American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) Receives Proclamation Declaring December as National Caregiving Youth Appreciation Month in Palm Beach County

(L to R) Richane Etienne, Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, Founder & President, Commissioner Marci Woodward, Dilma Bennett

Palm Beach County– December 11, 2024- The season just got a little more hopeful for student caregivers with a countywide gesture that brings awareness to the unique challenges faced by this often overlooked demographic. On December 10, 2024, Marci Woodward, Palm Beach County District 4 Commissioner, awarded the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) a proclamation declaring December National Caregiving Youth Appreciation Month in Palm Beach County. The proclamation is a powerful local symbol of support and recognition for the youth and a celebration of the national impact AACY works toward daily.

Recognizing that the role of caregivers is vital throughout the year and that their contributions should be recognized and appreciated continuously, AACY petitioned that the holiday season is an especially appropriate period to honor and celebrate the selfless efforts of caregivers. In the United States, over 5.4 million children and teenagers aged 18 or younger provide significant assistance or care to a family member with chronic illness, disability, mental health condition, or age-related needs, which presents insurmountable challenges toward graduation, stress management, and additional responsibilities beyond typical youth expectations.

“The Proclamation is so important because it recognizes both the work of AACY on behalf of this unrecognized growing population of students who are also family caregivers. Palm Beach County and the School District are the first in our country to identify and support these children so they can have personal and academic success,” said Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, founder of AACY. The investment in them extends to the youth, their families, and society, and they deserve nothing less.”

The AACY is a Boca Raton headquartered nonprofit that understands, advocates and celebrates the lives of caregiving youth as they pursue their individual paths to life’s dreams and opportunities. As the only organization in the United States dedicated solely to addressing Caregiving Youth issues, their programming and services include scholarships, social work home visits with resources for school supplies, food, laptops, respite, tutoring, counseling, and social support opportunities like camp, holiday celebrations, picnics, and other activities.

To learn more about the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), visit www.aacy.org.

AACY is a national non-profit organization based in Boca Raton, FL which uniquely provides direct support and assistance to middle and high school students who provide care for chronically ill, injured, elderly and/or disabled family members. Its Caregiving Youth Institute provides C.A.R.E. — Connection, Advocacy, Research, and Education. Notably is its Caregiving Youth Research Collaborative, national partnerships, and affiliates. For more information go to www.aacy.org, email info@aacy.org or call 561–391–7401 or toll free 800–508–9618.