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Dear Caregiving Youth Stakeholders and Friends,
As we reflect on an exciting and transformative few months, I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for all the milestones we have reached and the ones still ahead. From Rhode Island becoming the first state to officially recognize Caregiving Youth, to the inspiring work being done through partnerships with universities and community groups, the awareness and support for Caregiving Youth continues to grow.
We are particularly excited about our ongoing advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels, where we’re working on upcoming legislation that will further protect and empower these young people. With each new initiative—from community forums to federal resolutions like National Caregiving Youth Week—we are not only amplifying the voices of Caregiving Youth but also opening the door for meaningful, long-lasting change in their future.
As we enter a season filled with more exciting events and opportunities, we remain committed to supporting these resilient young people who balance caregiving with their education, health, and well-being. I am so proud of the work we’ve done together and incredibly excited for the work yet to come.
Together, we continue to make a difference for Caregiving Youth across the nation.
Thank you for your investment in those we serve and AACY.
Let's make 2025 become the year of the Caregiving Youth!
Sincerely,
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Rhode Island Becomes the First State to Officially Recognize Caregiving Youth | In a groundbreaking move, Governor Daniel J. McKee has proclaimed November 2024 as National Family Caregivers Month in Rhode Island, with a special focus on caregiving youth—students under 18 who balance their education and aspirations while providing essential care for family members. This makes Rhode Island the first state in the U.S. to officially recognize Caregiving Youth through a proclamation. | | | |
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University of Miami Highlights Research on Caregiving Youth | |
The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine featured medical student Aidan Scagel, M.P.H. ’25, for his capstone research on the challenges faced by Caregiving Youth—children balancing school and caregiving for family members.
Guided by Dr. Julia Belkowitz, M.D., M.P.H., and in collaboration with the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), the research highlighted the emotional, social, and academic impacts of caregiving and pathways for better support. This collaboration reflects growing recognition of Caregiving Youth in healthcare and public health conversations.
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Colorado Alliance for Caregiving Youth (CACY) Hosts Inaugural “Exploring Caregiving Youth Empowerment” Community Forum | The Colorado Alliance for Caregiving Youth (CACY), an affiliate of the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), held its inaugural “Exploring Caregiving Youth Empowerment” Community Forum. The event provided an engaging platform to raise awareness about the hidden struggles of Caregiving Youth and to discuss actionable solutions for supporting their unique needs. | | | |
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Reps. Frankel, Salazar, and Lee Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing National Caregiving Youth Week | |
Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), and Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate November 11-17, 2024, as National Caregiving Youth Week. This resolution aims to honor the significant contributions of youth under 18 who provide essential care to family members in need.
Supported by the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), this resolution highlights the unique challenges faced by over 5.4 million caregiving youth across the U.S.
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Feylyn Lewis, PhD, Awarded Funding for Tennessee's First Youth Caregivers Peer Support Group | We are thrilled to share that Feylyn Lewis, AACY National Advisory Council member and Caregiving Youth Research Collaborative member, has been awarded funding for an exciting new initiative. Feylyn is leading the first-ever youth caregivers peer support group for Tennessee, thanks to the Vanderbilt Community Engagement Collaboration program. The support group will focus on the well-being of adolescents who care for family members with health challenges, addressing their mental health needs and promoting social development. Feylyn’s collaboration with the Tennessee Caregiver Coalition and Vanderbilt University is a monumental step forward for Tennessee's youth caregivers. We’re proud of Feylyn's fantastic work and dedication to supporting young caregivers! | | | |
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City of Doral Issues Proclamation for Youth Caregiver Awareness Day | We’re thrilled to announce that the City of Doral has officially issued a proclamation recognizing Youth Caregiver Awareness Day. This special honor celebrates the resilience and vital contributions of Caregiving Youth—young individuals under 18 who provide essential care for family members with chronic illness, disabilities, or age-related needs. | | | |
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How a Boca Raton organization is recognizing youth caregivers | WPTV Highlights Caregiving Youth and AACY’s Mission | WPTV recently featured a story spotlighting the incredible work of the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) in recognizing and supporting students who are caregiving. The segment emphasized the challenges faced by over 5 million caregiving youth nationwide, including 290,000 in Florida, and highlighted AACY’s efforts to provide vital resources through its programs. | | | |
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Impactful Caregiving® Launches CarePOD: Exploring the Impact of Early Caregiving Responsibilities with Dr. Connie Siskowski | CarePOD, hosted by Dr. Kiplee Bell, features a compelling conversation with Dr. Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, a nationally recognized advocate for caregiving youth. In this episode, Dr. Siskowski shares insights from her pioneering work with the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), highlighting the hidden challenges faced by young caregivers and the transformative power of support. | | | |
AACY Attends Caregiver Nation Summit: Advocating for Caregiving Youth and Policy Change | |
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AACY attended the Caregiver Nation Summit in Washington, DC, hosted by the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC). The event brought together caregivers, advocates, and policymakers to address the critical challenges faced by family caregivers and explore potential solutions.
During the summit, AACY had the opportunity to connect with several influential individuals in the caregiving community, including some who were met in person for the first time.
Pictured are:
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Brian Duke, Co-Chair of the AACY National Advisory Council and former Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging
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Fawn A. Cothran, PhD, RN, GCNS-BC, FGSA, Hunt Research Director at NAC
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Maria Miranda, LMSW, Social Worker and AACY National Advisory Council Member
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Maggie Ornstein, PhD, MPH, MA, from Sarah Lawrence College and member of the Caregiving Youth Research Collaborative
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Sharon Hamill, PhD, Executive Director of CSU Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care, California State University, San Marcos, also part of the Caregiving Youth Research Collaborative
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Sara Poole, National Advisory Council Co-Chair, U.S. Development, AACY
The summit highlighted key issues, including the rising costs of eldercare, workforce challenges, and policy solutions such as caregiver tax credits, Medicaid expansion, and Medicare-reimbursed caregiver training. These discussions were especially meaningful during National Family Caregivers Month, as attention continues to grow around the 5.4 million Caregiving Youth under 18 who are integral to the caregiving ecosystem.
A special thanks to Jason Resendez, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, and the NAC team, sponsors, and speakers who made the event possible. The connections made and the work being done at the summit will continue to inspire efforts to support caregivers of all ages.
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AACY Holiday Party 2024: A Global Celebration of Culture, Fun, and Community! | |
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The AACY 2024 Holiday Party was a huge success, and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces! This year’s theme, Holiday Around the World, brought a touch of global culture to the festivities. As families moved through the party, they enjoyed activities inspired by different cultures, from learning to play African drums to making bracelets that represent various traditions.
Guests had a great time taking photos at the themed backdrops, savoring Caribbean food, selecting items from the boutique, crafting, participating in raffles, dancing to music, and much more! It was truly a memorable experience filled with joy and community spirit.
A big thank you to our donors, staff, and volunteers who helped make this event special!
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A Perfect Day on the Water: Kayaking with Caregiving Youth | |
We were thrilled to see so many of our Caregiving Students join us for a fun-filled kayaking trip at Okeeheelee Park! It was a beautiful day to take a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities, relax on the water, and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. | |
From 6th Grade to Adulthood: The Power of Mentorship | |
At our recent AACY Community Caregiver Brunch, we had the privilege of hearing Marc Charles share his inspiring story. Marc started with AACY in 6th grade and stayed involved through high school, crediting AACY for helping him grow into the person he is today. Even more inspiring was the presence of his mentor, Eliot Popper, who has been by his side for all these years. Now, post-graduation, Marc is giving back as a volunteer, continuing the cycle of support. Their enduring bond highlights the lasting impact mentorship can have—changing lives and even families for the better. | |
"We’re not advocating that children should do this or be in this position, but they are. So we want to make it as safe as possible and arm them with the knowledge base that they need." - Dr. Connie Siskowski - Founder AACY - CNN 2012 |
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You Can Make a Difference! | |
| Here Are a Few Ways You Can Support Caregiving Youth! | |
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Commit to a Monthly Donation
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Attend a Fundraising Event (Locally)
- Become a Business/Corporate Sponsor
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Donate to honor a loved one and put their name on the American Association of Caregiving Youth Wall of Recognition - great present!
- Speaking Engagements – connect the AACY team to local or national events where we can educate audiences on Caregiving Youth.
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Volunteer to support our students and programs
- Follow us on social media – like, share, and comment on AACY's LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram posts.
- Shop AACY Gear
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Vision of AACY – we envision a nation in which there is understanding, appreciation, and celebration of the lives of Caregiving Youth on their individual path to life’s dreams and opportunities.
Mission of AACY – we champion youth who provide care for chronically ill, injured, elderly, and/or disabled family members. We support their role as caregiver and guide their success in school and life.
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Many Thanks to Our Partners: | |
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The American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) is a Florida 501 (c) (3) corporation.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (#CH12431) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR AT WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
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