The traditional “End Of School Teen Bash” will be held from 12:30 until 3 p.m., Friday, May 29, at Mackle Park, 1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island.
The event is a long-standing tradition hosted by the city of Marco Island Parks and Recreation Department to celebrate the start of summer break.
The bash is designed for students in 6th through 12th grade.
There will be food, drinks, music and more.
For more information, call 239-642-0575 or visit cityofmarcoisland.com.
Warrior Homes of Collier names new operations manager
Warrior Homes of Collier, a Naples-based nonprofit serving at-risk and homeless veterans, has announced that U.S. Air Force veteran Max Barber as its new operations manager for the organization.
Barber will oversee Warrior Homes’ portfolio of homes to ensure veterans receive safe, clean and dignified housing, along with access to mental health services and educational resources in Collier County.
“We are thrilled to have Max join our team,” said Dale Mullin, founder and president of Warrior Homes of Collier and a retired Vietnam veteran. “His military background, combined with his strong operations and property management expertise, makes him the perfect fit for our mission. Max truly understands the unique needs of veterans, and we know he will play a key role in helping us end veteran homelessness in Collier County.”
Barber is a decorated veteran who served with the U.S. Air Force Tactical Response Team. He brings extensive leadership experience as a former community and facility director for some of the military’s largest housing portfolios. With more than 10 years of property management and construction experience, Barber brings a deep passion for serving and supporting his fellow veterans.
“I joined Warrior Homes because we don’t just provide a home for our veterans; we also provide peace,” Barber said. “I wake up every day inspired by their resilience. This organization’s future isn’t just a goal for me; it’s a personal promise to those who sacrificed everything for our country. Each new day is another chance to make a difference in someone’s life, and I couldn’t be happier to be part of what Warrior Homes has done for our veteran community and what we will continue to do.”
In addition to temporary housing solutions, Warrior Homes connects veterans with support services like mental health counseling, peer support and homeless prevention, as well as educational opportunities that offer college scholarships.
For more information, visit WWCollier.org/Donate.
Youth Haven awarded $30,000 grant
Youth Haven, Collier County’s emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected children and teens ages 6 to 21, recently announced it has received a $30,000 grant from The League Club to support its food and nutrition services program.
“We are deeply grateful to The League Club for their continued investment in the well-being of the children and teens we serve,” said Linda Goldfield, chief executive officer of Youth Haven. “Access to nutritious, thoughtfully prepared meals is foundational to healing. This generous support not only nourishes our youth physically, but also fosters emotional stability, connection and confidence as they build brighter futures.”
Youth Haven was selected as one of 29 nonprofit organizations to receive funding from The League Club in 2026, with total grants awarded reaching $785,651, which is an increase of $23,000 over the previous year.
For more information, visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904.
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This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: Now You Know: Teen Bash on Marco; Youth Haven grant; Warrior Homes news
Reporting by Will Watts, Special to the Eagle / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
