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 […]
A Warm Welcome to Three New JBAY Team Members
We can’t wait for you to meet our newest JBAY teammates, Chris, Christina, and Zach. This group boasts a wealth of experience and expertise, and has such true, deep dedication to service. We are honored to welcome, learn from, and collaborate with them to improve the lives of youth across California. Chris Jenne, Senior Project […]
HUD Honors Simone Tureck Lee, JBAY’s Director of Housing & Economic Mobility
At the May 29th Fostering Promise Youth Housing Summit in Santa Clara County, Will Spencer, Region IX Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), recognized Simone Tureck Lee, JBAY’s Director of Housing & Economic Mobility, for her leadership in preventing homelessness among California’s former foster youth. Every year in California, approximately […]
Meet the Newest Members of JBAY’s Housing & Economic Mobility Team
We are thrilled to introduce the three newest members of JBAY’s Housing & Economic Mobility team, a trio whose combined talent, dedication, and heart is truly off the charts. We could not be more grateful and inspired to work alongside these individuals to improve the lives and well-being of young people across our state every […]
California Students in Foster Care Receive $6.1 Million for College Savings
July 3, 2025, Sacramento, CA – Earlier this week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the 2025-26 state budget announcing the allocation of $6.1 million to fund the expansion of Assembly Bill (AB) 2508, originally signed into law in September 2024 and sponsored by John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY), which widens eligibility for a supplemental college […]
Congratulations to the Class of 2025
Last week, JBAY invited this year’s college graduates from around the state to gather in celebration at Cal State LA. It was a beautiful event, marking an incredibly significant moment in many lives. Today in California, 10% of foster youth graduate from college – a rate significantly higher than in any other state, one that […]
JBAY Out & About: A Recap of Two Recent Convenings
It’s been a busy spring for the JBAY team. Director of Education Jessica Petrass and Senior Project Associate Cody Van Felden attended and presented at the Foster Youth Education Summit in Orange County in early April, and several JBAY staff participated in Pathways to Promise: California’s Early Wealth Account System Summit in Sacramento later that month. […]
JBAY Youth Advocate Esme Nuno Mora Receives UC Berkeley Service Award
JBAY Youth Advocate Esme Nuno Mora was announced this month as the sole undergraduate recipient of this year’s UC Berkeley Chancellor’s Award for Civic Engagement in honor of her research and advocacy to support students who have experienced homelessness. This award recognizes four individuals or student groups addressing urgent community needs beyond the UC Berkeley […]
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. […]