NAPLES, Fla. (May 12, 2026) – Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, is proud to announce it has received a $30,000 grant from The League Club to support its vital Food and Nutrition Services program.
This funding will help provide nutritious meals, snacks and hands-on culinary learning opportunities for youth living on Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus. The program plays a critical role in healing, ensuring children and teens receive consistent, high-quality meals while learning essential life skills such as meal preparation, budgeting and healthy eating habits.
“We are deeply grateful to The League Club for their continued investment in the well-being of the children and teens we serve,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “Access to nutritious, thoughtfully prepared meals is foundational to healing. This generous support not only nourishes our youth physically, but also fosters emotional stability, connection and confidence as they build brighter futures.”
Youth Haven’s Food and Nutrition Program serves approximately 150 unduplicated children and teens annually across its emergency shelter, residential program and transitional living program. Meals are prepared by an on-site chef and culinary assistant, reviewed by a registered dietitian and tailored to meet diverse dietary needs. Shared family-style dining experiences create a sense of normalcy, helping youth feel safe, valued and at home, often for the first time.
Youth Haven was selected as one of 29 nonprofit organizations to receive funding from The League Club in 2026, with total grants awarded reaching $785,651, which is an increase of $23,000 over the previous year. Organizations are chosen based on their meaningful contributions to the Collier and Lee County communities.
Funding for these grants comes from The League Club’s Community Trust Fund, supported by its annual Naples Tables fundraiser and the generosity of its members and donors. Over the years, The League Club has made a lasting impact by supporting programs that address critical community needs, including food insecurity, education, health and family stability.
Youth Haven serves as a dedicated community partner and regional leader in providing a safe haven for children and teens in need throughout Southwest Florida. For more information, visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904.
About Youth Haven
For more than five decades, Youth Haven has served as a sanctuary in Southwest Florida, providing home, hope and healing to children and teens experiencing abuse, neglect and oftentimes, homelessness. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for boys and girls ages 6 to 21, Youth Haven provides far more than shelter, delivering comprehensive programs including therapeutic services, trauma-informed holistic care, foster and transitional housing, and enrichment initiatives that help every child realize their potential and have a bright future. Youth Haven is accredited by the nationally recognized Council on Accreditation, licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families, and is a partner of Children’s Network of Southwest Florida. Rated 4-star (excellent) by Charity Navigator and Platinum by Candid/Guidestar, Youth Haven is a beneficiary of Naples Children & Education Foundation. For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About the League Club
The League Club, Inc. is a 501c(3) organization of women in Southwest Florida strengthening communities through fellowship, education, volunteerism and philanthropy. The League Club is open to women who have been or are active members of a Junior League that is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International. Learn more at LeagueClub.org.
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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