School is back in session and at John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) we are kicking off the school year by making sure young people have the resources to start off right. This includes launching our annual Burton Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund, which provided direct, easily accessible financial assistance to over 1,600 young people last year.
Like all young people, youth who have been in foster care or homeless need basic school supplies: books, a laptop, pens and more. But they also have special needs, and often a limited network to provide financial support.
Breanna is a student at Chico State and for her, it was the rising costs of utilities. Thanks to JBAY, she caught up on her bill and can start the school year knowing that she is not at risk of having her utilities turned off.
The Burton Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund is a beacon of hope for young people who have experienced foster care or homelessness. Through collaboration with a network of 65 campuses and community-based organizations, this fund provides timely assistance. These organizations possess an intimate understanding of the needs of these youth and can swiftly allocate the funds within two days.
One exemplary partner is Los Angeles Community College, which serves a large population of students who have experienced foster care or homelessness. Brittany Delany, Director of Foundation and Government Relations, expresses gratitude for the program, stating, “We’re privileged to be part of this program. The funds play a pivotal role in addressing emergent needs for our students. Whether it’s an unforeseen car repair or an unexpected internet/mobile phone bill, students derive significant benefits from this support. It empowers them to remain enrolled and focused on their educational and career aspirations.”
Another beneficiary of this program is Faith, a student at Norco College in Riverside. The soaring costs of housing forced her to relocate farther from campus, resulting in a substantial rise in transportation expenses. Faith turned to the Burton Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund and received the assistance she needed.
JBAY Executive Director Amy Lemley thinks the program is a nice complement to the organization’s primary mission: advocacy. “Our primary objective is to reform public policies to better serve all youth who have experienced foster care or homelessness. The Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund stands as a crucial resource for these young individuals as we pursue our overarching goal.”
As school recommences, JBAY’s commitment to providing young people with holistic support remains unwavering. The Burton Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund symbolizes a lifeline for those who have faced adversity, ensuring that they have the stability and resources necessary to thrive academically and beyond.