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Did you know that some people say that Caregiving Youth in Palm Beach County are the lucky ones? Not because of being a caregiver, but because you and your families have had recognition and support from 6th grade through high school graduation!

People in other states are also working toward supporting your peers in their backyards.

The whole State of Rhode Island's Department of Education has created a new supportive policy to allow for accommodations. The Colorado Alliance of Caregiving Youth is in the process of beginning a program. And, most recently, thanks to the perseverance of AACY Advisory Council member Dr. Richard Lindsay (who is more than 90 years old!), there is now a proposed budget amendment to support a pilot project in Virginia.

Diana, a student at Regis College in MA, is currently in meetings in three high schools about support for Caregiving Youth, and Dr. Feylyn Lewis of Vanderbilt held her first in-school group in Nashville! 

None of this would happen without you sharing your stories and making progress academically and personally. We at AACY are proud of you as we begin 2025 together!

Happy New Year, CYP Friends!

I hope this message finds you warm and enjoying the chilly weather! It’s been a cold start to the year, but I trust you’ve had a great beginning to 2025 and have set meaningful goals for the months ahead.

In January, we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I hope you received the list of events happening across the county and found special ways to honor this important day.

6th Graders: If you’ve never attended Camp Treasure, an exciting overnight camp, now’s your chance! The camp will take place on March 7th and 8th, and we’d love to see you there.



Seniors: Let’s celebrate! The graduation celebration will be held at Palm Beach State College. Keep an eye out for the official save-the-date announcement.



This year is packed with exciting events and activities! Be sure to check your texts and emails for updates as each event approaches.  

Stay tuned for more fun, and don't forget to check out your event photos on our Instagram @caregivingyouthproject! Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming activities as well.

Thank you.

Andreana Holliman, BA

Interested in joining us for Camp Treasure?

It’s a fun opportunity to connect with other Caregiving Youth from different schools! If you’d like to join, talk to your Family Specialist to learn more.

Join a Zoom call with Caregiving Youth from across the country!

This is a great opportunity to connect, share experiences, and be part of a national conversation. Talk to your Family Specialist, or click here or the graphic above to register!

We're here to support you on your caregiving journey. We'll share fun and educational content, inspiring stories from caregivers who are students or people around the world who are trying to help, and reminders that you're not alone. Thank you for all that you do for your family.

"I would like to take a moment to recognize and applaud Emily, a remarkable high school senior who goes above and beyond as a full-time caregiver for her mother.

Her mother has type 1 diabetes and requires dialysis three times a week. Despite the emotional and physical challenges she faces, Emily remains a dedicated student and a selfless caregiver. Her strength, compassion, and resilience are truly inspiring.

Through her unwavering commitment to both her family and her education, Emily exemplifies what it means to persevere and strive for success, no matter the obstacles life presents." - Kayli McBean, BSW, AACY Family Specialist

Thanks, Kayli, for telling us about this caregiving student. This story shows how tough and brave kids can be. Keep being awesome, Emily!

Michelle, a member of the Caregiving Youth Project, has been a caregiver for two years. She shared how being a Caregiving Youth has shaped her life in meaningful ways.

“Being a Caregiving Youth teaches you things you need to know in life, like caring for the people you love. It also gives you responsibilities,” Michelle explained.

Michelle talked about how caregiving helped her grow and develop important life skills. “Before, I was all over the place. Now, I’m more organized, I know what to do, and I’m good with managing my time,” she said.

She also spoke about the emotional support she’s received through CYP. “There was a time I didn’t like myself, but they gave me a therapist, Miss Destiny, and she helped me mentally and physically. Being part of CYP feels like one big family, and it’s something I really needed.”

Watch Michelle’s full interview on YouTube.

We’re so grateful to students like Michelle for stepping up and sharing their stories. By sharing, they not only encourage other kids but also remind them that they’re not alone in their journey. If you’d like to share your story, we have plenty of opportunities for you to do so. Just let your Family Specialist know!

There’s exciting news for Caregiving Youth in Tennessee! Dr. Feylyn Lewis and her team, in collaboration with Vanderbilt University, have started the state’s very first peer support group for kids and teens who care for family members.

The group’s goal? To help Caregiving Youth like you feel supported, understood, and empowered. At the group’s first event, held at the Nashville School of the Arts, teens had the chance to connect, share their experiences, and take part in fun and meaningful activities.

One participant said, “It’s so nice to meet other kids who understand what it’s like to be a caregiver.”

Dr. Lewis and her team want to make sure Caregiving Youth have a safe space to talk, share, and grow. They’re also working on ways to bring more events like this to other parts of the state!

In January, we celebrated National Mentoring Month by sharing photos and stories of the amazing mentors who support Caregiving Youth.

Mentors make a big difference by offering guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. They help Caregiving Youth navigate challenges and build confidence for the future.

All month long, we highlighted the special connections between mentors and mentees on social media. We’re so thankful for our mentors and the positive impact they have on the lives of students who are also caregiving!

"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Eagles Landing Middle School for their incredible support in helping me organize group sessions, Lunch and Learn events, screenings, and more.

A special thank you to Mrs. O'Halloran, whose kindness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering support have made all the difference. Her generosity in providing the resources and space I needed has been truly invaluable. Without her help, none of this would have been possible.

Even on her busiest days, she made me feel welcome and supported, and I am deeply grateful. Thank you, Mrs. O'Halloran!" - Kayli McBean, BSW, AACY Family Specialist

Join us and spread the word! To participate in our program, Caregiving Youth Project (CYP) participants must reside in Palm Beach County and can be referred through personal outreach, recommendations from school staff, or other organizations. Our support is provided both at school and in the home.

If you are a Caregiving Youth or know someone who is but they don't live in Palm Beach County, please encourage them to email us at info@aacy.org. We are committed to helping them find resources, no matter where they reside in the United States.

988 Crisis Hotline

We at AACY believe that prioritizing mental health is a year-round endeavor. When you're having a difficult time, it's important to seek help. Thankfully, there is a new phone resource available no matter where you are in the US!: Just dial the 9-8-8 hotline.

This hotline is available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Don't suffer in silence - get help and keep hope alive.