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As 2025 comes to a close, I personally want to thank each of you for all that you do in providing care for your loved one(s), in addition to your job of learning!

Then, looking to 2026, I know how easy it is to procrastinate - even about self-care! Thus, here is a fun message on a card that I have kept in my office through the years.

It reads: "Thought for the day: Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today, 'cause if you enjoy it today, you can do it again tomorrow!"

Wishing you and your families only the best for the New Year!

We’re here for you!

Greetings, CYP Friends!

December Delights: A Month of Learning, Celebration & Adventure!

December brought many meaningful moments for you and many of your families. The month began with Medical Trivia, continued with our Annual Holiday Party, and wrapped up with a fun day at the carnival. Each event was designed to offer learning, celebration, opportunities to connect with other caregiving kids, and time to step away from the daily responsibilities you carry.

We know you balance a lot. These experiences are one way we support you by creating space to recharge, connect, and enjoy moments that are just for you.

As we say goodbye to 2025, the Caregiving Youth Project family would like to celebrate your accomplishments and recognize the challenges you have bravely navigated throughout the year. We are so proud of you and wish you a Happy New Year 2026 filled with hope, joy, and new opportunities. We look forward to many more experiences and adventures together as your caregiving journey continues.

Keep shining. The world needs your light.

Warmly,

The Caregiving Youth Project Team

On Friday, December 19, school let out for winter break. The very next day, AACY hosted its Annual Holiday Party, and 420 students and family members came together to celebrate.

The afternoon was busy and fun from the moment families arrived. Students and siblings decorated holiday cookies and ornaments, sang along to holiday karaoke, played games, and spent time with friends. One of the biggest hits was the balloon art area, where students lined up to choose colorful balloon creations made just for them.

Each student received gifts for themselves and their families, and everyone enjoyed a meal together before heading home.

Many people from the community helped make the day possible. Volunteers donated cookies, cards, gifts, decorations, and their time to help create a welcoming and joyful space for families.

For students who help care for family members at home, time like this matters. We hope the Holiday Party gave you and your families a chance to slow down, make some great memories, and just enjoy being together and having fun.

Many of you took part in a two-night Medical Trivia event hosted by FAU medical students Pedro Soto and Marshall Daffner. The event invited everyone to explore important topics around health and wellness in a way that was interactive and easy to enjoy.

On the first night, participants jumped into friendly competition, answering trivia questions that tested their medical knowledge. Laughter, teamwork, and a little rivalry made the learning feel fun and low-pressure.

The second night focused on conversation. Everyone took part in discussions and a Q&A about health and nutrition, with lots of great questions and conversation.

Medical Trivia showed that learning about health does not have to feel like school. It can be engaging, interactive, and even fun when everyone learns together.

For those of you who attended, this was something really special!!

Several students spent an adventurous afternoon this month at Boca West’s Carnival. The day was all about fun, excitement, and trying something new.

Thrill-seekers jumped into carnival rides and attractions, spent time with friends, and met other students from across Palm Beach County. Between rides and games, there was plenty of time to talk, laugh, and enjoy the experience together.

Of course, no carnival visit would be complete without treats. Everyone enjoyed popcorn, cotton candy, nachos, and snow cones, adding to an afternoon filled with fun from start to finish.

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.

Remember, your well-being matters! Taking care of yourself helps you feel strong, confident, and ready for whatever comes your way.

SET GOALS AS YOU CONTINUE YOUR CAREGIVING

Self-Care

• What are a few things you can do to take care of your body and mind? (examples: moving your body, relaxing, listening to music, hobbies)

• How often will you make time for these each week?

• What might get in the way, and who can help you stay on track?

Staying Connected

• How will you stay in touch with friends and family who support you?

• How can you protect your time and energy when you feel overwhelmed?

Learning and Growing

• What is one new thing you would like to learn or get better at in 2026?

• How can you make time to practice or learn a little at a time?

• Who or what can help you reach this goal?

SET GOALS FOR SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT

Health and Daily Life

• What is one small goal that could help your loved one feel better or stronger?

• What can you do to help support that goal?

• How will you notice progress, even small steps?

Enjoyment and Meaning

• What activities does your loved one enjoy?

• How can you help them spend time doing things they like?

• How will you celebrate their successes?

HELPFUL TIPS FOR 2026

• Keep goals simple and realistic.

• Break big goals into small steps.

• Celebrate progress, even when it feels small.

• Be flexible. It is okay to change plans.

Remember, you are not alone. It is okay to ask for help. Stay connected with people who support you, including your Family Specialists, and focus on making 2026 a positive and meaningful year for you and the people you care about.

Recently, something really special happened. WETA/PBS sent a framed poster from Caregiving, the national PBS documentary, to our office - and they also sent one just for Jacob and his dad, Mike.

Jacob is part of the Caregiving Youth Project, and his family’s story was included in the documentary. Receiving the poster was a way of recognizing their story and the experiences they shared.

Moments like this remind us that your stories matter. The things you do for your families every day are important, and people are listening.

We are proud of Jacob and grateful to WETA for taking the time to recognize him and his dad in such a meaningful way.

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.