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We just celebrated Memorial Day in honor and gratitude of Veterans who heroically gave their lives in service for America. 

Not all of us have a Veteran in our lives; however, it is likely that you are or know another type of hero. A hero is a person who combats adversity through courage, ingenuity, and strength. 

To those in your care, it is likely that you are their hero! For the work at home that you do, we at AACY recognize and support you, our unsung superheroes! Congratulations to all!!

Among our superheroes, in addition to our A-Team, are the many who volunteered and made our Graduation Celebration a success! This includes Mimi and Debralyn who created centerpieces to put Caregiving Youth on the Map; Roz and Liz for creative decorations; Jeff and Susan Firestone for Awards and Trivia, Ike Powell of Palm Beach County Youth Services for his encouraging words; Carolyn for hand decorated cookies; Izzy who provided the Candy table; student graduate Coralea; CYP alum Marc Charles; and AACY Board members, friends and families of students who provided ongoing support, an awesome evening all under the direction of Activities Manager Andreana.

Thank you, everyone, for everything. 

Greetings, CYP Friends!

May was a month filled with empowerment, inspiration, and celebration!

We kicked things off with our Dream It, Be It: Painting with a Twist and Mentoring Workshop, led by the amazing Soroptimist of Boca and Deerfield. This event focused on helping you build essential life skills through engaging sessions on goal setting, stress management, career exploration, and self-care. The mentoring conversations were both empowering and uplifting, and it was heartwarming to see you all so engaged and open. We also shared a delicious continental breakfast and lunch, and the room was filled with support, creativity, and all-around good vibes.

Later in the month, we came together again for our Graduation Celebration at Palm Beach State College, where we honored our incredible graduating seniors. It was a day to remember, filled with awards, inspiring speakers, music, delicious food, exciting raffles, and more.

The energy was electric as we celebrated your achievements and cheered on your next steps. A big shoutout to all of our essay writing winners! Your stories were powerful and moving. We are beyond proud of all our graduates and wish you continued success on your future journeys.

Keep striving, keep shining, and we’re here cheering you on every step of the way!

Don't forget to check out your event photos on our Instagram @caregivingyouthproject! Be sure to keep an eye out for more upcoming activities as well.

We’re looking forward to an amazing summer with all of you!

Thank you.

Andreana Holliman, BA

We had such a great time at our AACY Mentoring and Painting with a Twist event! Thanks to Soroptimist of Boca and Deerfield, some of you joined us at Painting with a Twist in Boynton Beach for a fun and inspiring day.

We started with some really great mentoring sessions. You talked about goal setting, how to manage stress, different careers you might want to explore, and why self-care matters. It was awesome to hear your ideas and see you support each other.

There was also a delicious breakfast and lunch, and of course, painting! Your creativity really showed in the artwork you made. The room was filled with color, laughter, and good conversations.

We’re so proud of how you showed up, shared your thoughts, and made the day special. We can’t wait to do more events like this with you!

We are so proud of our graduating seniors in the Caregiving Youth Project. On May 22, 2025, we gathered to celebrate you, your hard work, and everything you have achieved.

You have cared for others while staying focused on school, and that is something truly special. You have shown strength, kindness, and determination.

Now it is your time to shine. We are excited to see what comes next for each of you.

Congratulations, graduates! You did it!

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.

Meet J and K, 10th and 6th graders, caring for Mom, who needs help due to diabetes, vision impairment, kidney failure requiring dialysis three times a week, and inability to walk due to toe and heel amputations.

What is one thing you wish people understood about being a Caregiving Youth? 

How has being in the Caregiving Youth Project helped you? 

"Every morning before the sun even rises, my little sister and I are already awake. While most kids our age are just getting out of bed, brushing their teeth, or thinking about school, we’re helping our mom get ready for her day. She can’t walk because of the amputations in her foot, and her vision is so limited that she depends on us for nearly everything.

I’m in 10th grade, and my sister is in 6th. You might think that makes us too young to be caregivers, but we don’t really have a choice. Our mom has diabetes, kidney failure, and goes to dialysis three times a week. Every single day, we help her with things that most people take for granted: making meals, helping her to the restroom, organizing her medication, and giving her emotional support when the pain gets too much.

Before school, I check her blood sugar and warm up her food. My sister helps her find her phone or remote, and we make sure she’s settled before we grab our backpacks and head to school. Some days, it’s hard to focus in class. I worry if she’s okay while we’re gone. Will she fall? Will she be able to reach what she needs? Sometimes I get so tired that my head feels heavy, but I keep going—for her and for us.

After school, we do our homework quickly so we can continue our care. We clean up the house, talk to her doctors when needed, and stay close by in case she needs anything. On dialysis days, we help her get dressed and make sure she gets out the door safely with the transport service. When she comes back, she’s usually weak and tired, and we know how to speak softly and just be there for her.

One thing that has really helped us is being part of the Caregiving Youth program. They truly understand what it means to be young and responsible for someone else’s life. They support us in so many ways: we earn community service hours for the care we provide, which helps us feel proud of our work. They also offer tutoring to keep up in school, cleaning services when the chores pile up, and support groups at school where we can talk openly with other caregiving youth who understand our struggles. Most importantly, they give us time to just be kids again, through fun activities, outings, and moments of respite that help us recharge and smile.

One thing I wish people understood about being a Caregiving Youth is that it’s not just about helping out—it’s a daily, sometimes overwhelming responsibility. We carry adult-sized worries in young hearts. We love our mom more than anything, but we also need support, encouragement, and time for ourselves. We aren’t just students or siblings, we’re nurses, companions, and protectors.

Even though it’s hard, my sister and I have become a strong team. We know how to encourage each other, how to be patient, and how to celebrate small victories. We’ve grown up faster than most kids, but we've also learned the true meaning of love, responsibility, and resilience.

Thanks to the Caregiving Youth program, we know we’re not alone. And even though the world may not always see what we do, we do it with love—because family is everything."

A new voice steps forward! Neo, who lives in New York City, decided to share his story about being a Caregiving Youth on Instagram. It’s a story many of you will relate to.

Neo has been helping care for his dad after a stroke while also going to school and figuring out life as a teen. In his own words, he talks about how hard it can be, how frustrating it feels sometimes, and how he keeps going.

Neo chose to speak up because he knows he’s not the only one going through this. His parents supported his decision to share, and they are standing by him every step of the way.

We’re so grateful to Neo and his family for sharing something so personal and real. His 7-part video journal gives a true look into what caregiving can feel like as a teen. Every word comes from him, and it’s clear how much heart and honesty he put into it.

Check out the full series on Neo’s Instagram: @neosunivrse.

Keep being amazing Neo, and thank you for helping others understand the life of a Caregiving Youth!

As the new documentary Caregiving gets ready to premiere, caregivers across the country have a special opportunity to share their stories with the world. It would be amazing to see some voices from Caregiving Youth - and maybe even your parents - featured!

Important: Please don’t share personal details, and be sure to check with your parent or guardian before posting anything online.

Through the We Are Well Beings Storywall, caregivers of all ages can post photos, videos, or messages about their caregiving journey on Instagram or TikTok. You can also email your story to info@wellbeings.org.

Your story might be featured on the Storywall, a digital space that helps build community, spread hope, and show the strength of caregivers everywhere.

If you choose to share, use these hashtags:

#WellBeings #ShareYourCaregivingStory #CaregivingYouth #KidsAreCaregiversToo

🎬 Caregiving is now streaming on PBS.org, wellbeings.org, and the PBS app

📺 It airs on PBS on June 24 at 9/8c

We are so proud of all that you do. If you’re ready to tell your story, and have permission from a parent or guardian, this could be your moment!

"I cannot sing enough praises about Pahokee Middle School!

They have made the work so easy for me as a Family Specialist with AACY. Ms Shaw (administrative staff), Ms Nava (Student Services staff), and the Principal, Mr Dennard, were so accommodating during our eligibility process this fall! This is a very hectic, busy time of the year for us, but with their support, the process was smooth sailing!

Because of their support and help, we can easily reach students who are caregivers and offer our services. I always have a designated space to meet with our student participants at Pahokee Middle.

They exemplify the perfect example of effective collaboration and partnership. Pahokee Middle recognizes the importance of what we do at AACY. As a Family Specialist, I am grateful that I get to work with such a wonderful team!" - Evelyn Loud, BS, Family Specialist - North

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.