Last week I was at a Woman Volunteer of the Year event with Christiana Lilly (editor of this magazine), who had recently assigned to me an article for the holidays that highlighted how people could give presents this year that directly benefit area charities. I had already submitted that article, and I guess it was pretty fresh on my mind when we ran into Connie Siskowski (a 2021 “Hometown Hero” of Boca magazine) at the party. I asked her how she was, and she told me right away that things were not all that great right now with the nonprofit she launched, the American Association of Caregiving Youth. Seems funding is down by more than $200,000 this year, a plight shared by legions of nonprofits in our area and nationwide, due to a number of factors, including state and federal budget cuts.
Connie’s always been upbeat, always a champion of the people she helps (about 700 middle and high school students in Palm Beach County.) The organization, formed in 2006, supports kids who actively care for family members with a physical or mental illness in addition to attending school or working part time—a role that is as demanding as it is sometimes invisible to others in the community. Connie’s organization provides individual caregiving coaching/counseling support, skills-building groups, “Lunch and Learn” sessions, mentorship, tutoring, home visits/care management, linkage to community resources, dropout prevention, respite services, and fun activities.
In short, the AACY makes these kids’ lives livable and full of promise. Siskowski herself has been recognized for this groundbreaking work, having been named a Top CNN Hero in 2012, receiving national recognition. Which is why when you hear an organization this powerful is starting to see resources dip as need rises, you just have to speak up. The holidays are coming and the season is upon us and there are organizations like the AACY that deserve our consideration. If you would like to donate or learn more, please visit aacy.org.
The AACY is hosting its annual Community Caregiver Awards Brunch on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Broken Sound Club. To purchase tickets or donate sponsorships, click here.
