JBAY Launches Campaign to Fund Second Year of Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund

JBAY is closing in on its first year of the Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund and one thing is clear: it has helped a lot of young people! Over 1,600 to be exact. 

This Spring, JBAY is launching a fundraising campaign to continue the program for the 2023-24 year. Our goal is to raise $400,000, which will be provided directly to youth in California who have been in foster care or experienced homelessness. 

A full 100% of the funds go to young people; all administrative fees are underwritten by the JBAY Board of Directors. 

JBAY created the Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund because we know youth who have been in foster care or homelessness often don’t have many people to ask for financial assistance when a need emerges. 

That was the case for Eliza Aguilar, a student at Diablo Valley College who needed just $147 for gas to transport herself to and from the doctor after a brain surgery, which successfully removed a tumor from her pituitary gland.

It was also the case for Imani Gordon, a student at Contra Costa College who received $200 from the Burton Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund to help him obtain school supplies as a game design major. 

Eliza and Imani are two of over 1,600 young people who were assisted by the Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund.  Each of these young people have a unique story and each of them have a dream. JBAY is proud to be working closely with our 76 community partners to play a part in helping young people achieve these dreams. 

Every week, we hear from these community partners about the difference these small, easily accessible levels of financial support make to young people. 

According to Brittany Delany from the Los Angeles Community College, “We’re grateful to be part of this program. These funds are critical in helping meet an emergency need for a student. Whether it’s a sudden car repair or an internet or mobile phone bill, students benefit in accessing this support. It helps students stay enrolled and focused on their education or career path.” 

Throughout May, JBAY will be working to raise money for this important program. Stay tuned as we share stories through a range of strategies to get the word out about this important program. 

To learn more about how the Critical Needs and Opportunity Fund is helping young people, read the profiles of seven amazing young people. Please consider donating today.