‘Transformational gift’ to create new opportunities for recreation, creativity, community engagement and emergency preparedness
The Gettel Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Gettel Automotive, has announced a $1 million investment in The Haven’s Community Center Project, “bringing the organization significantly closer to realizing a transformative vision for individuals with physical and mental disabilities across Southwest Florida,” The Haven has announced.
“The Haven’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with unique abilities by encouraging independence, championing inclusion, and advocating for individual rights,” a news release explains.
“The Community & Career Center will become the heart of The Haven’s 32-acre campus, providing a welcoming and dynamic gathering space where clients, families, staff, and community members can connect, learn, and celebrate together,” the release continues. “The facility will feature a stage theater, gymnasium, multipurpose activity spaces, and specialized training labs designed to support workforce development, life skills instruction, and career exploration,” it says. “These spaces will complement recreational, educational, and social programming, creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to build skills, foster relationships, and engage meaningfully in their community,” the release points out.
“Beyond its role as a center for enrichment and engagement,” the facility will serve “as a dedicated hurricane shelter for Haven residents and program participants. During emergencies, individuals with physical and mental disabilities will be able to remain in a familiar, supportive environment surrounded by trusted caregivers and resources, rather than being displaced to community shelters,” the release explains.
“This extraordinary gift from the Gettel Foundation is an investment in dignity, opportunity, and belonging,” said Jennifer Groff, vice president of philanthropy for The Haven, in the release. “Their generosity will help create a space where the people we serve can build friendships, develop new skills, express their creativity, and remain safe during times of crisis,” Groff added in the release.
“The Gettel Foundation has a long-standing commitment to strengthening communities throughout Florida through strategic philanthropy and partnerships that improve lives and expand opportunities for individuals and families,” the release notes.
“The Haven plays an essential role in our community, and we are honored to support a project that will have a lasting impact on so many lives,” said James Gettel, president of Gettel Automotive Group and trustee of the Gettel Foundation, in the release. “We believe this Community Center will serve as a place of connection, growth, and safety for years to come.”
For more information about The Haven and the Community Center Project, contact Jennifer Groff, vice president of philanthropy, at 941-320-2360 or Jgroff@thehavensrq.org.