Debbie Raucher to Depart JBAY, Leaving a Legacy of Impact
Interim Executive Director and long-time Director of Programs Debbie Raucher has announced that she will be leaving John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) effective Tuesday, February 11th. Former Executive Director Amy Lemley recalls meeting Debbie almost 16 years ago. “Debbie’s intelligence and work ethic were apparent within the first days of working together,” said Lemley. […]
From Barriers to Bridges: New FAFSA off to a Promising Start
For CJ Cook, attending college was never part of the plan. Entering the foster care system at age nine and coming from a family with no history of higher education, he didn’t see college as a possibility. His junior year of high school was disrupted by the challenges of the Covid pandemic, and two weeks […]
The Pathway from Trauma to Resilience Highlighted at JBAY Gala
Last night, JBAY held its annual gala, a memorable event that celebrated John Burton’s 92nd birthday and JBAY’s twenty-year anniversary. Amid the networking, mingling, and inspiring speeches honoring our Burton Champions, the keynote speech from JBAY Youth Advocate Wednesday Pope stood out as a highlight of the evening. Her words served as a poignant reminder of […]
Swinging for Fences Results in Homerun for Foster Youth College Affordability
Senator Angelique Ashby shared on a recent webinar hosted by JBAY that she “wanted to swing for the fences and do something big for foster youth” when she arrived in the legislature two years ago, an apt analogy in light of the LA Dodgers’ recent World Series victory. A new report from the Urban Institute […]
JBAY Conference Inspires and Motivates Both Students and Allies
“I’ve never been in a space where I felt more loved and seen.” These heartfelt words came from a student participant at JBAY’s 2024 Blueprint for Success conference, held this week in Los Angeles. The event brought together nearly 800 attendees to network, learn, and celebrate—all with the shared mission of supporting youth with experience in foster care […]
JBAY Report Highlights Needed Changes to College Cost of Attendance Policies
Managing finances while attending college can be tough, but for Krystle it was even more complicated. Her unexpected challenge? Turning down financial aid because of something called the Cost of Attendance (COA). The COA determines the maximum financial aid a student can receive, but when colleges underestimate true expenses, students often don’t get the support they […]
Three Champions to Be Honored as JBAY Marks 20 Years of Impact
On December 12th, John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) will celebrate its 20th anniversary alongside Senator John Burton’s 92nd birthday at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. As part of this special occasion, JBAY will honor three exceptional champions who have demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of foster and homeless youth in […]
Governor Signs Two JBAY Bills, Opening Doors to Higher Education for Foster Youth
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the second of two bills, sponsored by John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY). The first is Assembly Bill 2137, authored by Assemblymember Quirk-Silva and co-sponsored by JBAY and the National Center for Youth Law. This policy change will increase school success among foster youth by authorizing county offices of education […]
John Burton Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award
On September 19th, John Burton was honored by the Booker T. Washington Community Service Center with a lifetime achievement award at their annual gala at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. According to Executive Director Shakirah Simley, “Senator John Burton received the Booker T. Washington Lifetime Service Award in recognition of his significant contributions through […]