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It’s that special time of year! Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 3, at 2:00 a.m., so don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour—and enjoy the extra sleep! We also start looking forward to changes in our school and home routines as the holidays get closer.

This month, I have a couple of important requests for you:

Remember that life can feel hard or easy - it often depends on how you look at it.

Think about all the things you’re thankful for, instead of what you don’t have. Be sure to include the special relationships you’re building.

November is National Family Caregivers Month! Please know how much the care you give at home is valued and appreciated. And remember - our AACY team members aren’t mind readers. If you’re facing challenges or need extra help, always let us know.

We’re here for you!

Greetings, CYP Friends!

Several of our Caregiving Youth participated in interviews with a journalist from The New York Times, sharing their personal experiences and perspectives. These powerful, first-hand stories help others gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a youth caregiver, the challenges, the compassion, and the positive impact you make on your families and our community every day.

To all our Caregiving Youth, thank you for who you are and all that you do! Your strength, kindness, and dedication continue to inspire us and make our community brighter every day. 🌟

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.

Keep shining! The world needs your light!

Warmly,

The Caregiving Youth Project Team

This year’s Community Caregiver Awards Brunch was a special celebration of compassion, community, and care. The theme, “The Future Is Bright Because of You,” reflected the energy in the room as people came together to honor Caregiving Youth and those who support them.

A big thank-you to Hantz for bravely sharing his story as our featured caregiving speaker. You reminded everyone why this work matters - every Caregiving Youth deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

We’re also thankful for our inspiring honorees, guest speakers, volunteers, and the amazing Eagles Landing Middle School Choir for making the event so memorable.

If you are interested in public speaking or sharing your own story, we’d love to help you find a chance to do that. Learning to speak with confidence and share your story can help you in school, work, and life.

Exciting news! Plans are underway for our Annual Holiday Party, and we can't wait to celebrate with you! We're looking forward to welcoming all our Caregiving Youth and their families on Saturday, December 20, at the Safe Schools Institute in Boca Raton.

Get ready for an afternoon filled with holiday cheer, including karaoke, sing-alongs, trivia, dinner, gifts for the family, and plenty of time to mingle and make memories with friends.

If you haven't registered yet for the Holiday Party, please take a moment to sign up here: SIGN UP!

Caregiving Youth at Boca High School took part in a special Lunch & Learn focused on connection and support. Students had the chance to take a break, enjoy pizza together, and share what’s going on at home, at school, and in life. The sessions give students a safe space to be around other kids who are caregivers and take a short break from the day.

Thank you to Pizza Dealer for sending us the pizza!

Are you a Caregiving Youth who’d love someone in your corner? Awesome! We’ve got just the right mentor for you!

Our mentors are friendly, supportive adults who are here to share experiences, explore new interests, and just chat about life. They’re role models, guides, and great listeners all rolled into one!

Sign up for a mentor today! 

Reach out to your Family Specialist for more details. Your mentoring journey starts here!

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.

Did you know that November is National Family Caregivers Month?

This month is all about recognizing and honoring people like you who care for a family member in need. Family caregivers are people who help loved ones who may be sick, elderly, or disabled, and their support makes a big difference every day.

As a Caregiving Youth, you are an important part of this group. You balance school, friends, and caregiving responsibilities - things many adults might find hard to juggle. This month reminds everyone about the important role you play and why it’s so meaningful.

Why National Family Caregivers Month Matters to You

National Family Caregivers Month is a time to bring attention to people who, like you, are family caregivers.

Here’s why it’s so important:

Raising Awareness: Many people don’t realize that young people like you help care for family members. By raising awareness, we help others understand what you do and why it’s important.

Celebrating Your Efforts: This month is a chance to celebrate all the hard work you do. Being a family caregiver takes patience, time, and energy, and this month reminds us to say thank you for everything you do.

Connecting with Others: Sometimes caregiving can feel lonely, but this month reminds us that you are not alone. There are other young caregivers out there who know what it’s like to care for a family member, and they face similar challenges.

How You Can Recognize National Family Caregivers Month

Celebrate Yourself: Take a moment to recognize the important work you do. It’s okay to feel proud of how much you help.

Talk About Your Role: If you feel comfortable, share your caregiving story with friends or teachers. It can help people understand what you do and make them more supportive.

Ask for Support: National Family Caregivers Month is a reminder that support is available. If you need help, reach out to your Caregiving Youth Project team or a trusted adult.

National Family Caregivers Month is a time to recognize the amazing work you do and remind everyone of the big difference you make in your family. We’re so proud of you and all you do to support your loved ones!

We recently came across a 2012 video titled “Lucky - The Young Carer Rap” by Tricky P, a hip-hop artist and caregiver. Even though it was made more than ten years ago, the message still matters today.

In the song, Tricky P talks honestly about what it feels like to care for someone you love while trying to live your own life. His words show strength, love, and real emotion.

We’re sharing this video as a reminder that the voices of Caregiving Youth have been here all along, even if they haven’t always been seen or heard. It’s one more example of how creativity can help people tell their stories and connect with others who understand.

🎵 Watch “Lucky – The Young Carer Rap” on YouTube

Caregiving Youth Advocate Rimbatara “Neo” Neomardhika has been nominated for the 2025 Leon David Simmons Caregivers Award by Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment, Inc. (COME), based in Bronx, New York.

He was nominated by **Maria Miranda, LMSW, an Aging in Place Social Worker and member of the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) National Advisory Council, for the care he gives his father after a stroke and for his leadership in speaking up for other Caregiving Youth.

Neo’s voice has become an important part of the national caregiving movement. He represented AACY at the United Nations during a screening of the PBS WETA documentary Caregiving in June 2025, where he received an official UN pin from **Charles Katoanga of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Neo was also the only youth under 18 to respond to AACY and PBS Well Beings’ national call for stories in such a creative way. He made a seven-part Instagram video journal that showed the emotions, challenges, and strengths of youth caregiving in a real and honest way.

His storytelling has helped more people understand the experiences of the more than 6 million Caregiving Youth across the United States.

All of his videos are now available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Bl5nDWXnfGM?si=78CGEfR5sh2r3Kmr

The Leon David Simmons Caregivers Award honors family caregivers whose compassion and dedication make a difference in the lives of the people they care for.

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.