YOUTH HAVEN, INC. ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Naples, Fl (April 21, 2023). Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to welcome two new members to its Board of Directors.

Brenda Ruth Blickenstaff – A Florida real estate agent for nearly two decades, Brenda is currently a sales associate with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Broad Avenue office and a member of the Naples Area Board of REALTORS®. Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she has lived and worked in Naples for 25 years.

Derace Schaffer, MD  – Dr. Schaffer has founded or co-founded more than 30 public and private companies and sat on numerous hospital, health care systems, and health insurance company boards. He completed his postgraduate medical training at the Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was Chief Resident. Dr. Schaffer has been a Professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and the Cornell School of Medicine. He is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, the National Medical Honor Society.

“Youth Haven is honored that Brenda Ruth Blickenstaff and Derace Schaffer, MD have joined our Board of Directors,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven’s CEO. “Brenda and Derace will be valuable assets to our board, each bringing a wealth of knowledge. We’re grateful their guidance will help us provide home, hope, and healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.”

Youth Haven 2022 – 2023 Board of Directors

Denise Murphy – President, Christina Linaberry – 1st Vice President, Jennifer Porter – 2nd Vice President, Lynda Waterhouse – Treasurer, Trina Mostyn – Secretary, Gregg Agens, Ingrid Aielli, Colonel Jim Bloom, Sue Brousseau, Robert Kiffney, Pamela Lundborg, Jen Mitchell, Amy Novakovich, Andres Paz, Michael Prioletti.

Honorary Lifetime Trustees 

Youth Haven’s Honorary Lifetime Trustees consist of Carol Boyd, Lamar Gable, Lavern N. Gaynor+, Frances Pew Hayes, and Sheriff Kevin Rambosk.

 For media inquiries, please contact Laura Lafakis, Youth Haven Director of Development, at 239-687-5175 or Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org.


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 children and teens ages 10 – 19 removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus, located in Naples, Florida, houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven provides programs that create transformational change in its youth. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier and the Keys, and a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient. It also holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is “To provide Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.” For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

YOUTH HAVEN A RECIPIENT OF SUPPORT FROM CC’S WISHLIST OF THE LAVIN FAMILY FOUNDATION

Naples, Fl (April 1, 2023).

Youth Haven was recently a recipient of in-kind funding from “CC’s Wishlist,” a program of the Lavin Family Foundation.

Several months ago, Carol Lavin Bernick, former CEO of Alberta Culver/Sally Beauty, identified Youth Haven as a possible recipient of their in-kind program. Carol’s staff visited the Youth Haven’s campus, met the children, assessed our needs, and selected us for a shopping day. According to www.ccswishlist.org, “CC’s Wish List is a unique program leveraging decades of corporate buying experience to purchase brand-new, quality items at incredibly low prices. These soft goods are donated in-kind to nonprofit organizations to further their community outreach in support of children, families, and individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and needs.”

Last month, Carol’s team arrived on our therapeutic campus with a moving truck full of goodies, including clothes, sneakers, bedding, stuffed animals, accessories, and more. While initially overwhelming, our children had an extraordinary experience shopping with her staff in the Telford building. Carol, who splits her time between Chicago and Naples, took a campus tour and generously committed $100,000 to support Rob’s Cottage.

Established in 1972, Youth Haven provides Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florid. Our 18.5-acre therapeutic campus houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven views challenges as opportunities to help each child gain confidence, independence, and success as they continue to strengthen the community they serve, laying the foundation for children and teens to have hope for a brighter, better future.

“It was delightful to see the children wearing head-to-toe selections from “CC’s Wishlist!” We are so fortunate to have so many generous donors, such as the Lavin Family Foundation, who recognize our work and want to serve as a positive influence in our children’s lives,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven CEO.

 For media inquiries, please contact Laura Lafakis, Youth Haven Director of Development, at 239-687-5175 or Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org.


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 children and teens ages 10 – 19 removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus, located in Naples, Florida, houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven provides programs that create transformational change in its youth. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier and the Keys, and a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient. It also holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is “To provide Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.” For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

APRIL PROCLAIMED CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH IN COLLIER COUNTY

Naples, Fl (April 1, 2023). On March 28, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, proclaimed April 2023 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Collier County. Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven Chief Executive Officer and Denise Murphy, President – Youth Haven Board of Directors accepted the proclamation.

The proclamation, submitted by Youth Haven, Inc. states that children are key to our community’s future success, prosperity and quality of life; and

  • WHEREAS, Children have a right to thrive, learn and grow in a safe and loving environment; and
  • WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem in Collier County, the State of Florida, and across our nation; and
  • WhEREAS, Child abuse prevention is a community responsibility and finding solutions depends on involvement among all people; and
  • WHEREAS, Communities must make every effort to promote programs and support organizations that benefit children and teens and become more aware of child abuse prevention and the resources available to keep children safe;
  • WHEREAS, Effective programs that are dedicated to keeping children and teens in the community safe and free from abuse succeed because of partnerships among agencies, schools, religious organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community; and
  • WHEREAS, Youth Haven is dedicated to raising awareness about and preventing child abuse.

All of the children & teens that come to Youth Haven have been abused, abandoned, neglected or are homeless. Founded in 1972 and in continuous operation for over 50 years, Youth Haven was established to fulfill an immediate need for emergency shelter for children who had been removed suddenly from a traumatic home situation. Our 18.5-acre therapeutic campus houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven views challenges as opportunities in helping each child gain confidence, independence and success as they continue to strengthen the community they serve; laying the foundation for children and teens to have hope for a brighter, better future.

Established in 1983, Child Abuse Prevention Month is an annual observance every April in the United States dedicated to raising awareness and preventing child abuse. “More than 1 million children are victims of child abuse and neglect each year, according to state child protective service agencies. Many victims don’t receive help because they are not reported to the system. These abused and neglected children span all ages, races, religions and socio-economic backgrounds. Child maltreatment includes actions that result in imminent risk of serious harm, death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under age 18 by a parent or caretaker. Everyone, including professionally mandatory reporters, should contact the Florida Abuse Hotline when they know or have reasonable cause to suspect that a child or a vulnerable adult has been abused, abandoned, neglected, or exploited. The Abuse Hotline Counselor will determine if the information provided meets legal requirements to accept a report for investigation.”1

There are four ways to make a report:

  1. By Telephone 1-800-96ABUSE  800-962-2873
  2. By Fax 800-914-0004
  3. Florida Relay 711
  4. By TTY 800-955-8771
  5. Web Reporting https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us

“It’s crucial that we continue to raise awareness for this important cause and for the safety of our children and teens. If you know of any child or teen has been abused, please report it,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven CEO.

Please join Youth Haven in raising awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month by wearing BLUE on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Upload your photo to social media and tag #YouthHavenSWFL to share on our platforms.

For additional information on child abuse in Florida, please visit https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/child-family/child-and-family-well-being or https://www2.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/overview.shtml

For media inquiries, please contact Laura Lafakis, Youth Haven Director of Development, at 239-687-5175 or Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org.

 

  1. https://www2.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/overview.shtml


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 children and teens ages 10 – 19 removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus, located in Naples, Florida, houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven provides programs that create transformational change in its youth. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier and the Keys, and a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient. It also holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is “To provide Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.” For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

YOUTH HAVEN’S STARRY NIGHTS GALA RAISES OVER $1.3 MILLION DOLLARS!

Naples, Fl (March 29, 2023). Youth Haven, Inc. is thrilled to share its 2nd Annual Starry Nights Gala, held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 6 pm – 10 pm at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón was a resounding success, raising over $1.3 million for the children and teens that depend on Youth Haven for Home, Hope, and Healing.

The gala featured a cocktail reception, dinner, live entertainment by Powerhouse: Next Generation, dancing, and a live and silent auction. A raffle winner was randomly selected for a 2023 Maserati Grecale Modena generously donated by Maserati Naples.

Youth Haven, located in Naples, is Southwest Florida’s only residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. With beds for up to 70 youth, Youth Haven accepts new residents 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Established in 1972, Youth Haven provides programs that create transformational change in our youth.

A special thank you to our event co-chairs, Ingrid Aielli, Beverly Fanning, and Rufino Hernandez. We’d also like to thank our honorary chairs, Jill & Steve Miller, and in-kind donors, vendors, attendees, volunteers, and sponsors.

“Thank you for your support in honoring the children and teens who call Youth Haven home. We are grateful for our investors and community partners who value our youth and give them hope for a brighter future,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven’s Chief Executive Officer.


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 children and teens ages 10 – 19 removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus, located in Naples, Florida, houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven provides programs that create transformational change in its youth. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier and the Keys, and a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient. It also holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is “To provide Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.” For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. ANNOUNCES STARRY NIGHTS GALA

Naples, Fl (February 8, 2023).

Youth Haven, Inc. is excited to announce its Starry Nights Gala. The event will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 6 pm – 10 pm at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón located at 2600 Tiburon Dr., Naples, FL 34109. Please join us for a mesmerizing evening, “Under the Stars in Santorini,” featuring a cocktail reception, dinner, live entertainment by Powerhouse Next Generation, dancing, a silent auction, and more!

Youth Haven is honored to announce the following Starry Nights chairs and sponsors:

Event Chairs
Ingrid Aielli
Beverly Fanning
Rufino Hernandez

Honorary Chairs
Jill & Steve Miller

Signature Sponsors
Beverly Fanning
First Trust
Jill & Steve Miller

Media Sponsor
Gulfshore Life

Youth Haven, located in Naples, is Southwest Florida’s only residential and emergency shelter for children and teens ages 10 – 19, removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Established in 1972, Youth Haven provides programs that create transformational change in our youth. An 18.5-acre therapeutic campus with beds for up to 70 youth meets the growing needs of our community. Youth Haven is an immediate lifeline of safety, love, and compassion and is the first step in a long journey back to trust, confidence, and joy for the children and teens who call Youth Haven home.

“We hope you join us for this enchanting evening where every child of Youth Haven is a star!” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven’s Chief Executive Officer. “Your support will help the many children and teens that have been removed from their homes due to traumatic situations and depend on Youth Haven for Home, Hope, and Healing.”

Also available is the opportunity to win the ownership of a 2023 Maserati Grecale Modena, valued at $89,695, generously donated by Maserati Naples! For event tickets, raffle tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://starrynights.youthhavenswfl.org/

If you have any questions, please contact Michele Rubin, Events Manager, at 239-774-2904 or Michele.Rubin@YouthHavenSWFL.org


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 children and teens ages 10 – 19 removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus, located in Naples, Florida, houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven provides programs that create transformational change in its youth. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier and the Keys, and a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient. It also holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is “To provide Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.” For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

YOUTH HAVEN’S CHERISH THE CHILDREN LUNCHEON A SUCCESS

Naples, Fl (January 31, 2023).

Youth Haven recently hosted its Cherish the Children luncheon benefit the children and teens of Youth Haven, on January 18, 2023, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.

Over $500,000 was raised to help the kids that rely on Youth Haven soar to a brighter future. Funding will support the boys and girls, ages 10 – 19, that have been removed from their homes due to traumatic situations and depend on Youth Haven for Home, Hope & Healing.

The luncheon featured Keynote Speaker and New York Times Bestselling Author Ashley Rhodes-Courter. Ashley shared her foster care story and the importance of a caring, supportive community. All sponsors were invited to a book signing, where they received a copy of her international bestseller “Three Little Words.”

“On behalf of Youth Haven, I am so grateful to everyone who helped make Cherish the Children a success. The outpouring of support we received will allow us to continue to provide life-changing programs to abused, neglected, and homeless Southwest Florida children and teens,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven’s Chief Executive Officer.

A special thank you to our event co-chairs, Youth Haven board of directors Trina Mostyn and Jennifer Porter. We also extend our gratitude to our in-kind donors, vendors, attendees, volunteers, and sponsors:

Diamond Sponsors
Trina & Rick Mostyn
Jen & Dave Porter

Platinum Sponsors
Analog Devices
Fitzgerald Family Foundation
The James & Sunny Neff Foundation
Transcend Capital Advisors

Media Sponsor
Naples Illustrated

For the complete list of sponsors, please visit: https://cherish.youthhavenswfl.org/

Save the date for our upcoming Starry Nights Gala on Saturday, March 25, 2023! For details, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://starrynights.youthhavenswfl.org/ or contact Michele Rubin, Events Manager, at 239-774-2904 or Michele.Rubin@youthhavenswfl.org


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 children and teens ages 10 – 19 removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus, located in Naples, Florida, houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven provides programs that create transformational change in its youth. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier and the Keys, and a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient. It also holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is “To provide Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.” For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

ROB SCHEER TO VISIT YOUTH HAVEN

Naples, Fl (October 27, 2022). Youth Haven, Inc. is excited to announce that the keynote speaker of their upcoming Healing Youth luncheon, Rob Scheer, founder and CEO of Comfort Cases, an international non-profit organization that promotes hope and dignity to youth in foster care, will be visiting its therapeutic campus in Naples, FL, on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.

Scheer, a former youth in foster care and author of “A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time,” will be visiting to share his personal story and inspiring message with Youth Haven’s children and teens.

Healing Youth, scheduled for Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at Sea Salt, will support the programs and services that improve the lives of abused and neglected children and teens residing at Youth Haven.

“We are thrilled that Rob Scheer will be visiting our campus to speak with our children and teens,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven’s Chief Executive Officer. “It’s an amazing opportunity for our youth to learn from someone that has been through similar experiences.”

For media inquiries, please contact Laura Lafakis, Youth Haven Director of Development, at 239-687-5175 or Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org

About Rob Scheer
At any given time, there are approximately 437,000 youth in foster care in the United States. An estimated 700 children enter the system each day, and most arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs. Those who do have belongings are often given a trash bag in which to pack up and carry their life’s treasures.

Rob Scheer experienced this indignity firsthand. Over forty years ago, he entered foster care and walked up to his foster home carrying a tattered and torn trash bag. He aged out of foster care at the age of 18, became homeless, and again carried his possessions in a trash bag.

After serving in the military and moving on to have a successful career as a banker, Rob, along with his husband Reece, decided to grow their family by adopting from the foster care system. Eleven years ago, four of his children arrived on his doorstep with their belongings in trash bags. Rob was floored. How, after forty years, were children in the foster care system still carrying their things in a bag used for trash?

Rob and his family decided it was time to change this practice and the idea for Comfort Cases was born. With the vision of assembling backpacks filled with comfort and personal care items to deliver to local DCFS, the Scheer family invited their community to pack some cases. The first Packing Party was held in December of 2013 and shortly thereafter Comfort Cases was established as an official 501(c)3.

Since being founded in 2013, Comfort Cases has been featured on The Ellen Show, The Today Show, The View, and NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, just to name a few. In 2017, an Upworthy video featuring Comfort Cases received over 150 million views and in 2018 Rob Scheer was named one of CNN’s Heroes. Rob and Reece Scheer are also featured in Bryce Dallas Howard’s documentary film Dads on AppleTV+.

Rob is the host of Fostering Change, a weekly audio and video podcast that brings in guests of prominence who discuss issues regarding foster care, adoption, LGBTQ+ and other timely and topical issues. Now in its 4th year, Fostering Change has been ranked the #1 Podcast for Adoption and Foster Care issues for two consecutive years.

The author of A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time, Rob’s memoir tells the inspiring story of his journey from foster care to foster parent and his drive to rebuild a broken system.

To date, more than 185,000 Comfort Cases® and Comfort XL duffel bags have been distributed to children in foster care in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and now in the United Kingdom, with Comfort CasesUK launched in 2022. Rob’s ultimate goal is for every youth to receive a Comfort Case® upon entering foster care.

In May, 2022, Rob received an Honorary Doctoral Degree, a Doctorate of Humane Letters, from Lynn University, where he also delivered the commencement speech.

Rob lives in Maryland with his husband Reece, their five children and multiple pets including dogs, goats, chickens and a pig named Penelope.

For more information about Comfort Cases, please visit: www.comfortcases.org. You can follow Comfort Cases on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok and LinkedIn.

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 children and teens removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus, located in Naples, Florida, houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven provides programs that create transformational change in its youth. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier and the Keys, and a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient. It also holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is “To provide Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.” For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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YOUTH HAVEN’S 7TH ANNUAL UNCORKED PLANNED AT THE CLUB AT MEDITERRA

Naples, Fl (October 13, 2022). After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Youth Haven is thrilled to share that its seventh Annual Uncorked is back! Please save the date and plan to join us on Friday, November 18, 2022, at The Club at Mediterra located at 15755 Corso Mediterra Circle in Naples, Florida.

Originally scheduled to occur at the Mediterra Beach Club in Bonita Springs, Uncorked’s location was moved to Mediterra’s beautiful Golf & Country Club after Hurricane Ian damaged its beach club.

Uncorked is a “resort chic” wine pairing event with delicious food and drinks, incredible music, a silent auction, and more. Also available is a raffle for a lady’s ruby and diamond ring set in a traditional Princess Diane style. The stunning jewelry donated by LoveJoy Antiques, is valued at $15,500.

Youth Haven is Southwest Florida’s only emergency and residential shelter for boys and girls ages 10-19 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or homelessness. Its 18.5-acre therapeutic campus in Naples offers programming that addresses the trauma experienced and helps them heal by providing innovative therapies, normalizing experiences, and therapeutic environments that assist with their healing journey.

The Uncorked committee consists of:
Co-chairs: Erin Brahms and Evelyn McKoan
Committee members: Lacey Auston, Ana Oates, and PearAivey Street

“We’re very excited about our upcoming Uncorked event,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven’s CEO. “We hope you can join us in creating transformational changes for the children and teens that rely on Youth Haven for Home, Hope, and Healing.”

Winery Sponsor: Far Niente
Master Sommelier Sponsor: Lovejoy Antiques
Media Sponsor: Gulfshore Life
Entertainment: Old 41

Individual tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and raffle tickets are available for purchase at youthhavenswfl.org/events/event-uncorked. For event questions, contact Michele Rubin at 239-774-2904 or Michele.Rubin@YouthHavenSWFL.org.

For media inquiries, contact Laura Lafakis, Youth Haven Director of Development, at 239-687-5175 or Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org

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 children and teens removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus, located in Naples, Florida, houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven provides programs that create transformational change in its youth. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier and the Keys, and a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient. It also holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is “To provide Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.” For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Creating a Therapeutic, Healing Environment

Daily I am left speechless by the resilience of our children. Many are born into desperate situations that could derail their future, from a ten-year-old girl whose grandfather repeatedly molested her to a thirteen-year-old boy whose parents abandoned him at our campus gates. Our staff works tirelessly to create a therapeutic, healing environment where children can move beyond their past to a brighter future. Helping them to acknowledge the good in their lives is one of the first steps. Their loving and nurturing care at Youth Haven cannot negate the trauma, abuse, and neglect they have suffered. And helping them to connect to the world at large through meaningful experiences, normalcy, and healthy relationships with caring adults helps our children make space for joy and gratitude. After the hurricane, our children were involved in clean-up and found the experience rewarding. Monthly our children are giving back to the community that has given so much to them—creating happiness, building stronger relationships, and the skills to deal with adversity. I am honored to be even a small part of their lives and growth, and I thank you for providing us with the funding for our programs that create transformational change in our youth.

Donor Spotlight – October 2022 Newsletter

We are so grateful for the individuals and organizations who have donated meals to our foster care youth during our search for a Culinary Coordinator & Chef. These nutritious and delicious meals not only nourished their bodies, but also provided a sense of community and support. We would like to give a special thank you to our community partners for their generous contributions. Your kindness truly makes a difference in the lives of our youth!

  • 485
  • Amy Pulisfico
  • Artichoke & Company
  • Barbatella
  • BCN Paellas Family Meals
  • Campiello
  • Carrabba’s
  • Chef Mussa Bey
  • Circle C Farms
  • Dominick Pizza
  • Fire & Rice
  • Foxboro Sports Tavern
  • Jeannie Barry
  • Jen Dant
  • Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
  • Jewban’s Deli
  • Jodi Bisogno
  • Kelly Jean
  • Kimberly Key
  • Lee & Bud Willis
  • Michelbob’s Championship Ribs & Steaks
  • Nancy Peck & Jerry Holicek
  • Ocean Church
  • Parmesan Pete’s
  • Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
  • Sage Catering
  • Seaside Bar & Grill
  • St. Matthew’s House
  • The Player’s Club & Spa
  • Trevor Smith Memorial Foundation
  • Tricia Leite & Family

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. ANNOUNCES 2022 – 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS SLATE

Naples, Fl (August 9, 2022).

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce the return of Denise Murphy as President of their 2022 – 2023 Board of Directors for the second consecutive year.

Murphy is the General Manager at The Players Club & Spa, an affiliate of Stock Development. An avid volunteer in the community and a strong supporter of education, Murphy also serves as Vice-Chair of the Champions for Learning program. She graduated from the 2015 GAIN program with the Chamber of Commerce, a Leadership Collier Alumni. She was honored by the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce Leadership Collier Foundation as the 2017 Volunteer of the Year. In addition, Murphy was recognized for being a Distinguished Volunteer from Youth Haven in 2018.

Youth Haven 2022 – 2023 Board of Director Officers

  • Denise Murphy, President
  • Christina Linaberry, 1st Vice President
  • Jennifer Porter, 2nd Vice President
  • Lynda Waterhouse, Treasurer
  • Trina Mostyn, Secretary

 

Youth Haven 2022 – 2023 Board of Director Members 

  • Gregg Agens
  • Ingrid Aielli
  • Colonel Jim Bloom
  • Sue Brousseau
  • Robert Kiffney
  • Pamela Lundborg
  • Jill Miller
  • Jen Mitchell
  • Amy Novakovich
  • Andres Paz
  • Mike Prioletti
  • Lee Willis

“We’re thrilled to announce our 2022 – 2023 Board of Directors slate,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven CEO. “Our board’s support, commitment, and visionary leadership will ensure we continue to meet the growing demands of our community.”

For media inquiries, please contact Laura Lafakis, Youth Haven Director of Development, at 239-687-5175 or Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org

 

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 children and teens removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus, located in Naples, Florida, houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven provides programs that create transformational change in its youth. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier and the Keys, and a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient. It also holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is “To provide Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.” For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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YOUTH HAVEN, INC. AWARDED GRANT FROM EMPTY BOWLS NAPLES

Naples, Fl (July 28, 2022). Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they received a $10,000 grant from Empty Bowls Naples to support its Food and Nutrition Services Program. The funding will be used to purchase food for its youth.

Youth Haven, located in Naples, Florida, is Southwest Florida’s only emergency and residential shelter for boys and girls ages 10-19 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or homelessness. Our programming is designed to address the trauma experienced and help them heal by providing innovative therapies, normalizing experiences, and therapeutic environments that assist with their healing journey. The children and teens that arrive to Youth Haven’s 18.5-acre therapeutic campus come from traumatic situations. Many are malnourished, obese, or suffer from food insecurity.

Empty Bowls Naples enlists the creative talents of local potters, artists, educators, students, and volunteers to create handcrafted, painted bowls that contribute to its annual event to raise money and awareness in the fight against hunger. Net proceeds of their annual event, held each January in Cambier Park, fund the Empty Bowls Naples Inc. Grant Program. This program distributes funds to local non-profit organizations supporting their mission to “create awareness and eliminate hunger in our communities “ONE BOWL at a time.”

“We are honored to have been selected as a recipient of grant funding from Empty Bowls Naples,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven Chief Executive Officer. “Their support will allow Youth Haven to continue to meet and exceed our youth’s nutritional needs.

For media inquiries, please contact Laura Lafakis, Youth Haven Director of Development, at 239-687-5175 or Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org

 

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 children and teens removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s therapeutic campus, located in Naples, Florida, houses 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven provides programs that create transformational change in its youth. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier and the Keys, and a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient. It also holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is “To provide Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.” For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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