View as Webpage

Dear CYP Students,

The next school year is about to begin! It can be an exciting time, but it may also bring mixed emotions.

Some Caregiving Youth tell us that being at school gives them a break and a little respite from their responsibilities at home. Others may worry about being away from the family members who depend on them.

We look forward to seeing you again during group sessions and Lunch and Learn events at your school. As you begin this new chapter, please let us know if there is anything you or your family needs. We are here for you!

With care,

Dr. Connie

Greetings, CYP Friends!

The summer has been busy for AACY’s Caregiving Youth Project!

Students visited Rescue Life Sanctuary, cooled off at Rapids Water Park, explored their creativity at Painting with a Twist, toured museums during MCN Summer Art Week, and gathered with their families for the CYP Family Picnic.

Many students also spent time with their mentors, including a group outing to a Miami Marlins game.

These activities gave you time to relax, try something new, and spend time with other students who understand what it means to be a Caregiving Youth.

Below are a few highlights from the past month. We will share more from Urban Air and the CYP Back-to-School Bash in the next issue. More activities are planned, including Camp Treasure, so make sure to join us!

As the new school year begins, remember to watch for texts and stay in touch with your Family Specialist for details about upcoming activities, group sessions, and Lunch and Learn events.

Be well! Do good! Reach out if you need us!

The CYP Team

AACY’s Caregiving Youth Project students spent a creative week with Manipura Care Network during MCN Summer Art Week.

Students received art supplies, tried new art projects, wrote poetry, and visited the Norton Museum of Art, Pérez Art Museum Miami, and the Freedom Tower.

The week gave students time to create, explore, and relax with other Caregiving Youth who understand their experiences.

Many thanks to Smita Sen and the Manipura Care Network team, Schmy Jasmin and the AACY team, and everyone who helped make the week possible.

On July 15, Caregiving Youth and their families gathered at John Prince Park for AACY’s Family Day Picnic!

Students played games, cooled off at the splash pad, and enjoyed BBQ fresh from the grill, snow cones, and cotton candy. It was a beautiful day to relax and spend time with family, friends, and other Caregiving Youth.

Many thanks to the staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who helped with the food, activities, setup, and cleanup. Their support made the day possible for our students and families!

We loved celebrating with you and can't wait to do it again!

Many Caregiving Youth spent time with their mentors this summer!

Mike and Jacob enjoyed a summer outing together and shared this photo. Mike is an AACY mentor, Board member, and longtime photographer.

Mentors can be someone to talk to, learn from, and have fun with outside of school.

Would you like to connect with a mentor? Talk to your Family Specialist to learn more.

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.

AACY National Spokesperson Madeline Grace Asbell received the 2026 Texas PTA Outstanding Advocacy Impact Award. She was the only student in the state selected for this honor.

Madeline is a rising senior at Rouse High School and a youth advocate from Leander, Texas, near Austin. Her own experience caring for her grandmother inspired her to speak up for Caregiving Youth.

This award helps more people learn about Caregiving Youth and why their voices should be included. Madeline’s example also shows that any of you can use your own experiences to help create change!

A national Caregiving Youth Virtual Connection Call is planned for:

Thursday, November 12, 2026

6:00 - 7:30 PM Eastern

This call will bring Caregiving Youth together from across the U.S. to connect, share, and be part of a larger conversation.

CYP students may have opportunities to help lead this event. Please contact your Family Specialist if you would like to be considered.

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.