A Sweet Way to Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Nov. 3, 2014 - PRLog -- ) To raise awareness about caregiving youth and to honor family caregivers of all ages during National Family Caregivers Month, the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) is pleased to recognize Lori Dahan, Director of Visiting Angels, for providing smiley face cookies.  Pictured with Ms. Dahan is Abbi Bentz, RN, BS, CRRN who originated the concept of "Cookies for Caregivers" more than a decade ago for the Shared Care respite program.  At that time preschool students at Temple Beth El made cookies for family members of Shared Care, a weekly free respite service.  Abbi’s tradition continues as these cookies also bring smiles to many.

According to Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, President of AACY, “During this special month, it is important to remember that millions of youth also fulfill the caregiving role. In doing so, many sacrifice their education, health, well-being and childhood to provide care for family members who are ill, injured, elderly or disabled.”

AACY, through its local Caregiving Youth Project, has worked with more than 700 middle and high school students since its inception in 2006. Its services begin with youth in 6^th grade and continue through high school.  Partnership with The School District of Palm Beach County is strong as together caregiving youth become educated, healthy high school graduates with the majority going on to post secondary institutions.

AACY is experiencing escalating requests for assistance directly from caregiving youth as well as other organizations. The cookies provide a medium to say thank you, especially to school staff, upon whom the AACY team relies. Lori Dahan and her Visiting Angels have made this possible.

About Visiting Angels

Visiting Angels is a nurse registry that has served Palm Beach and Broward Counties for 15 years.  It provides clients the opportunity to choose from the most rigorously credentialed, verified and screened caregivers in the area.  These caregivers provide clients with assistance with activities of daily living while improving their quality of life. For more information, visit www.visitingangels.com or call 561.865.9040.

About the American Association of Caregiving Youth

The American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) is a Florida based 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation that began serving the greater Boca Raton community in 1998. AACY is the only organization of its kind in the United States addressing the issues surrounding a silent, vulnerable and hidden population of children. AACY’s successful Caregiving Youth Project model is now being replicated elsewhere. Systems of healthcare, education, and community organizations collaboratively and effectively provide a strong foundation of support for these vulnerable youth and their families. For more information, visit www.aacy.org or call 561-391-7401.