Burton Book Fund Helps 879 Foster Youth Across the State
The 2020-21 academic year is now over and the Burton Book Fund had another successful year, helping 879 current and former foster youth attending 91 campuses purchase their textbooks. Luis Alcaraz is one of those former foster youth. He is a second year computer science major at Irvine Valley College, whose goal is to work […]
JBAY Helping California Get its Fair Share to End Youth Homelessness
California has the largest number of unaccompanied homeless youth in the nation, with 12,712 homeless youth on any given night. This is more than any other state in the nation and represents more than 1 in 3 of the total number of unaccompanied homeless youth nationwide. Unfortunately, California has not received its “fair share” of […]
Introducing JBAY’s New Website and Branding
You are reading this blog on the new and improved website for John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY). After listening to clients and supporters, JBAY has completely redesigned its website to improve the appearance and functionality, while also revamping its brand with fresh colors and a new logo, which are designed to work with JBAY’s […]
JBAY Report Shows Foster Youth Deeply Impacted by the Pandemic
When the coronavirus outbreak first occurred, few could have imagined the impact it would have or how long it would last. Over a year has passed and while California is officially “re-opening” in less than a month, the effects of the pandemic will be felt long after the public health emergency is over, particularly for […]
JBAY Pilot Program Yields Big Results for Youth
Tax season is over, and the results are in: 45 foster youth received $135,532 in tax refunds, thanks to an innovative partnership between John Burton Advocates for Youth, Santa Clara Social Services Agency and Bill Wilson Center. The partnership was launched in response to a change in California state law that allows young adults, age […]
JBAY Announces Winners of Round One of the FAFSA Challenge
The winners are in! Round one of the Fourth Annual California Foster Youth FAFSA Challenge has come to a close following the March 2 priority deadline for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) is announcing the four county offices of education that achieved the highest rates of […]
Prenatal Care for Foster Youth Moves A Step Closer
“I went to 13 high schools and never received the health classes and information I needed to make informed choices around birth control,” says Elizabeth Clews, a JBAY Youth Advocate. “I became pregnant when I was in extended foster care. If my case manager or high schools had made sure I received sexual health education […]
JBAY Helps High School Seniors Overcome a Year of Closed Schools
“Over the past year, students have been disconnected, demoralized, and deprived of a full education” says Amy Lemley, JBAY executive director. “High school seniors may be the worst affected. They not only lost out on their final year of school but also missed the traditional transition points to post-secondary education. This is especially hard for […]
JBAY Helps Build a Bridge to Stable Housing
“I was starting college at Sacramento State and needed help identifying a safe, reasonable housing placement option that wasn’t going to fall apart. Housing navigation could have helped me with this. While I waited for transitional housing to become available for two months, I was homeless. I failed my summer courses, and my mental health […]