With students across Collier County heading back to school, Youth Haven is proud to unveil a new shaded on-campus bus stop made possible through a generous $30,850 grant from the Elizabeth K. Galeana Charitable Foundation. The project, completed just in time for the start of the school year, offers a safe, comfortable and protected waiting area for students and staff as they head to and from school.

“As the only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens in Collier County, we strive to provide every opportunity for our kids to succeed, including a safe and dignified way to get to school each day,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “This new bus stop may seem simple, but to our children, it’s a powerful symbol of safety, care and normalcy. We’re deeply grateful to the Elizabeth K. Galeana Charitable Foundation and all who made this project a reality.”

The new bus stop addresses increased traffic flow from surrounding development while enhancing comfort and weather protection. Youth Haven celebrated the milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony as students and staff prepared to return to class for the new school year.

In addition to the Elizabeth K. Galeana Charitable Foundation, several supporters provided in-kind contributions for the project, including Pavement Maintenance, LLC, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. and Davis Portable Toilets.

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.