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 it has been awarded a charitable gift of $17,500 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. These funds will be used to support the nonprofit’s education initiatives, ensuring all youth have access to academic resources, enrichment opportunities and independent living skill-building.

Specifically, this gift will support Youth Haven’s Education Hub with essential supplies, books and technology; dedicated staff who provide instruction, tutoring and mentoring; life skills training in areas such as financial literacy, nutrition and daily living; and enrichment opportunities including STEAM, arts, athletics, mindfulness and cultural outings.

“We are extremely grateful to the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation for this crucial funding that will help us continue to close the educational gap for children and teens in our care who have experienced abuse, neglect or homelessness,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “By weaving together academics, enrichment and life skills, we are able to offer a holistic approach that helps youth heal from trauma while gaining the tools and confidence needed to graduate, pursue careers and live independently. Together, we can create a supportive, creative and healing place where these young people can succeed academically and personally.”

Children and teens entering Youth Haven’s care have often experienced profound trauma and instability that can disrupt their ability to succeed in school and prepare for adulthood. Youth in foster care are frequently two to three grade levels behind their peers, while homeless students graduate at far lower rates — only 69% within four years, compared to 85.8% nationally. Locally, over 1,000 students were identified as homeless in Collier County last school year. Without targeted support, these young people face increased risks of dropping out, unemployment, and continued cycles of poverty and trauma.

Youth Haven’s unique education initiative addresses this need by combining academic stability with skill-building for independence in one trauma-informed setting. While the Education Hub provides tutoring, literacy instruction and advocacy with Collier County Public Schools, the initiative also integrates enrichment activities that reduce toxic stress, including STEAM, art, music, sports and mindfulness. All residents also participate in practical life skills instruction including budgeting, financial literacy, job readiness, healthy decision-making and post-secondary planning.

Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, founded the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in the community. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union donates four cents to the Foundation to fund local initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has raised and donated over $55 million.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to find their way and it takes education for this to happen,” says Jeff Kunberger, executive director of Suncoast Foundations. “Our mission is to improve lives and the communities we serve and Youth Haven allows us to put our words into action for the children and youth who will receive support through this program,” he added.

Youth Haven serves as a dedicated community partner and regional leader in providing a safe haven of home, hope and healing 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 Suncoast Credit Union

Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $19.0 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Un-ion, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 78 full-service branches and serves more than 1.3 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $55 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.