More than 1.3 million children in the USA take care of sick or disabled relatives, by shopping, feeding, dressing, medicating and even changing their adult diapers. These youthful caregivers perform tasks that go beyond chores and require a level of responsibility more appropriate for an adult. The Caregiving Youth Project (CYP) is the first regional program in the U.S. that raises public awareness, provides education, conducts research and gives direct support services to caregiving youth and their families. Hands On Tzedakah is a founding sponsor of the CYP’s organization, the American Association of Caregiving Youth.
HOT recently purchased computers, printers and supplies for 18 children (the last 12 purchased when other CYP donors responded to a HOT challenge to pay for 2 years of internet connectivity) to help them with their schoolwork and accessing resources for care. CYP will enroll at least 100 new 6th grade student-caregivers this school year and has an ongoing waiting list for a computer, printer and supplies at $650 per student caregiver. Also the CYP provides Internet access at the cost of $20/month/student.
The CYP students have other needs. For example, in-home tutoring is $60 per hour, in blocks of five sessions or $300 per student.
These kids are in caregiving situations through no fault of their own. We can’t give their loved ones back their health, or give the kids they childhood they have lost, but we can try and at least give them a chance for a future!