Youth Haven launches Independent Living Mentor Program to build skills and confidence for youth

Youth Haven, Collier County’s only provider of emergency shelter, at-risk shelter and homeless teen transitional living services for abused, neglected and homeless children and teens ages 6 to 21, has launched its new Independent Living Mentor Program. The program provides personalized, age-appropriate instruction designed to help youth build practical skills, confidence and greater independence based on their individual needs and stage of life.
While the skills taught vary by age, development and personal goals, the program helps every participant strengthen abilities that support individual success. Youth Haven has also implemented a K-12 curriculum as part of the program, providing structured, age-appropriate life-skills instruction that builds as children progress through each grade level.
Grant funding supports educational materials, hands-on workshops, laptops, transportation assistance and other resources tailored to participants’ ages and needs. For younger children, instruction may focus on personal responsibility, communication, organization, decision-making and completing daily tasks. Older youth may receive guidance in budgeting, employment readiness, transportation, education planning, healthy relationships and other skills that support increasing independence.
Each participant develops a personalized plan based on individual strengths, needs and goals. Coaching may include financial literacy, communication, self-advocacy, employment readiness, healthy relationships, educational planning and everyday responsibilities. Additional support includes college or career-training visits, mentoring, resume development, interview attire and transportation assistance for employment, training and educational opportunities.
The program also creates opportunities for youth to earn practical certifications. Several participants recently completed a six-hour Safe Sitter® Babysitting Certification class, gaining hands-on experience in first aid and CPR, child development, behavior management, safety practices and planning engaging, age-appropriate activities.
An independent living mentor works alongside Youth Haven’s therapeutic, educational and case management teams to align instruction with each participant’s treatment or service plan. This coordinated approach integrates practical skill-building into Youth Haven’s comprehensive, trauma-informed care and ensures children and teens receive support that is appropriate for their age, abilities and circumstances.
The program’s launch was made possible through $60,000 in grant funding from:
• Women’s Giving Circle of Southwest Florida
• Jingled Elves
• Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church
• Sister Seekers
“We are deeply grateful to these organizations for investing in the growth and potential of the children and teens we serve,” said Linda Goldfield, CEO of Youth Haven. “This program provides steady, personalized support while helping each child build on their strengths, practice new skills and experience the sense of accomplishment that comes with becoming more capable and confident. This program meets each child where they are and helps them build skills that support confidence, responsibility and progress toward their individual goals.”
Whether a child is learning to manage a daily routine, a teen is preparing for a first job or an older youth is exploring college or career options, the Independent Living Mentor Program provides individualized guidance that helps participants recognize their strengths, make informed choices and become more confident in navigating everyday life.
For more information about Youth Haven’s Independent Living Mentor Program, visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904.