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Dear CYP Students,

As October comes to a close and we look ahead to November, I’ve been thinking about what I’m grateful for. Our families. A place to live. Health care when we need it. People who show up for us.

I also know that not every family has all of those things right now. Caring for someone at home can make everyday life even harder.

At AACY, we work with our students, but we care about the whole family. If your family needs help, please reach out to your Family Specialist. We may not have every answer, but we will do our best to help you find the support you need.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want you to know how thankful I am for each of you. I see how much you do for the people you love, and I am so proud of you! I'm also grateful for your parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, and everyone else who makes up your family.

From all of us at AACY, wishing you a wonderful November and a happy Thanksgiving!

With care,

Dr. Connie

| Activities Recap & Preview:

Greetings, CYP Friends!

October was a busy month! In this issue of Treasure Talk, we’re sharing stories from Camp Treasure, Edwin’s new bike, Neo’s Caregiving Youth appearance on national TV, and more.

Don’t forget to sign up for our Caregiving Youth Connection Zoom on November 12. Registration closes today!

Watch for messages from your Family Specialist about our holiday party and other fun events coming up.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

The CYP Team

On October 10, AACY's 6th and 7th grade students spent a day at Everglades Youth Conservation Camp in West Palm Beach. Camp Treasure gives students a chance to try new activities, make friends, learn useful skills, and share what's on their minds with the AACY team.

Students enjoyed canoeing, archery, fishing, and fun games, along with breakfast and a cookout lunch featuring hamburgers and hot dogs.

Medical student volunteers also joined the campers to teach them how to safely help family members get around at home.

During one activity, students were asked, "When you're away from home, what do you worry about?"

Their answers included:

• "Will Grandpa remember to turn the stove off?"
• "What if they fall and I am not there?"
• "What do I do when my uncle has a seizure?"
• "Will my brother take his medicine and eat?"
• "How do I take better care of my family?"

When asked how AACY could help, students shared needs such as a wheelchair for Mom, an inhaler for Grandma, enough diapers at home, and a bike to pick up medicine.

Camp Treasure is about more than outdoor adventures. It's a chance to make friends, try something new, and spend time with other students who understand what it's like to care for someone at home. And just as important, it's a chance for AACY to listen, learn, and find ways to help.

At Camp Treasure, Edwin shared that he wished he had a bike so he could pick up medicine for his grandfather.

Thanks to Jack the Bike Man in West Palm Beach and the AACY team, his wish came true!

While Edwin was at school, Sue, AACY’s Business Manager, and her husband dropped off a new bike at his home, along with a helmet and lock.

Now Edwin has a way to help his grandfather AND more chances to get outside, take a little break, and have fun!

A big thank-you to Jack the Bike Man for making this possible!

Want to meet other kids and teens who understand what caregiving is like?

Join us on Thursday, November 12, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. ET on Zoom for Caregiving Youth Connection 2026.

It’s free to attend, and there is no pressure to speak or participate. You can join, listen, and take part as much or as little as you want.

Click here to sign up & participate!

Please register by October 30th



Have questions? Reach out to your Family Specialist.

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.

“Matthew is a 12th-grade student that has been part of the Caregiving Youth Project and continues to demonstrate what it means to lead with kindness, compassion, and dedication. At home, Matthew plays an important caregiving role by helping care for his mother, who faces multiple health concerns. While balancing the responsibilities that come with being a caregiver, Matthew continues to prioritize his education and remain actively involved in his church, where he also dedicates his time to serving others.

Despite the many responsibilities he carries, Matthew remains a bright, hardworking, and compassionate young man. He excels academically while managing the demands of school, caregiving, and his personal commitments. What makes Matthew especially deserving of recognition is not only his ability to balance so much at a young age, but also the kindness and selflessness he shows toward those around him. He has a genuine heart for helping others and consistently demonstrates a level of care and maturity that speaks volumes about his character.

As Matthew approaches graduation, his dedication, perseverance, and willingness to show up for others are qualities worth celebrating. He is a wonderful example of how caregiving youth can continue to pursue their goals while navigating responsibilities that many of their peers may never experience. Matthew’s compassion, strong work ethic, and commitment to both his family and community make him truly deserving of this recognition. His story is a reminder that behind every caregiving youth is a young person with incredible strengths, dreams, and potential.” - Vanesa Vergin, BA, Family Specialist, American Association of Caregiving Youth

So take a minute this month to think about your own story. What have you learned from helping your family? What are you proud of? What do you wish more people understood?

You count. This month is yours, too!

"Some of us don't even know there's a word for what we do."

That's what Neo shared when he appeared on The Tamron Hall Show in October!

Neo helps care for his father, who had a stroke. He has also become a voice for Caregiving Youth, helping people understand what it's like to care for someone in your family while growing up.

Neo first connected with AACY through the Well Beings "Share Your Story" campaign. He later represented AACY at the United Nations screening of the PBS documentary Caregiving. Being on national TV gave him another chance to show people across the country what it's like to be a Caregiving Youth.

Your story matters, too! Whether you share it with a friend, a teacher, or a bigger audience someday, it can help others understand your experiences.

Thank you, Neo, for speaking up for Caregiving Youth everywhere!

"For about three years, Park Vista High School has been a wonderful partner to AACY's Caregiving Youth Project!

A special thank-you goes to Mr. James McDonough, who works closely with our team to make sure Caregiving Youth have the support they need at school.

We're also grateful to Ms. Victor in the guidance office for her kindness and support, and to Ms. Theresa, who retired last school year after years of helping students and welcoming our team.

Having caring adults at school can make a big difference, especially for students who also help care for someone at home.

Thank you, Park Vista High School, for helping Caregiving Youth feel welcome, understood, and supported!"  - Vanesa Vergin, BA, Family Specialist, American Association of Caregiving Youth

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.