The American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) began as a nonprofit corporation in 1998 to provide education and support for youth who are 18 years of age or younger and provide significant or substantial assistance to relatives or household members needing hep because of physical or mental illness, disability, frailty associated with aging, substance misuse, or other health related conditions. Caregiving youth are often referred to being in the shadows and not recognized by teachers, counselors and physicians for all they are doing at home. AACY's Mission is to champion youth who care for chronically ill, injured, elderly, or disabled family members, support their role as caregivers, safeguard and celebrate their success in school and life.