YOUTH HAVEN, INC. AWARDED $3,000 GRANT FROM BAILEY AND FRIENDS

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.

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY OPPORTUNITIES

Naples, FL (October 23, 2020) Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce their holiday opportunities for 2020. As Southwest Florida’s only emergency and residential shelter for boys and girls ages 6-19 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment or are homeless, Youth Haven relies on community support in order to help them achieve their goals. Below are three ways you and/or your place of employment/organization can help ensure the children & teens that call Youth Haven home have the holiday season they deserve!

  • HOST A HOLIDAY DONATION DRIVE – Host a Holiday Donation Drive at your business or organization. You will receive an assortment of gift tags with a requested gift listed on the tag that your team can collect.
  • PURCHASE AN ITEM FROM OUR WISH LIST – Our children and teens provided us with their holiday wishes and we need help purchasing the items. On the Wish List, you’ll see a variety of requests for toys, electronics and gift cards.
  • DONATE SUPPLIES –Donations of wrapping paper, bows, scissors and tape are greatly appreciated. We’re also in need of all types of batteries so that the kids can play with their new toys on Christmas day!

GIFT CRITERIA: Please note that we can only accept NEW, UNUSED AND UNWRAPPED gifts. We also cannot accept “scary/violent” gifts.

DROP-OFF DETAILS: Please contact us at 239.774.2904 to make arrangements for your gift delivery. The cut-off date for the gift drive is Monday, December 18, 2020.  “Youth Haven is appreciative of the community’s support every year in helping us ensure our children and teens have a wonderful holiday season,” said Jinx Liggett, Executive Director. “We couldn’t do this without our community partners!”

If you’re interested in supporting Youth Haven this holiday season, please contact Laura Lafakis, Associate Director of Development, at laura.lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org.

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 6-19 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.

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. ANNOUNCES HOME, HOPE & HEALING ONLINE FUNDRAISER

Naples, FL (October 19, 2020) Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce their Home, Hope & Healing online fundraiser will launch on #GivingTuesday, Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 9:00 am and commence on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 9:00 pm. Plan to join the fun and bid on exciting items to support the children and teens that depend on Youth Haven. Items will be able to be viewed online at youthhavenswfl.org beginning Tuesday, November 23, 2020. Items include golf foursomes, gorgeous jewelry donated by Marissa Collections, gift certificates to local dining, spa packages, trips, gently loved high end designer handbags and more! Make sure to like/follow Youth Haven’s Facebook page to watch for additional details and to view sneak previews of the auction items.

#GivingTuesday which falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is an international day of charitable giving at the beginning of the holiday season.

“We’re excited about our upcoming online fundraiser and we invite the community to support the many local children that depend on Youth Haven for Home, Hope & Healing,” 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 6-19 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.

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. AWARDED $45,000 GRANT FROM THE DAVID R. CLARE AND MARGARET C. CLARE FOUNDATION

Naples, FL (October 12, 2020)

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they are a recipient of a $45,000 grant from the David R. Clare and Margaret C. Clare Foundation. The funds received will be used in support of its mission of protecting and empowering children and teens in Southwest Florida through comprehensive care and community collaboration.

Youth Haven is Southwest Florida’s only residential shelter for boys and girls ages 6 – 19 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment or are homeless. Our programming is designed to address the trauma experienced and help them heal by providing them with innovative therapies, normalizing experiences, and therapeutic environments that assist with their healing journey.

“The David R. Clare and Margaret C.  Clare Foundation is an incredible organization and we’re thankful for their continued generous support,” says Jinx Liggett, 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 6-19 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.

COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Naples, FL (October 1, 2020)

Youth Haven, Inc. was recognized in the October 1, 2020 issue of Collier County Public School’s e-newsletter, iNews. Featured in their Community Partner Spotlight section, Youth Haven shared the virtual school that they have set-up on their 25-acre therapeutic campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS SPOTLIGHT

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. Youth Haven provides home, hope, and healing to these Collier County children and teens, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This safe haven in Collier County was founded in 1972 and has met the needs of the most vulnerable youth for over 47 years. Children in the Foster Care System and Homeless Teenagers (unaccompanied youth) call Youth Haven home, serving up to 70 youth at a time. The ages of the children on their campus range from 6 to 18 years old.

Like many of us, Youth Haven has had to adjust in response to COVID-19. The organization never closed its operation during the pandemic, knowing the services were still needed. Since the youth live on its campus, Youth Haven has transitioned one of the cottages on campus to become a full-time schoolhouse connected to CCPS virtually. The youth voted on the name and logo you see above for the virtual education on their campus.

“Thank you to Collier County Public Schools and Dr. Kamela Patton, CCPS Superintendent, for featuring Youth Haven in their Community Partner Spotlight. We’re so grateful for the ongoing support that we’ve received from our community,” said Jinx Liggett, 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 6-19 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.

BANK OF AMERICA GRANT TO SUPPORT HOMELESS TEENS

Naples, FL (September 15, 2020)

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they are a recipient of a $7,500.00 grant from Bank of America.

The funds received will benefit Youth Haven’s Rapid Re-Housing Program (RRHP) and Homeless Teen Transitional Living Program (HTTLP). RRHP helps provide affordable housing options for youth aging out of our shelter who face homelessness while HTTLP is the only program in Collier County for youth experiencing homelessness and in need of assistance in making a successful transition to self-sufficient and sustainable living. By helping them to heal from their severe trauma and build skills that promote a healthy transition into adulthood, we accomplish this. The program addresses the various developmental, educational, emotional, social, physical, and mental health needs of homeless youth and utilizes individual service plans and offers life skills classes that promote independence and housing readiness.

“The Bank of America grant will allow us to help abused, neglected, and homeless teens transition to safe, healthy and responsible adulthood. The grant will allow Youth Haven to continue to build the program and provide assistance to teens who are in danger of becoming homeless,” says Jinx Liggett, Executive Director. “This program is a life-changer for the teens that participate and we’re extremely thankful for Bank of America’s support.”

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 6-19 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.

WAYFM RADIO TO HOST HYGIENE DRIVE TO SUPPORT YOUTH HAVEN

Naples, FL (September 9, 2020)

WayFM Radio will be hosting a hygiene donation drive to support Youth Haven’s children and teens as part of their Passport to Hope campaign.

Visit First Baptist Church Naples located at 3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, FL 34109, this Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 8:30am – 11:30am to stop, pop your trunk and drop your items!

Items needed include hairbrushes, toothpastes, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner and deodorant for boys and girls ages 6 – 19.

For additional details on WayFM Radio’s Passport to Hope and to find out how you could win a prize, please visit https://www.wayfm.com/global/southwestflorida/passport-to-hope/

“We’re so grateful for WayFM Radio and the community’s support!” says Jinx Liggett, 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 6-19 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.

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. CHILDREN & TEENS ATTEND CAMP AT NAPLES THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER

Naples, FL (August 18, 2020) Youth Haven children and teens had the opportunity to attend Equine Camp at the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC) during the week of August 3 – 7, 2020.

According to NTRC’s website, “Equine-facilitated Learning (EFL) is an experiential learning approach that promotes the development of life skills for educational, professional and personal goals through equine-assisted activities.” Given the traumatic backgrounds of Youth Haven’s children and teens ages 6 – 19 that have been removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment, neglect or are homeless, forming connections and trust with others can be difficult. The horses provide a way for our youth to interact in a way that feels safe and free of judgement! During the camp, the trainers discussed physical cues that told them if their horse was happy, sad or angry. This provided a mirror for the kids to reflect on their own behaviors, feelings, and triggers.

Also during camp, they learned how to care for their horses through grooming, cleaning the stables, feeding the horses, etc. The act of caring for their horses taught empathy, responsibility, and independence. Riding is a component of the program and is often the most anticipated activity; however, it can also be frightening because it requires trust and attunement between themselves and their horses. During the riding process, the kids were faced with situations in which their horses may not behave exactly as they would like them to. This increases cognitive flexibility, impulse control, and builds problem solving skills. For details on the program, visit https://www.naplestherapeuticridingcenter.org/

“Youth Haven is extremely grateful for our amazing partnership with Naples Therapeutic Riding Center! This was a wonderful experience for our children and teens and we’re thankful for the opportunity,” 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 6-19 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 and 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.

TURK & TURK DONATES CUSTOM FACEMASK TO YOUTH HAVEN

Naples, FL (August 4, 2020)

Turk & Turk recently donated 64 beautiful custom made, washable facemasks for Youth Haven’s children & teens and the staff that cares for them. Turk & Turk, based in local Florida, offers designer accessories where each luxurious piece blurs the line between a work of art and a wearable piece.

In addition to their recent in-kind donation, Turk & Turk is also hosting a promotion to support Youth Haven, Southwest Florida’s only residential shelter for boys and girls ages 6-19 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment or are homeless. Between now and Labor Day, September 7, 2020, make a purchase at Turk & Turk (with the exception of their facemasks) through this designated link (https://turkandturk.com/?ref=zXq345WIHF-G ) and 10% will be donated to Youth Haven! Turk & Turk, based in local Florida, offers designer accessories where each luxurious piece blurs the line between a work of art and a wearable piece.

“Turk & Turk is so excited for this promotion and we’re looking forward to supporting Youth Haven,” said Ilkay Turk, founder of Turk &Turk Miami.

“We’re so grateful for Turk & Turk’s support in helping us raise funds for the children and teens that call Youth Haven home. The facemasks were wonderful and so appreciated. Our community partners are incredible,” 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 6-19 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 and 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.

YOUTH HAVEN RECEIVES $15,000 GRANT FROM THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF COLLIER COUNTY’S COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT POOL

Naples, FL (July 7, 2020)

Youth Haven is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Collier County’s Community Impact Grant pool. The grant pool is made up of generous donors who put their trust in the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors to use the funds to address current community needs.

The funds received will be applied to Youth Haven’s general operating support for residential care for abused, neglected, abandoned and homeless youth. The funds will provide assistance with unexpected expenses that accrued as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Youth Haven is extremely grateful for The Community Foundation of Collier County and its donors that donated to the Community Impact Grant pool, says Jinx Liggett, Youth Haven Executive Director. “It’s amazing how our community has come together to support those in need and we’re so honored to be a recipient of this grant. Our community partners are amazing.”

The Community Foundation of Collier County awards grants through a competitive application and review process. Selected organizations receive grant dollars address immediate and long-term needs such as food, medical expenses and supplies, rent, education, technology, and legal assistance.

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 6-19 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 and 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 Community Foundation of Collier County
The Community Foundation of Collier County, now entering its 35th year, is a tax-exempt, public, charitable organization established in 1985 to increase and focus on local private philanthropy. Today, the Community Foundation of Collier County manages more than 750 funds, collaborates with hundreds of nonprofits, holds $214 million in assets and has distributed over $184 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community programs since its inception. The Community Foundation of Collier County is one of Florida’s fastest-growing community foundations. For good. Forever. Learn more at cfcollier.org or call 239-649-5000.

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. ANNOUNCES SCHOOL SUPPLY VIRTUAL DRIVE

Naples, FL (July 29, 2020)

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they have launched a School Supply Virtual Drive to support its children and teens in preparation of the upcoming 2020 – 2021 school year.

Unlike past Youth Haven school supply drives, visitors cannot deliver physical donations to our campus due to COVID-19 safety precautions. To support our children and teens, we encourage you to visit youthhavenswfl.org to access our Amazon Wish List to have items shipped directly to us or make a financial contribution.

Monetary donations or gift cards can also be mailed to:
Youth Haven
Attn: School Supply
5867 Whitaker Road
Naples, Florida 34112

All donations are kindly requested by August 14, 2020.

“We’re grateful for the community’s support as we launch our first ever School Supply Virtual Drive! Thank you for supporting the children and teens that depend on Youth Haven for Home, Hope & Healing!” says Jinx Liggett, Executive Director.

 

Youth Haven is Southwest Florida’s only residential shelter for boys and girls ages 6-19 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment or are homeless. Founded in 1972, 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.

If you have any questions, please contact Laura Lafakis, Associate Director of Development at Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org or (239) 774-2904.

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, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.

YOUTH HAVEN, INC. AWARDED $10,000 GRANT FROM SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION

Naples, FL (July 24, 2020)

Youth Haven, Inc. is pleased to announce they are a recipient of a $10,000 grant from Suncoast Credit Union.

The funds received will be used to offset the additional expenses associated with running Youth Haven’s residential programs on its 24-acre campus during the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will directly support the additional staffing expenses and purchase of essential items such as technology related to education, cleaning and medical supplies, and additional food for residents.

Youth Haven is Southwest Florida’s only residential shelter for boys and girls ages 6-19 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment or are homeless. Our programming is designed to address the trauma experienced and help them heal by providing them with innovative therapies, normalizing experiences, and therapeutic environments that assist with their healing journey.

“Thanks to the generous support we have received from Suncoast Credit Union, Youth Haven can continue to protect and empower children even in the midst of an international health crisis. We’re so grateful for our community partners!” says Jinx Liggett, 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, follow us on Twitter, and Instagram.