Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, is pleased to announce is has received a $25,000 grant from The League Club. These funds have allowed the nonprofit to replace an aging van used to safely transport its residents to activities and employment and further its mission of providing home, hope and healing for youth in need throughout Southwest Florida.

“We are extremely grateful to The League Club for supporting our mission and helping us provide a sense of normalcy to the children and teens in our care,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “This funding will ensure Youth Haven can continue offering safe, reliable transportation for our young people to participate in activities and experiences like their peers. For vulnerable youth, it is imperative to have a way to get to school, medical appointments, employment and community enrichments opportunities that are essential for healing and development. Together, we can empower youth in Collier County to build successful, stable futures and fully engage with their community.”

The investment in the purchase of a new, reliable seven-seater van will significantly reduce maintenance and repair costs, extend the vehicle’s lifespan and improve fuel efficiency, resulting in considerable cost savings. This will enable Youth Haven to redirect funds to essential programs that support the well-being of the children and teens who rely on the organization.

In 2025, The League Club selected and awarded grants to 34 area nonprofit organizations focused on improving their communities totaling a record $762,412, which is an $80,000 increase over 2024. Over the past 38 years, The League Club has provided over $8 million in grants to 222 nonprofit organizations in Collier and Lee counties supporting children, families, the elderly and veterans.

Funding for these grants come from The League Club’s Community Trust Fund. These monies are raised from the club’s annual fundraiser, Naples Tables, held every spring in Naples, and from the generosity of its members and donors in the community.

“The 2024-25 year has been an extraordinary one for The League Club,” said Donna Lindberg, president of The League Club. “Thanks to the generosity of our members and donors, The League Club has continued to honor its commitment to community by raising funds and distributing these funds through grants made to carefully vetted not-for-profit agencies in Collier and Lee counties. In its 38-year history, to date The League Club has awarded over $8 million dollars to deserving grant applicants. These grants directly impact the needs of at-risk adults and children in the areas of housing, food scarcity, education, physical and mental health, and the arts. The League Club is inspired by the passion and dedication of its members and donors who make this commitment possible.”

Youth Haven serves as a dedicated community partner and regional leader in providing a safe haven for children and teens in need throughout Southwest Florida. 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 Naples Children & Education 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 League Club

The League Club, Inc. is a 501c(3) organization of women in Southwest Florida strengthening communities through fellowship, education, volunteerism and philanthropy. The League Club is open to women who have been or are active members of a Junior League that is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International. Learn more at LeagueClub.org.