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Dear Stakeholders,
Thanks to you and our team, this past quarter has been marked by significant progress and positive momentum!
Locally, our Caregiving Youth Project achieved a 100% high school graduation rate for our 60 seniors, bringing our 10-year average to an impressive 98.3%. At the same time, we saw a 20% increase in the number of Caregiving Youth and their families whom we serve.
You may have witnessed the increased visibility of the issues of Caregiving Youth through national media coverage, including the TODAY Show with Maria Shriver, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and digital FOX News Network. There are links to each below... some are worth seeing or reading twice!
It is you who have made the support of Caregiving Youth possible, along with our dedicated team and volunteers. We still have a winding journey ahead, including the inclusion of Caregiving Youth in state and federal policy.... your continued and increased support as the number of those we serve directly continues to grow!
Thank you for your investment in those we serve and AACY.
Sincerely,
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Caregiving Youth Shine on NBC’s TODAY Show with Maria Shriver: A National Spotlight Ignites Hope for Change | "Millions of young caregivers across the U.S. juggle the demands of school, extracurricular activities, and a critical but often unseen role: supporting loved ones who have health challenges. These remarkable young people received a national platform today on the TODAY Show with Maria Shriver, marking a crucial step towards greater recognition and support for Caregiving Youth." | | | |
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Role reversal: millions of kids care for adults but many are alone. How to find help. | “Caregiving youth are not on people’s radar,” even though there are growing numbers of them, said Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, founder of the nonprofit American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), which advocates for and supports young caregivers. | | | |
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Families struggling to afford home care leading to more youth caregivers: advocate | Fox News Video-Fox News | "Families struggling to afford home care leading to more youth caregivers: advocate Connie Siskowski, president of the American Association of Caregiving Youth, said the economy and an aging population needing more complex care has led to more youth caregivers." | | | |
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Millions of American Kids Are Caregivers Now: ‘The Hardest Part Is That I’m Only 17’ | |
"An estimated 5.4 million children help care for relatives, as families can’t afford or find other in-home care."
By Clare Ansberry | Photographs by Eva Marie Uzcategui for The Wall Street Journal
| (Subscription Required - please email info@aacy.org to request access) | | | |
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Hundreds of children in Palm Beach County are youth caregivers | "A HIDDEN POPULATION: Who takes care of the kids who have to take care of sick family members? The American Association of Caregiving Youth, based in Boca Raton, is fighting to secure the same benefits and compensation for Youth Caregivers that adults who take on the same responsibilities receive." | | | |
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Collins’ Bipartisan Bill to Support the Health and Wellbeing of Family Caregivers Clears Committee (Includes Caregiving Youth) | "Today, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted 19 to 2 to advance the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2024, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Susan Collins and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) that would reauthorize the Lifespan Respite Care program through Fiscal Year 2029. The bill now awaits consideration by the full Senate." | | | |
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Caregiving Youth Advocacy & Education Event | Charlottesville, VA | "American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) Charlottesville, VA – Monticello High School in Charlottesville, VA, recently hosted an event addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by Caregiving Youth. This event featured distinguished speakers: Dr. Richard Lindsay, a member of the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) National Advisory Council; Dr. Rhonda Zingraff, former Associate Dean at James Madison University; and Andrew (A.J.) Poole..." | | | |
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American Association of Caregiving Youth Attends Congressional Briefing on Caregivers and Mental Health | "The American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) commends the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers and The Carter Center for hosting a recent Congressional Briefing on Caregivers and Mental Health. AACY thanks Diana Felner, Senior Director, Caregiver & Mental Health Policy, for inviting AACY representative A.J. Poole to attend the event." | | | |
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Palm Beach State College was the site of our High School Graduation Party, complete with dinner, awards, music, and special trivia prizes presented by Jeff Firestone. Jesenia, Miss Wellington, and the sister of Diane, a CYP alum, shared her inspirational story of overcoming life's challenges.
Congratulations to all as they climb the stairs to academic and personal success!
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AACY Student Receives Recognition from Palm Beach County School District | |
Aliesha T., a participant in AACY’s Caregiving Youth Project, was recently honored with a letter of recognition from The School District of Palm Beach County Superintendent Michae J. Burke. The letter commended Aliesha for her exceptional strength and dedication as a student and caregiver. It is only through our partnership with The School District, and their first in the US recognition of the value of supporting Caregiving Youth, that AACY has been able to serve more than 2500 students and their families since its inception. The average time in the program is 5.46 years! | |
Caregiving Youth Action Day USA 2024: A Day of Connection and Support for Young Caregivers | |
AACY hosted a virtual Caregiving Youth Action Day on July 17th, connecting middle and high school caregivers nationwide. The event provided a platform for Caregiving Youth to share experiences, have some fun, learn about available resources, and build a supportive community. Special thanks to all who participated. Stay tuned for next time! | |
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AACY will host our crowd-favorite, much-anticipated Family Feud-style Game Night on Wednesday, August 28, at Biergarten, 309 Via De Palmas, Boca Raton, in Royal Palm Place.
Doors Open at 6:30 p.m.
Purchase Tickets & Sponsorships Here
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You Can Make a Difference! | |
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AACY Mission & Vision
Vision: We envision a nation in which there is understanding, appreciation, and celebration of the lives of Caregiving Youth on their individual path to life’s dreams and opportunities.
Mission: We champion youth who provide care for chronically ill, injured, elderly, and/or disabled family members. We support their role as caregiver and guide their success in school and life.
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| Here Are a Few Ways You Can Support AACY! | |
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Commit to a Monthly Donation
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Attend a Fundraising Event (Locally)
- Become a Business/Corporate Sponsor
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Donate to honor a loved one and put their name on the American Association of Caregiving Youth Wall of Recognition - great present!
- Speaking Engagements – connect the AACY team to local or national events where we can educate audiences on Caregiving Youth.
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Volunteer to support our students and programs
- Follow us on social media – like, share, and comment on AACY's LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram posts.
- Shop AACY Gear
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Many Thanks to Our Partners: | |
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The American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) is a Florida 501 (c) (3) corporation.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (#CH12431) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR AT WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
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