John Burton Advocates for Youth

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JBAY improves the quality of life for youth in California who have been in foster care or homeless by advocating for better laws, training communities to strengthen local practices and conducting research to inform policy solutions. John Burton Advocates for Youth improves the quality of life for youth in California who have been in foster care or homeless by advocating for better laws, training communities to strengthen local practices and conducting research to inform policy solutions.

On Friday, September 19, Senator John L. Burton will lie in state at San Francisco City Hall. Members of the public are ...
09/16/2025

On Friday, September 19, Senator John L. Burton will lie in state at San Francisco City Hall. Members of the public are invited to pay their respects from 8:00am to 12:00pm in the Fourth Floor South Gallery. Attendees may enter through 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place (Polk Street Entrance).

A private celebration of life service will follow for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY), the organization that John founded in 2004 to carry forward his vision of equity, opportunity, and justice for youth in foster care and those experiencing homelessness.

JBAY is honored to continue Senator Burton's legacy with the same conviction and compassion he brought to every fight.

With a heavy heart, we mourn the passing of Senator John Burton, a once-in-a-generation leader who dedicated nearly six ...
09/07/2025

With a heavy heart, we mourn the passing of Senator John Burton, a once-in-a-generation leader who dedicated nearly six decades to fighting for justice, equity, and the rights of the underserved.

From the halls of Congress to the streets of California, his legacy lives on through and the lives of thousands of foster youth who now have hope, opportunity, and a future.

Read about his legacy here -https://jbay.org/remembering-john-burton/

Rest in power, Senator Burton. Your fight continues.

Whether you're heading back to school or taking some time off, $1,154 through the Foster Youth Tax Credit can make a hug...
08/18/2025

Whether you're heading back to school or taking some time off, $1,154 through the Foster Youth Tax Credit can make a huge difference. Here's how:

📖For students starting school: Use the credit to cover tuition fees, buy books, or get new school supplies and tech.

💡For those not in school: Use the funds to support living expenses, job search costs, or invest in building your career and future.

Life after foster care can be challenging, but the Foster Youth Tax Credit is here to help ease the financial burden and create opportunities for success.💰

If you're eligible, don’t miss out on this valuable resource! Spread the word to ensure every foster youth has the support they need.💪

Learn more and check eligibility at jbay.org/resources/FYTC.

Join us on Wednesday, August 20th for a webinar exploring the equity implications of AB 789 and SAP reform.We’ll dive in...
08/06/2025

Join us on Wednesday, August 20th for a webinar exploring the equity implications of AB 789 and SAP reform.
We’ll dive into findings from JBAY’s multiyear SAP policy analysis, student-level data from California Community Colleges, and hear from financial aid experts in CA.
🎓 Don’t miss this important conversation on equity in higher education!

🚨 Thousands of foster youth rely on the Chafee Education and Training Voucher (also known as the Chafee Grant) to pay fo...
07/29/2025

🚨 Thousands of foster youth rely on the Chafee Education and Training Voucher (also known as the Chafee Grant) to pay for college—but a new federal policy could take that support away from immigrant students.

A recent decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services could block many immigrant foster youth from accessing the Chafee Grant, which provides up to $5,000 a year for higher education and job training. These young people have aged out of foster care and are working hard toward their future—but now risk losing a lifeline simply because of their immigration status.

We’re calling on the federal government to protect access for all foster youth. Individuals and organizations can sign the letter by August 7 at 5 PM PT: form.jotform.com/252045688240053

🚨 Meet the newest members of JBAY’s Housing & Economic Mobility team!We’re thrilled to welcome three talented and passio...
07/10/2025

🚨 Meet the newest members of JBAY’s Housing & Economic Mobility team!

We’re thrilled to welcome three talented and passionate professionals to our team—each bringing deep experience and heart to the work of improving outcomes for youth across California. 💙

🔹 Imelda Islas-Olivo, Project Manager
Imelda brings a background in youth policy and data analysis, most recently serving in the LA Mayor’s Office where she opened the city’s largest interim housing site. She’s driven by her roots and her family’s experiences to create systems that serve the next generation.

🔹 Valerie Lynne Kane, Senior Project Manager
Valerie brings a strong background in housing policy, community engagement, and youth advocacy, with experience spanning local government and nonprofit sectors. A Harvard Kennedy School graduate, she’s committed to building a society that expands opportunity through practical and creative solutions.

🔹 Brandon Torres, Project Manager
Brandon has led housing and homelessness initiatives across Southern California, including overseeing Project Homekey programs and launching policy solutions with the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. He’s focused on expanding housing access for youth exiting systems.

We’re grateful to have their talent and heart on the team—and excited for the impact they’ll make! Learn more on our blog jbay.org/newest-membershousing-economic-mobility-team/

🎆Why wait for fireworks when you can unlock your own financial boost today? It’s not too late! File your taxes now and c...
07/03/2025

🎆Why wait for fireworks when you can unlock your own financial boost today? It’s not too late! File your taxes now and claim up to $1,154 through the Foster Youth Tax Credit! 🎆

Let’s light up this Independence Day by spreading the word and helping current and former foster youth claim their share of this incredible opportunity. Together, we can make this 4th of July even brighter for those who need it most!🎇

Spread the word, claim your credit, and enjoy a fireworks-worthy refund!

Learn more at jbay.org/resources/FYTC

🚨 Major Victory for Foster Youth! 🚨John Burton Advocates for Youth is excited to share that $6.1 million was included in...
07/02/2025

🚨 Major Victory for Foster Youth! 🚨

John Burton Advocates for Youth is excited to share that $6.1 million was included in the California Budget Act of 2025 to expand the college savings CalKIDS Program for students in foster care. Starting in the 2025–26 school year, all youth in foster care in grades 1–12 will receive a $500 seed deposit into a CalKIDS account—rather than just those in foster care in the first grade–in addition to $500 for being low-income.

This win is the result of bold leadership and tireless advocacy. JBAY is deeply grateful to Governor Newsom, State Treasurer Fiona MaMa, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, Assemblymembers Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and David Alvarez, Senators Scott Wiener and , for prioritizing equity and ensuring that foster youth are not left behind when it comes to saving for college.

This is more than a budget decision—it sends the message to youth in foster care that college is possible and California is investing in their future. JBAY will continue working to ensure every eligible youth knows about this meaningful benefit.

Learn more about funding and what it means for foster youth at jbay.org/2025-policy-victories/

Big win for foster youth!SB 624 – the FOSTER Act – just passed unanimously (7–0) in the Assembly Committee on Human Serv...
07/01/2025

Big win for foster youth!

SB 624 – the FOSTER Act – just passed unanimously (7–0) in the Assembly Committee on Human Services! 🎉

A huge thank you to Senator Anna Caballero for authoring this bill and championing the needs of youth in care. Her commitment to equity and empowerment is helping build a stronger, more supportive future.

We’re especially proud of the JBAY Youth Advocates who showed up powerfully to testify in support. Their lived experience and leadership continue to drive meaningful policy change for foster youth across California.

This isn’t just a policy win — it’s a promise that foster youth will be seen, heard, and supported. 🙌
Learn more about SB 624 and the FOSTER Act here: jbay.org/2025-advocacy/

07/01/2025

📢 Big win for foster youth!

SB 624—the FOSTER Act—passed unanimously (7-0) in the Assembly Committee on Human Services today! This bill takes an important step toward making sure foster youth across California have the financial literacy tools they need to succeed and thrive. 💸✨

Proud to stand with Marco from our team and the incredible advocates at John Burton Advocates for Youth who testified in support.

"They told me I wouldn’t graduate... but I did — with a scholarship." 🎓On June 2nd, we celebrated the Class of 2025, inc...
06/18/2025

"They told me I wouldn’t graduate... but I did — with a scholarship." 🎓

On June 2nd, we celebrated the Class of 2025, including two inspiring graduates:
✨ Traneisia Jones, a JBAY Youth Advocate and CSU Sacramento graduate, and
✨ Junely Merwin, a former foster youth who just earned her master’s degree from Cal State Fullerton.

Both shared powerful reflections on the barriers they’ve overcome and what earning a degree means for their future.

Their stories are proof that resilience and support can change the odds.

Congratulations, Traneisia, Junely, and every graduate blazing a path forward! 💙

🎓✨ JBAY proudly celebrated the accomplishments of LA’s foster youth college graduates — and the champions behind their s...
06/17/2025

🎓✨ JBAY proudly celebrated the accomplishments of LA’s foster youth college graduates — and the champions behind their success.

We were honored to present the Champion of College Success Award to two extraordinary leaders:

🌟 Brandon Nichols, on behalf of LA County DCFS
For his transformative leadership in making college readiness a priority in foster care. From mandating education-focused training for caregivers and social workers, to dramatically improving FAFSA completion rates, Brandon has helped build a system where foster youth are seen, supported, and set up to thrive in higher education.

🌟 Maria Granados, FKCE Regional Coordinator for LA County and Guardian Scholars Program Manager for LA Mission College
For over 25 years, Maria has trained, supported, and inspired thousands of caregivers and students. She helped develop Turning Dreams into Degrees—now a statewide required training—and leads the Guardian Scholars program. Her deep care, vision, and action have created real change for youth and families.

🎉 Congratulations to all of the incredible students graduating across Los Angeles—your determination, resilience, and achievement are worth celebrating! We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.

Address

235 Montgomery Street, Ste 1142
San Francisco, CA
94104

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14153480011

Website

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John Burton Advocates for Youth improves the quality of life for youth in California who have been in foster care or homeless by advocating for better laws, training communities to strengthen local practices and conducting research to inform policy solutions.