Youth Haven reaches major construction milestone with foundation pour for new Therapeutic Enrichment Center

Youth Haven has reached a significant milestone in its Building Hope for Tomorrow capital campaign, completing the foundation for its new Therapeutic Enrichment Center. The foundation is the first permanent structural element of the new 22,000-square-foot facility, which will expand access to critical services for abused, neglected and homeless children and teens across Southwest Florida. The foundation pour follows a groundbreaking ceremony held earlier this year.

Once completed, the Therapeutic Enrichment Center will replace Youth Haven’s 53-year-old community building, creating a modern, trauma-informed environment designed to better meet the complex needs of vulnerable youth for generations to come.

As Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, the new center will serve as the cornerstone of Youth Haven’s $20 million Building Hope for Tomorrow comprehensive capital campaign, strengthening every aspect of the organization’s mission to provide home, hope and healing. The new facility will significantly enhance the quality and depth of services available to the approximately 150 children and teens served annually.

“This foundation symbolizes far more than a construction milestone; it represents the future we are building for the children and teens who depend on Youth Haven,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “Every child who comes to us deserves a safe, nurturing environment where they can heal, grow and discover their potential. As this building begins to take shape, so does our vision for expanding opportunities, strengthening families and creating brighter futures for generations of youth in Southwest Florida. We are deeply grateful to every donor, partner and supporter helping make this dream a reality.”

Designed using trauma-informed principles, the new Therapeutic Enrichment Center will include dedicated spaces for individual and group counseling, art and music therapy, family reunification, fitness and wellness programming, educational support and life-skills development. Additional features include a state-of-the-art Education Hub, expanded library and makerspace, a commercial kitchen to support nutrition and independent living skills, and enhanced indoor and outdoor gathering spaces for residents.

The building will also include administrative offices on the second floor, allowing the current administrative building to be reconfigured into a Community Outreach and Prevention Center. This new space will support expanded family services, prevention programs and community partnerships designed to strengthen families before crises occur.

Construction is being led by Curran Young Construction, with design services generously donated by MHK Architecture. Additional project partners include Gordon Pass and Natasha Pereira Interior Design, whose contributions have helped advance the campaign and maximize community investment in the project.

As construction progresses, Youth Haven continues to seek community support to help bring the vision to life. Naming opportunities remain available for individuals, families, businesses and foundations interested in creating a legacy for vulnerable children and teens throughout Southwest Florida.

To learn more about the Building Hope for Tomorrow capital campaign or available naming opportunities, contact Katie Schweikhardt, director of development, at [email protected] or (239) 774-2904 ext. 104.

Learn more about Youth Haven and the Building Hope for Tomorrow capital campaign at youthhavenswfl.org/capital-campaign or call (239) 774-2904.