Press Alert [November 6, 2024]: American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) City of Doral, FL -The City of Doral has officially recognized Youth Caregiver Awareness Day with a proclamation, honoring the resilience and critical contributions of Caregiving Youth—young individuals under 18 who provide essential care for family members with chronic illness, disabilities, or age-related needs.
The American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), founded by CNN Hero Connie Siskowski, is the nation’s leading organization dedicated solely to supporting Caregiving Youth—individuals under 18 who play a significant role in caring for family members with chronic illness, disability, or age-related needs. Since its inception in 2006, AACY’s Caregiving Youth Project has provided direct support to over 2,500 students in South Florida, helping young caregivers balance their educational and caregiving responsibilities.
In 2019, Florida took a historic step by including Caregiving Youth in its Youth Risk Behavior Survey—revealing that over 290,000 young Floridians are providing family care. Today, we continue this mission, advocating for recognition and resources so Caregiving Youth are seen, supported, and celebrated.
Thank you to the City of Doral for standing with AACY and Caregiving Youth and for inspiring us all to recognize the powerful impact of these young caregivers!
A special thanks to Councilman Rafael Pineyro for initiating this proclamation and to Angelica M. Ballestas, his Chief of Staff and a former Caregiving Youth, for courageously sharing her story and the mission of AACY. Their commitment to this cause strengthens the momentum for meaningful change, and we look forward to potential new opportunities within Doral schools to further support young caregivers.
About American Association of Caregiving Youth:
American Association of Caregiving Youth® (AACY), a 501(c)(3) non-profit headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, champions the needs of over 5.4 million young American caregivers aged 18 or younger who provide essential care for chronically ill, injured, elderly, and/or disabled family members. As the leading national voice for Caregiving Youth, AACY raises awareness about this hidden population and is a trusted resource for families, policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals on the issues Caregiving Youth face, regardless of the care recipient’s diagnosis.
AACY offers a comprehensive approach combining direct support and national advocacy. Locally, they provide direct assistance to middle and high school students through the Caregiving Youth Project. Nationally, its Caregiving Youth Institute (CYI) spearheads C.A.R.E. initiatives focused on Connection, Advocacy, Research, and Education. AACY’s impact extends further through national partnerships and affiliates.