Naples, FL (November 11, 2020)
Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they’re a recipient of a $3,000.00 grant from Bailey and Friends.
Bailey and Friends was established by the Golisano Foundation in November 2019 to support animal welfare for cats and dogs in Western New York and Southwest Florida. The funds received from Bailey and Friends will benefit Youth Haven’s Animal-Assisted Therapy Program, a key element of Youth Haven’s therapeutic program.
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. Animal-Assisted Therapy is known to decrease stress levels, anxiety, depression, and blood pressure. It also improves the child and teen’s ability to communicate and socialize; improves mood; lowers stress hormones; increases self-esteem; and enables the child & teen to work on building and developing trusting relationships.
Youth Haven began their Animal-Assisted Therapy Program in 2010 with a beautiful golden retriever named Dixie. She immediately connected with our children and teens and began to develop long-lasting friendships with them. Currently, Champ and Houston carry on Dixie’s legacy and work with the children and teens of Youth Haven. Champ, a golden retriever, was rescued by Golden Retriever Rescue of SWFL from a kill shelter in Louisiana. Houston, a black mouth cur, was surrendered to Collier County’s Domestic Animal Services. Both ‘furry therapists’ bring their own personality & style to their sessions. Champ loves to run & play, chase balls, and being outside! Houston loves to be read to, play dress-up, and go for long walks! Both dogs are around nine years old and have been part of our program for about seven years.
“Youth Haven’s two therapy dogs, Houston and Champ, play a significant role on our therapeutic campus, helping our children & teens feel happy, safe and loved. We’re so grateful for the Golisano Foundation’s support and we’re proud to be a recipient of a grant from Bailey and Friends,” 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 & 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 Golisano Foundation
Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. dedicated to making the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Foundation is devoted to opening doors to opportunity, changing negative perceptions and stereotypes, and forging unprecedented partnerships to ensure individuals with IDD have pathways to personal dignity, independence and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes. The Foundation was founded in 1985 by Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader, and founder and chairman of Paychex, Inc.— who “imagines the possibilities,” advocating for families, fighting for their dignity and giving people with IDD the opportunity to thrive in their communities. With more than $45 million in gross assets, it awards about $2 million annually to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.
About Bailey and Friends
Bailey and Friends is a new trust component of the Golisano Foundation that is dedicated to supporting animal welfare in Western NY, Region 1 and Southwest Florida, Region 9. With a focus on dogs and cats, Bailey and Friends is committed to working with shelters, rescue groups, veterinary clinics and other lifesaving programs to promote wellness, ensure safety and keep pets and families together.