About Jay's Fund

Jay's Fund was established in honor of Jeremy "Jay" Jackson II, a young man who spent much of his childhood in the foster care system and was one of the longest-served children in Advocates for Children's history (12 years). Jay tragically lost his life in a car accident on June 2, 2026, at just 19 years old.  

Jay experienced three failed adoptions and aged out of the foster care system without the permanent family every child deserves. His story reflects the reality many older youth face as they navigate adolescence and adulthood without the support systems that most young people rely upon.  Despite the obstacles he faced, he remained creative, kind, fiercely competitive, and determined to keep moving forward. He loved basketball, art, music, video games, and collecting athletic shoes.  

What makes this fund especially meaningful is that it was created while Jay was still alive. He knew about the fund, supported the idea behind it, and was excited that his experiences could help other youth facing similar challenges. He wanted his journey to have purpose and hoped future young people would receive opportunities and support that were often difficult for him to find. He had no idea that the fund would one day become part of his legacy.

Jay's Fund provides direct support to older youth, ages 16 and up, who are involved in the child welfare system.

While many people think of young children when they think about foster care, older youth often face some of the greatest challenges. Many have experienced years of abuse, neglect, loss, placement disruptions, and trauma. Some have spent much of their childhood moving between homes, schools, residential facilities, and treatment programs. By the time they reach their teenage years, many have learned not to trust adults, even though what they want most is to be heard, valued, and supported.

Older youth are also the least likely to find permanent families. They are often expected to begin preparing for adulthood while still carrying the weight of experiences no child should have to endure. Many are trying to learn skills that most young adults take for granted, such as maintaining employment, managing money, obtaining a driver's license, securing housing, pursuing higher education, or building healthy support systems.

Jay's Fund helps bridge the gap between what traditional funding sources can provide and what older youth actually need to succeed. Donations may be used for driver's education, licensing fees, transportation needs, school activities, sports participation, musical programs, graduation expenses, work uniforms, interview clothing, shoes, technology, educational supplies, college dorm essentials, apartment deposits, utility hookups, furniture, household items, laundry costs, emergency housing assistance, and other needs that help young people move toward independence.

Sometimes the need is practical. Sometimes it is personal. A basketball camp, a senior trip, a yearbook, a pair of work boots, a laptop for college, or a security deposit may seem small, but those opportunities often help a young person feel included, confident, and hopeful about their future.

Every dollar donated to Jay's Fund goes directly toward supporting older youth as they build their futures, overcome barriers, and take the next steps toward adulthood. Through this fund, Jay's story continues to make a difference for young people who are still searching for stability, opportunity, and someone who believes in them.