OUR ORGANIZATION

OUR MISSION
Providing Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.
OUR VISION
A bright future for every child and teen in congregate care.
OUR CORE VALUES

Caring for our Youth
We provide a nurturing and compassionate experience for children in our care, helping them heal and feel safe and secure

Act with Integrity
We are honest, respectful, and transparent

Responsible to our Community
We partner with those throughout our community and work together to advocate for our children

Excellence
We strive for operational excellence by maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards

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. A group of caring local individuals worked together with law enforcement and community partners to create a safe space for each of these children in need.
Rob's Group Home Emergency Shelter and Youth Services Building | Youth Haven Naples, Florida
Now in continuous operation for over 53 years, Youth Haven meets the growing needs of our community by providing trauma-informed care, services, and programming for Southwest Florida’s abused, neglected, and homeless children and teens. Our 18.5-acre therapeutic campus has beds for up to 74 youth at a given time.
Youth Haven empowers each child to gain confidence, independence, and success—laying the foundation for hope and a brighter, better future.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN HELP

ABOUT YOUTH HAVEN

AN IMMEDIATE LIFELINE OF SAFETY
Youth Haven is Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for boys and girls ages 6–21 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. We serve as an immediate lifeline—providing safety, compassion, and stability for innocent children in crisis, and offering the first step toward rebuilding trust, confidence, and joy.
Numerous community sources refer children for shelter at Youth Haven including child protective services, courts, school counselors, the Sheriff’s Office, and sometimes even the children themselves. However, the solution to their problems is not simply providing temporary shelter; it is providing youth with the resources they need to improve their resiliency so that they may grow into happy, healthy, productive adults. The solution includes helping the child nurture a safe and secure connection with their family or a responsible, caring adult.
Youth Haven provides these solutions through programs that create a circle of support, producing real and lasting change for children, families and the community.
MEET THE YOUTH HAVEN TEAM
SWFL SAFE PLACE
Our beautiful and serene campus offers a safe place for the children & teens to sleep, play, learn, receive therapy and participate in our life-skills program. Youth Haven has a resident chef that provides healthy meals, a bustling art program that promotes creativity, and enrichment activities that expose the children and teens to opportunities that they may have never experienced before.
Youth Haven is fully accredited by the nationally recognized Council on Accreditation (COA) and proudly serves as a Naples Children Foundation (NCF) beneficiary. In continuous operation for over 53 years, Youth Haven is a 4-Star Charity Navigator-rated nonprofit, recognized for strong financial health, accountability, and transparency. Licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families, Youth Haven partners with the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida, which refers children and teens to our care. These accreditations and partnerships ensure the highest standards of trauma-informed, evidence-based care for every child we serve.
YOUTH HAVEN'S FY25 IMPACT REPORT
YOUTH HAVEN FINANCIALS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are Youth Haven's financials?

Youth Haven is committed to transparency. Please click HERE to access our Financials Page. For additional information, please call Katie Schweikhardt at 239-774-290

What is Youth Haven?

Youth Haven is Southwest Florida’s only 24-hour emergency and residential Shelter for children removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment or homelessness.

How long has Youth Haven been here?

Youth Haven has been serving Southwest Florida since 1972. Youth Haven is continually growing and expanding the services offered and looks forward to the day when every child in Southwest Florida will grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.

How does Youth Haven obtain funding?

Youth Haven receives funding through:

  • 22% Government Funds
  • 45% Individual & Foundation Support
  • 33% Event Support

How many children reside at Youth Haven at any one time?

We have beds for up to 74 children and teens at a given time.

DID YOU KNOW?
Youth Haven has been recognized by Charity Navigator as a 4-star rated nonprofit based on our ability to consistently demonstrate strong financial health, and commitment to accountability and transparency.

How long does a child typically stay?

Children stay at Youth Haven for an average of 270 days (9 month) before being placed in a more permanent living situation, however children can be here for over 365 days depending upon the situation.

Where do the children go when they leave?

When children leave Youth Haven, the State places them with a responsible and caring relative or adult guardian or in a foster home, depending on their situation.