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.