On December 12th, John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) will celebrate its 20th anniversary alongside Senator John Burton’s 92nd birthday at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. As part of this special occasion, JBAY will honor three exceptional champions who have demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of foster and homeless youth in California.
The Burton Champion Award, inaugurated in 2022, highlights individuals and organizations that embody Senator Burton’s enduring commitment to public service and his belief that the role of government is to ensure equal opportunities for all Californians.
This year, Senator Elena Durazo has been selected to receive the award for her pivotal leadership in preserving the $13.7 million Housing Navigation and Maintenance Program within the 2024-2025 state budget. Despite California’s budget deficit and the program being slated for elimination, Senator Durazo fought alongside JBAY to ensure that foster youth, including those aging out of care, continue to have access to crucial housing support. Her advocacy has been vital in preventing homelessness among foster youth transitioning to independent adulthood.
Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva will also be recognized for her impactful leadership in advancing Assembly Bill 2137, in partnership with JBAY and the National Center for Youth Law. This bill is a major step forward in improving outcomes for foster youth by eliminating barriers and ensuring that state funding and resources are more effectively utilized to support students in the foster care system. In addition, her efforts to preserve the Housing Navigation and Maintenance Program were also key in safeguarding housing opportunities for these young people.
Lastly, the Walter S. Johnson Foundation will be honored as a true champion for foster and homeless youth. As one of the first philanthropic organizations to recognize the importance of supporting foster youth in accessing and succeeding in higher education, the Foundation has been a trailblazer in this space for over a decade. Its work has connected communities, inspired innovation, and strengthened efforts to improve the lives of youth in foster care.
As we celebrate these accomplishments and reflect on JBAY’s history, we are inspired by the ongoing efforts of our partners and champions. Together, we look forward to shaping a future where California’s homeless and foster youth have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.