Youth Haven, Inc. Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Youth Haven, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1972, dedicated to providing shelter and support to abused, neglected, and homeless children and teens in Southwest Florida. Operating continuously for over five decades, it stands as the region's only residential and emergency shelter for youth aged 6 to 21 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To provide Home, Hope, and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.

Vision: A bright future for every child and teen in congregate care.

Primary Area of Focus

Youth Haven focuses on offering a safe and nurturing environment for children and teens who have experienced trauma, aiming to restore trust, confidence, and joy in their lives.

Industry Significance

As Southwest Florida's sole residential and emergency shelter for youth in crisis, Youth Haven plays a pivotal role in addressing the needs of vulnerable children and teens, providing essential services that contribute to the community's overall well-being.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Provide immediate shelter and care for children and teens removed from their homes.

Offer comprehensive support services, including education, medical care, and mental health services.

Facilitate the transition of youth to stable, permanent living situations.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Emergency and residential shelter services.

Homeless teen and transitional living programs.

Counseling and mental health services.

Key Technologies Utilized

While specific technological platforms are not detailed, Youth Haven employs evidence-based therapeutic approaches and maintains a therapeutic campus equipped to meet the diverse needs of its residents.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Youth Haven primarily serves children and teens in Southwest Florida who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, as well as homeless youth seeking support and stability.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Youth Haven has demonstrated strong financial health and accountability, earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its commitment to transparency and effective use of resources.

Total Funds Raised

Specific figures regarding total funds raised are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

Youth Haven receives support from various individual donors, foundations, and community partners, including the Naples Children & Education Foundation, which awarded a $400,000 grant in March 2023.

Intended Utilization of Capital

Funds are utilized to support the organization's programs, maintain its therapeutic campus, and provide essential services to the children and teens in its care.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

As a non-profit organization, Youth Haven does not operate a product pipeline. Instead, it focuses on the continuous development and enhancement of its programs and services to meet the evolving needs of its residents.

Stages of Program Development

Emergency & Residential Shelter (Cottages): Provides immediate shelter and care for children and teens.

Homeless Teen & Transitional Living Program (HTTLP): Offers support and resources for homeless teens transitioning to adulthood.

Counseling Center: Delivers mental health services to children, adolescents, and families in the community.

Target Conditions

The programs target issues such as abuse, neglect, abandonment, and homelessness among youth.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for program milestones are not publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

While specific proprietary technologies are not detailed, Youth Haven employs evidence-based therapeutic approaches and maintains a therapeutic campus equipped to meet the diverse needs of its residents.

Significant Scientific Methods

Youth Haven utilizes evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including certified Animal-assisted Therapy and certified Play Therapy for young children, to support the healing and development of its residents.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Lars Carlson: President & CEO since July 2006.

Larry Carlson: Co-Founder & Board Chairman since 1968.

Evan Carlson: President of Family Life Communications and Independent Board Member since March 2017.

Dr. Randy Carlson: CEO of Family Life Communications and Independent Board Member since November 1974.

Brian Carr: Pastor at Green Country Church, Morley, Michigan, and Independent Board Member since July 2022.

Melanie Dart: Retired Business Banker at Dart Bank and Independent Board Member since February 2025.

Jim Hunsanger: Chief Risk Officer at Michigan State Federal Credit Union and Independent Board Member since July 2022.

Jon Solitro: Financial Advisor at The Centennial Group and Independent Board Member since July 2016.

Dr. Shando Valdez: Pastor at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Chicago, Illinois, and Independent Board Member since January 2010.

Leadership Changes

Specific details regarding recent leadership changes are not publicly disclosed.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Youth Haven operates in the non-profit sector, focusing on providing shelter and support services to vulnerable youth. The demand for such services is influenced by factors such as rates of abuse, neglect, and homelessness among children and teens in Southwest Florida.

Competitor Analysis

As Southwest Florida's only residential and emergency shelter for youth in crisis, Youth Haven faces limited direct competition. However, it collaborates with various community organizations and partners to enhance its service offerings.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Youth Haven collaborates with several organizations to enhance its service offerings:

Fostering Success: Provides academic mentoring services to children placed at Youth Haven with open Collier County dependency cases.

Naples Children & Education Foundation: Awarded a $400,000 grant in March 2023 to support Youth Haven's programs.

United Way of Collier County: Youth Haven is a member agency, collaborating to address community needs.

Operational Insights

Youth Haven's strategic considerations include maintaining its position as the sole residential and emergency shelter for youth in Southwest Florida, ensuring the quality and effectiveness of its programs, and fostering partnerships to expand its impact. Its commitment to transparency and financial health, as evidenced by its 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, enhances its credibility and trust within the community.