The Senate Adjourns—But Our Work Continues
On Thursday, March 19th, the California State Senate adjourned in memory of our namesake, Senator John Burton. For all of us at John Burton Advocates for Youth, this moment is deeply personal. He was remembered alongside friends, family, and former colleagues who, together, shaped an era of leadership and didn’t just pass policy but transformed what the government can do for who it serves. His belief in young […]
Another Lobby Day in the Books!
Last month, our staff and youth advocates gathered in Sacramento to meet with legislators at the state capitol. It’s an annual practice, what we call Lobby Day. And while JBAY maintains a singular focus on advocating for foster youth and young people who have experienced homelessness, we’re joined by hundreds of other Californians, fighting for […]
Introducing Our 2026 Youth Advocates!
We are excited to announce eight incredible young people have joined our efforts as Youth Advocates this year. This group ranges in age from 18 to 27 and includes youth based in both Northern and Southern California. All are pursuing higher education, and each bring their own unique experiences and skills to our mission of […]
John Burton to Be Inducted into the California Hall of Fame
Later this month, our own Senator John Burton will be inducted into the California Hall of Fame at the California Museum in Sacramento. This honor recognizes John’s lifelong public service and leadership, which have expanded opportunities for young people who have experienced foster care and homelessness. Since its inception in 2006, the California Hall of Fame has recognized extraordinary Californians who represent our spirit of innovation and whose influence is felt nationally and internationally. Each […]
Investing to Address Youth Homelessness Pays Off. We Must Keep It Up.
Last fall, we published a report on how years of investment in addressing youth homelessness have led to declining rates of homelessness among young people in California, and yet imminent threats to both state and federal funding sources mean this progress may be short-lived. Youth are different from the overall population in many ways: they […]
Innovative Tax Credit Yields $17M+ for Foster Youth in Three Years
Back in 2021, JBAY proposed a new poverty-reduction measure for foster youth: the nation’s first-ever Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC). Thanks to the visionary support of Governor Gavin Newsom, former State Controller Betty Yee, and Senator Anna Caballero, the measure passed and received its first year of funding in the 2022 California state budget. Now, […]
Intro To Sarah Pauter, Our New Executive Director
Sarah’s story begins long before she arrived at JBAY. “I’ll never forget the month I turned 18, emancipated from foster care, and graduated from high school,” she says. “I got my diploma and walked across the stage to shake hands with the Board of Supervisors. They gave me a $500 check and basically said, ‘Good […]
Three Questions for Our Three Newest Board Members
We are overjoyed to introduce the three newest members of our JBAY board of directors. Meet Carmela Clendening, Director of State & Local Government Affairs & Public Policy at BlackRock, leading the firm’s efforts in the Western U.S.; Thor Kaslofsky, Executive Director of the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure, overseeing the development and economic […]
Remembering the One and Only John Burton
With a heavy heart, we share the news of our beloved Senator John Burton’s passing on September 7, 2025. Much has and will be said of Senator Burton’s remarkable service and unparalleled leadership over the course of his nearly six decades in office. As Deputy Attorney and State Assemblyman, as a four-term member of the […]