The Sky’s the Limit: JBAY Helps Foster Youth Utilize Housing Vouchers
Unlimited! That is rarely a term that is used when describing housing in California. But unlimited is the correct term when it comes to federal housing vouchers, known as Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) vouchers, which provide affordable housing to former foster youth for up to three years. These vouchers are available “on demand” for […]
Back in Business: Introducing JBAY’s 2023 Policy Proposals
After almost three years of remote work, JBAY is back in-person at the State Capitol in Sacramento and ready to make the case to legislators about the importance of helping youth who have been in foster care or homeless. JBAY Youth Advocate Cody Van Felden recently testified to the Senate Budget Committee and then conducted […]
A Recipe for Success: JBAY Helps Youth Gather The Right Ingredients
Christopher Holt has big dreams for his future. He knows what it takes to build a recipe for success; he is just missing some important ingredients. Like many transition-age youth who have been in foster care, Christopher is navigating school and trying to find housing on his own, without the support of an extended family. […]
Tax Credits Galore! JBAY Helps Foster Youth Put Money Back in Their Pockets
It’s official: the first foster youth in California has filed their taxes and received the Foster Youth Tax Credit! The 21-year-old from Nevada County will receive a refund of $1,409, providing a cushion that can keep them securely housed and adequately fed. In 2022, JBAY successfully advocated for the creation of the Foster Youth Tax […]
Well Intentioned, but Misguided: JBAY Reforms Outdated Academic Standards
Andrea Dargo was putting her life back together. After abruptly leaving college and moving out of California due to domestic violence 10 years earlier, she enrolled in Cerritos College in Los Angeles County. Andrea knew that a college degree was essential to achieve long-term economic security for herself and her young children. Unfortunately, Andrea’s path […]
Weathering the Storm: JBAY Provides Relief in Critical Times
California’s historic winter storm wreaked havoc across the state, including the family student housing of Elizabeth Clews, former foster youth and youth advocate at John Burton Advocates for Youth. After a day of torrential rain, Elizabeth’s lights went off, leaving her in darkness together with her two small children. Hours passed and she waited… still […]
No Place Like Home: JBAY’s Advocacy Leads to 21% Reduction in Youth Homelessness
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released its latest figures on the number of unaccompanied homeless youth in California and the news is good. Between 2020 and 2022, California experienced a 21% reduction in the number of unaccompanied homeless youth. This is in contrast to homelessness overall in California, which increased by 6%. […]
Beyond the Band-Aid: JBAY Sets its Sights on Ending Youth Homelessness
Patrick Gem Gabbett first experienced homelessness while living with his family. “I was homeless on-and-off in 9th grade, depending on whether my grandparents kicked us out or not. We’d stay in shelters or with family friends until they took us back.” Their experience of homelessness didn’t end when they entered foster care. Instead, they graduated […]
Fostering Futures: JBAY Invests in College Degrees for All Foster Youth
As a teenager in foster care, Rose Johnasen dreamed of going to college and using her love of nature to make the world a better place. “I began working and living on my own when I was 15. Even though I was still a kid, I had to worry about my finances and living situation. […]