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This school year seems to be flying by. Before we know it, summer break will be here.

At AACY, we are working on new and exciting summer activities!

Before plans are finalized, we would love to hear from you. Is there something new you would like to learn or do this summer?

Please let your Family Specialist know so we can consider your ideas.

Greetings, CYP Friends!

March has been a busy month across the Caregiving Youth Project. We have been hard at work planning our graduation celebration for this year’s Caregiving Youth seniors, and we are excited to recognize all they have accomplished.

This month, AACY also held Hearts & “Soles” Sneaker Ball Benefit, a special event in support of CYP. Guests heard from Judeline, an 8th-grade CYP student, who shared her story and helped others better understand what it means to be a Caregiving Youth.

Maryann, an AACY alumna also spoke about her own journey, showing how these experiences stay with young people as they grow and move forward.

We are also looking ahead to CYP Camp Treasure Day on April 11, along with more summer activities now in the works.

More good things are ahead, and we are glad to share them with you!

Warmly,

The Caregiving Youth Project Team

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.

“At a recent Lunch and Learn at Conniston Middle School, a student who had been referred to AACY by her guidance counselor, came up to me looking upset and asked for help. She was going through a very difficult time at home because her father was facing serious health challenges, and she was carrying a lot of worry.

We were able to respond quickly. After meeting with the family, we began putting support in place both at home and at school. We helped connect them with resources, including medical equipment, home safety items, and other practical support to make things a little easier during a very stressful time.

The student also began participating in 6th-grade groups and receiving support at school. It has been good to see her begin to feel more supported and less alone.

We will continue working closely with this family to help them navigate challenges and connect them with support along the way. If you or someone you know is going through a hard time at home or school because they are a caregiver, AACY is here to help.” - Karen Matthews, CYP Family Specialist

"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Bear Lakes Middle School. In particular, I would like to recognize Ms. Bennett, who is generally very helpful in summoning students for skills-building groups and in other ways.

She is always patient, kind, and pleasant. She executes everything with a smile and is a warm and welcoming person. Mr. Simpson, Dean Tuft, Mr. Frantz, and the main office and guidance office staff are generally very accommodating and helpful.

Of course, one must also say a hearty thank you to Mrs. Ocasio, our school contact, who has been instrumental in facilitating our activities on campus." - Karen Matthews, AACY CYP Family Specialist

Omarion was a Caregiving Youth when he was growing up. Now he is a college student at NYU, and he is making a short film called Hands Too Small.

It is about what life can be like for young people who help care for someone at home while also trying to keep up with school and everyday life.

Last November, Omarion presented at the AACY Conference. That experience stayed with him. It made him even more sure that more people need to understand what Caregiving Youth go through.

So he started making the film.

This past weekend in New York, he met up with Maria Miranda and Neo.

Neo is in high school and is a Caregiving Youth today. Maria was also a Caregiving Youth. Now, she is an adult leader who works to help more people understand and support kids like you.

Three people. Three different stages of life. All of them know what it feels like to care for someone at home while the rest of the world keeps moving.

That is what Hands Too Small is about.

When Caregiving Youth tell their stories, people start to pay attention. Maria is doing that. Omarion is doing that. Neo is doing that.

Their stories matter. And so does yours.

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.