Youth Haven receives $153,000 Naples Children Foundation grant to expand behavioral health services

Youth Haven has been awarded $153,000 from the Naples Children Foundation, the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, through its Registered Intern Workforce Pilot. The first-of-its-kind initiative is designed to expand clinical training opportunities, increase access to behavioral health services for children and strengthen the pipeline of licensed professionals in Southwest Florida.

The funding will be distributed to Youth Haven equally over two years and will support one registered intern, one qualified supervisor and professional development opportunities, including licensure exam preparation, examination fees and other activities supporting the intern’s path to professional licensure.

“This investment will have an immediate and lasting impact on the children and teens we serve,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “By strengthening the behavioral health support available to our youth while helping prepare the next generation of licensed professionals, we can provide more young people with the consistent, trauma-informed care they need to heal, grow and thrive.”

The pilot addresses a critical workforce challenge by creating paid internship opportunities and providing the qualified supervision emerging behavioral health professionals need to complete clinical experience required for licensure.

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, will use the investment to increase behavioral health support for youth who have experienced significant trauma and instability. Through supervised clinical practice, the registered intern will help expand Youth Haven’s capacity to provide individualized, trauma-informed behavioral health services while gaining the skills and experience needed to pursue professional licensure.

“For many of the children and teens who come to Youth Haven, healing begins with having trusted, compassionate professionals who understand the impact of trauma,” Goldfield said. “We are deeply grateful to the Naples Children Foundation for helping us expand access to that support while contributing to a more sustainable system of care for children and families throughout our community.”

The Registered Intern Workforce Pilot was developed by NCF in partnership with six nonprofit organizations and Florida Gulf Coast University to address the shortage of licensed behavioral health professionals serving children and families in Southwest Florida. NCF is investing $2 million over two years to support 17 registered interns, qualified supervisors and professional development while creating stronger pathways for emerging professionals to pursue licensure and build their careers in Southwest Florida.

The additional clinical support will complement Youth Haven’s comprehensive, trauma-informed care, which includes therapeutic services, case management, academic support, life-skills development and enrichment opportunities. With greater access to these services, Youth Haven can help more children and teens develop coping skills, rebuild trust and work toward greater stability and independence.

For more information about Youth Haven, visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904.