Youth Haven awarded $450,000 grant from the Naples Children Foundation

Youth Haven awarded $450,000 grant from the Naples Children Foundation to support therapeutic programming

Youth Haven is honored to announce it has received a $450,000 grant from the Naples Children Foundation (NCF), formerly the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), to strengthen its therapeutic programming and support for children and teens in crisis. As Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused, neglected and homeless youth ages 6 to 21, this grant will allow the nonprofit to expand access to trauma-informed therapy and case management while supporting staff who provide 24/7 care in Youth Haven’s emergency shelter, residential program and Rob’s Cottage transitional living program.

“At the Naples Children Foundation, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, supported and loved,” said Maria Jimenez-Lara, CEO of the Naples Children Foundation. “Youth Haven provides a lifeline for children and teens in crisis, giving them not only a place to call home, but also the care and guidance they need to heal and find hope for the future. We are proud to invest in their mission to ensure every child in Collier County has the opportunity to heal and thrive.”

With Florida ranking third in the nation for the number of children in foster care and demand for services on the rise, Youth Haven has expanded its programs to accommodate those facing heightened trauma and mental health challenges by offering a wide range of evidence-based, trauma-informed care. Their holistic approach fosters normalcy and prepares youth for permanent placement, incorporating diverse therapeutic programs such as counseling, improv and art therapy, outdoor activities, community outings and life-skills classes.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Naples Children Foundation for this generous funding to support our mission and the children and teens throughout Southwest Florida that rely on our programs to overcome challenges, grow and thrive,” said Linda Goldfield, (Featured Photo) chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “This investment ensures that youth in crisis receive not only safe shelter, but also comprehensive services that promote healing, education, independence and brighter futures.”

Youth Haven’s secluded therapeutic campus provides a safe haven for children and teens, offering them comfort, security and ample opportunities for learning, play and carefree exploration in a nurturing and supportive environment that builds improved self-esteem and helps develop coping skills.

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 the Naples Children 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 Naples Children Foundation

The Naples Children Foundation, the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, creates transformational change and improves educational, emotional and health outcomes for vulnerable children in Collier County. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCF has impacted nearly 90 of the most effective nonprofits in the local community, providing 385,000 children with the services and resources they need to succeed. Through bold investments, collaborative partnerships, and data-driven solutions, NCF supports programs that ensure every child can thrive. NCF’s unique approach, which bridges public and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform a community – one issue at a time. To learn more, visit napleschildrenfoundation.org.