In 2024, Impact the Palm Beaches awarded $100,000 to the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), an organization dedicated to supporting a largely unseen group of children—those who care for sick or disabled family members. These caregiving youth often face the unique challenge of balancing schoolwork with demanding responsibilities at home, leaving them with little time for typical childhood experiences. Please see photos below.
AACY has used this funding to expand its Caregiving Youth Project to even more students in northern Palm Beach County, impacting lives in schools like Palm Beach Gardens High School, Palm Beach Lakes High School, and Wellington High School. They have also launched a new satellite office in West Palm Beach to better serve families in need.
The Caregiving Youth Project provides a range of services designed to help these young caregivers succeed academically and emotionally. AACY’s approach is a holistic one, offering everything from mentoring and family support to stress management and college readiness programs. The impact is clear: in 2024, AACY celebrated the graduation of all 60 seniors in their program, a remarkable achievement considering the challenging circumstances these students often face.
AACY's mission is to ensure that no child has to drop out of school or feel alone because of their caregiving responsibilities. With support from donors like Impact the Palm Beaches, the program continues to thrive, reaching more youth and expanding to 44 schools across the region. Looking ahead, AACY is excited about its upcoming Caregiving Youth Action Day, where participants will connect with their peers in other states via Zoom to share experiences and support one another.
One inspiring story comes from a young woman who, after migrating to the U.S., took on the role of caring for her ill mother while excelling in school. With AACY’s help, she found a support network that allowed her to thrive. Today, she’s pursuing a future in cybersecurity and cosmetology, determined to create multiple sources of income and empower herself and her family.
The photos below capture the spirit of the AACY program, including a recent Camp Treasure event for Caregiving Youth, which offers a much-needed break and support to students. AACY’s mentoring program also features stories like that of a young man who was mentored from 6th grade through graduation and is now giving back as a mentor and volunteer for AACY. Additionally, we’ve included images from a recent graduation event, showcasing the pride and success of these hardworking students. You’ll also see photos of Family Specialist Mary Craumer, MSW, with a Caregiving Youth she serves, as well as a touching moment of two girls at camp—reminding us of the power of community and support.
As AACY continues to expand its reach, they remain committed to long-term sustainability. Through grants, donations, and advocacy for legislative change, AACY is ensuring the future of their programs for years to come.
Thanks to the funding from Impact the Palm Beaches, AACY is making a profound difference in the lives of caregiving youth. These young heroes are no longer hidden in the shadows of their caregiving roles but are stepping into the light, equipped with the support and skills to pursue bright futures.
A young man who was mentored from 6th grade through graduation and is now giving back as a mentor and volunteer for AACY.
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