being in Early Education. She plans to one day own a Day Care Center. Her favorite high school memory was playing sports and she loved her math classes.
  • Mitchy is graduating from Lorenzo Walker Technical High School with the goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. She’d like to work in the Pediatrics field and help children. While at Lorenzo, she loved her nursing classes, clinicals and lunches with friends.
  • Nathan is graduating from Lorenzo Walker Technical High School and hopes to become a Drafting Architect. His favorite school memory was getting accepted into the Drafting program and his favorite class was Art. He lives by the following quote by Luffy – “Power isn’t determined by your size, but by the size of your heart and dreams”.
  • Vonte will be graduating from Golden Gate High School and hopes to continue playing football and also become a Computer Engineer. He loved his Math & Science classes and his favorite school memory was his first day of high school.
  • Yadira will be graduating from Collier County Public School Adult Education. She completed her studies all while working part-time!

To support our teens in their future endeavors and help each of our graduates with housing, books, and supplies to ensure their first year after high school is a successful one, you can make an online donation by visiting https://bit.ly/2AaRTfX

You can also send a greeting card, gift card or monetary donation for our graduates to:
Youth Haven
Attn: Graduate
5867 Whitaker Rd.
Naples, FL 34112

“We’re so proud of our six graduating teens as they reach this exciting milestone in their lives. These teens are determined, dedicated and simply amazing individuals and we’re excited to see what their future holds,” said Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven Executive Director.

Youth Haven’s Transitional Living Cottage, Rob’s Group Home, provides comprehensive 24-hour care, with a longer average length of stay for homeless unaccompanied youth ages 16 to 19. Rob’s Group Home offers our homeless teens a safe and caring environment, a place to sleep, educational support, nutritious meals, and medical and mental health services. We also provide structured Case Management with the expectation of working toward self-sufficiency. Goals are set at intake and we have a weekly case review to monitor the progress of each goal. The program focuses on high school graduation, job readiness, preparing for higher education, and strengthening community connections.

For additional information, please contact Laura Lafakis, Development Manager, at 239-687-5175 or Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org.

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 and Education Foundation grant recipient, and has been in continuous operation since 1972. For more information, visit www.youthhavenswfl.org, like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.

UNITED WAY OF COLLIER COUNTY AWARDS $65,000 GRANT TO YOUTH HAVEN

Naples, FL (May 12, 2020)

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they’re a recipient of a $65,000 grant from the United Way of Collier County.

The funds received will benefit Youth Haven’s Rapid Re-Housing program which supports teenagers ages 16 -19 that reside in our cottage for homeless teens, Rob’s Group Home, as they leave our program and advance into transitional living or student housing. The Rapid Rehousing program is critical in preventing teens transitioning out of Rob’s Group Home and the foster care system from becoming homeless.

“The United Way of Collier County’s extremely generous gift will allow us to continue to enhance our Rapid Re-Housing program at Youth Haven. These funds will help ensure that all our teenagers have a place to call home once they exit our program,” said Jinx Liggett, Executive Director. “We’re extremely thankful for this donation and thank the United Way of Collier County for their support.”

If you have any questions, please contact Laura Lafakis at 239-687-5175 or Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org.

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 and Education Foundation grant recipient, and has been in continuous operation since 1972. For more information, visit www.youthhavenswfl.org, like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.

YOUTH HAVEN RECOGNIZES YOUTH CARE WORKERS

Naples, FL (May 7, 2020)

In honor of “Thank a Youth Worker Day” on Thursday, May 7, 2020, Youth Haven recognizes its Youth Care Workers for outstanding working during the pandemic. Youth Haven’s Youth Care Workers have been working around the clock to continue to bring a sense of normalcy to its children and teens during the COVID-19 pandemic. With 73 beds on campus requiring 24-hour care, our Youth Care Workers provide supervision of children and teens in residence, consistency and structure in daily routines, and overall duties necessary for the care and well-being of the children, many of whom have suffered trauma and have behavioral challenges. In addition to their daily responsibilities, our Youth Care Workers have also assisted with the children and teens’ virtual learning, ensuring that they stay on top of school expectations and requirements and plan therapeutic and fun activities for the children and teens after their virtual learning has been completed.

“Our Youth Care Workers have been absolutely incredible adapting to the ‘new normal’. At Youth Haven, we always strive to provide our children and teens with a sense of normalcy. We could not achieve this goal without our dedicated and committed Youth Care Workers,” said Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven Executive Director.

If you have any questions or would like to support Youth Haven, please contact Laura Lafakis, Development Manager, at 239-687-5175 or Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org.

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 and Education Foundation grant recipient, and has been in continuous operation since 1972. For more information, visit www.youthhavenswfl.org, like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.

YOUTH HAVEN TO PARTICIPATE IN GIVING TUESDAY NOW

Naples, FL (May 5, 2020)

Youth Haven will be participating in Giving Tuesday Now, a global day of giving and generosity in response to COVID-19, on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Normally celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday has become Giving Tuesday Now to encourage the world to come together in a show of unity to support those that have been affected by the pandemic.

The unexpected need to increase staff and purchase additional food and other necessities has put a strain Youth Haven’s budget; however, the organization is committed to doing whatever is necessary to provide the same level of exemplary care to our children and teens. With the pandemic affecting everyone, Youth Haven is even more grateful for the support they have received so its children and teens know that they are protected and cared for, especially in these difficult times. To support Youth Haven on Giving Tuesday Now, visit HERE.

“Our children and teens have been severely traumatized and we strive to provide them with a sense of normalcy in their lives,” said Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven Executive Director. “We’re happy to participate in Giving Tuesday Now to help support those that depend on Youth Haven for HOME, HOPE & HEALING.”

If you have any questions, please contact Laura Lafakis at 239-687-5175 or Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org.

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 and Education Foundation grant recipient, and has been in continuous operation since 1972. For more information, visit www.youthhavenswfl.org, like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.

YOUTH HAVEN TO GO BLUE ON 4/28

Naples, FL (April 22, 2020)

Join us on Tuesday, April 28th and wear something BLUE in honor of April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month. All of the children & teens that come to Youth Haven have been abused, abandoned or neglected; let’s show that we’re united in preventing child abuse by wearing blue, taking a photo/selfie and either posting it on our social media pages or posting on your personal pages and tag us. Please use the hashtag #youthhavenswflgoesblue. For more info or to make a donation to Youth Haven in honor of this day, please visit https://youthhavenswfl.org/

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 and Education Foundation grant recipient, and has been in continuous operation since 1972. For more information, visit www.youthhavenswfl.org, like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.