| Caregiving Youth Project Newsletter
The AACY Caregiving Youth Project (CYP) helps identify, recognize, educate, and support students who care for chronically ill, injured, elderly, or disabled family members. This allows Caregiving Youth to achieve success, have fun, and make new friends while promoting academic and personal growth.
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| Last Treasure Talk of 2022:
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As you prepare for 2023, take some time to review 2022 and what you have learned and accomplished! Please put a value on your caregiving contributions to your family and know the important role you play in their lives and they in yours.
Please also know how much we at AACY appreciate you and look forward to an awesome New Year with you!!
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| Welcome, Destiny Marshall - Behavioral Health Manager/Family Specialist:
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Hi, I'm Destiny Marshall.
The new Behavioral Health Manager/Family Specialist for the American Association of Caregiving Youth. I have my BA in psychology minor in Africana Studies from Rutgers University. Also, I am a former basketball collegiate student-athlete at the University.
I am honored to be a part of this organization, working for the founder Connie Siskowski and a great group of staff members who have pathed the way and continue to advocate for thousands of young caregivers.
I am excited to lend a helping hand while also providing services for the youth who are in need.
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| Welcome, Kristen Cruz - Director, Development & Events:
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Kristen has lived in Palm Beach County since 2003 and quickly became immersed in the community during her ten years as a Communications Director at the American Heart Association, where she played a vital role in not only media relations and social media but also all high-level corporate and patron sponsorships.
She was particularly instrumental in helping to identify the needs of the prospective sponsors, in working with her team to cultivate and secure the sponsor, and in providing a tangible return to meet the objectives of the sponsoring business or patron.
Following her years at the American Heart Association, Kristen was voted into multiple volunteer leadership positions associated with Florida PTA.
She is currently the PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) President at Eagles Landing Middle School in Boca Raton. Prior to that, she served as the Vice President of Membership at the school and in the same position at Whispering Pines Elementary School, also in Boca Raton. Additionally, Kristen serves on the Student Advisory Council at Eagles Landing Middle School, a role in which she serves as an advisor and as a voting member on significant schoolwide decisions.
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| Special thanks to Logger's Run Middle School:
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A special shout out to Logger's Run Middle School for playing an immense role in a news story recognizing Ali Enlow, a Caregiving Youth.
BOCA RATON, Fla. - Ali Enlow is a seventh grader at Loggers' Run Middle School near Boca Raton.
The 12-year-old likes helping people. She also helps take care of her little sister. "My sister Eva, she's seven years old, and sometimes she needs help around the house," Enlow said. "I help my parents with whatever they need, so that means sometimes I'll brush teeth, change diapers, help with potty training."
The non-profit organization called the American Association of Caregiving Youth is there for Enlow.
The American Association of Caregiving Youth would like to express our most sincere gratitude for Logger's Run's support in allowing Ali to be interviewed at the school!
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| Activities Recap & Preview:
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Warm Holiday Wishes & Happy New Year, Everyone!
December has been a month filled with love, donations, and excitement as we pulled off our big Holiday Party and made this holiday season maybe the best ever for our kids!
The greatest part about AACY at this time of year is truly seeing the mission at work - making for a very special holiday for our caregiving youth and their families. From the holiday party to bikes being delivered to kids to the ladies from Broward County who just stopped by with their gifts for the family they adopted - These have all been very touching moments!
What dedication and passion from our team and community.
Please enjoy some pictures of the magical, seasonal happenings at AACY!
Thanks for catching up on our activities. See you next month! ❤
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| AACY Annual Holiday Party Pictures:
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Special shout-out to Mike! Thank you for the photos:
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It’s no secret – caregiving can be a tough job. On the days when you’re beyond stressed, you might feel completely alone. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In the United States, over 5.4 million caregivers aged 18 and under are currently helping their loved ones. There is an army of people who want nothing but the best for you.
Thank you for all that you do for your family. Remember: you are never alone.
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“To love a person is to see all of their magic and to remind them of it when they have forgotten.” - Anonymous.
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| American Association of Caregiving Youth Story: Meet Emmanuel Mena
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We are so grateful to Emmanuel for allowing us to share his caregiving journey.
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Did you know that Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice?
You don't pay more to participate! Please consider signing up for the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), as you do your shopping, and thank you for your support!
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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.
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A reminder: please submit your Community Service Hours for the work you do at home!
If you have any questions, need more information or help to complete the form, please contact your Family Specialist.
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Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
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Need help identifying a pill? Poison possibility?
Mixed up meds? Found a loose pill? Worried that a refill looks different? Suspect an overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222
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Are there any VETERANS in your Family? Resources Available:
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PBC has services that might be of assistance to your Family. Learn more here
Another resource is VeteranAid.org.
This organization offers details information on a Veteran's pension benefit called Aid and Attendance (A&A)
If a Veteran requires assisted living care in a community or at home, A&A gives the information they need to apply for this benefit for free. Senior Veterans and spouses use this benefit to help them afford quality home care. Learn more here
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Many Thanks to Our Partners:
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