Helping the Youth in Need
John Burton Advocates for Youth
John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) is a nonprofit organization based in California that works to improve the quality of life for youth who have been in foster care or are experiencing homelessness.
Founded by former U.S. Senator John Burton, JBAY focuses on advocacy, policy change, and direct support to ensure young people have access to education, housing, and stable employment.
Improving Quality of Life in Foster Care
The organization partners with government agencies and community groups to create lasting systemic change and promote equity for vulnerable youth.
Shaping the Future of our Youth
John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) was founded in 2004, and at that time, Samaneh Tahbazof was invited to join the Advisory Board, a role she graciously accepted. She later became a dedicated member of the Board of Directors, serving for over a decade. In 2022, after Samaneh stepped down, her daughter, Sufi Tahbazof Hariri, was invited to join the board—continuing the family’s long-standing and hands-on commitment to JBAY’s mission.
As former JBAY board members and lifelong champions for youth, the Tahbazof Family Foundation’s impact has been both profound and deeply personal. In 2025, the Tahbazof Family Foundation was awarded the Burton Champion Award, an award that honors individuals and organizations whose leadership reflects John Burton’s enduring commitment to public service and the belief that government should expand equity and opportunity for all Californians. Past honorees include Senator Mike McGuire, Senator Angelique Ashby, and the California Student Aid Commission.