Nothing is more important to the fabric of a community than the nurturing of caring, supportive home environments for young people. Youth Haven thus is proud of its more than 40 continuous years of protecting children and strengthening families in Southwest Florida.

Youth Haven began as the dream of a group of concerned local child advocates, a dream about a place where traumatized children could be safe, could live in peace, and could enjoy happy developmental years. That original dream has evolved into a nationally accredited organization providing child protection, family support, abuse and homelessness prevention and behavioral health services.  The organization's vision continues to be refined, but remains sharply focused on the promise of creating a happy existence for suffering children and families.  

As a safe haven for Southwest Florida's abused and abandoned children, we continually are distressed by the dramatic range and depth of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse seen in the young people who come to us for refuge. We are inspired to action by the emotional vulnerability of these children, and the opportunity we have to give them a warm, loving and safe environment, enriching experiences, and much-needed behavioral therapy and psychological counseling.

To our many supporters in the community, we offer our sincere appreciation. And to those who have not yet joined us in our work nurturing troubled children and families, we extend an open invitation for you to do so. It is only through the generosity and kindness of so many child advocates in our community that we can excel at what we do best – providing a secure, emotionally healing home to children and giving caring, dedicated families renewed hope of a brighter future. 

Sincerely, 

Rosanne L. Winter, Ph.D.