MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) – Banana Ball spent three nights in West Texas this weekend, and in addition to the on-field entertainment, the organization used its platform to honor local foster families through its Banana’s Foster program.
Founded in 2023, Banana’s Foster was created to celebrate families who welcome foster children into their homes while educating and inspiring others to get involved.
“Our organization is dedicated to celebrating those in the foster care community while educating and inspiring others to get involved,” said Lexie Callahan, impact coordinator for Banana’s Foster.
A coach with a personal connection
Texas Tailgaters assistant coach Andrew Bartman said Banana’s Foster is what first got him and his family involved with Banana Ball. Bartman has been a foster parent to 35 children who have come through his family’s home and now uses his role with the team to support other foster families.
For every town with an H-E-B that the Tailgaters play in, Bartman and players deliver groceries to a local foster family.
“So even if you’re not actively fostering, you can still support those who do, and support those kids that need a safe environment,” Bartman said.
Bartman described the experience foster children often face when entering a new placement.
“They don’t have any time to even know what’s going on, they just have to grab all of their possessions and just put them in a bag and leave, so any familiarity they can get, they are gonna be in a new home environment, so that outside familiarity it’s crucial, so anyone that can do it, please do so,” he said.
Local families honored at Momentum Bank Ballpark
Three local families who support the community’s foster children were honored at Momentum Bank Ballpark this past weekend. Among them was the Smith family, recognized Saturday for their work supporting other local foster families through their nonprofit, the Open Homes Initiative.
“We now run this to recruit and retain foster families, to hopefully increase the families we have and keep them in the game so they can foster longer and stronger,” said Justin Smith of the Open Homes Initiative.
Foster care need in West Texas
Across West Texas, 439 children are currently in the foster system. Due to a shortage of foster families, a majority of those children are being placed in homes outside of the region.
Smith said seeing a national organization promote foster care aligned with what his family has come to stand for.
“What’s neat about this, is seeing an organization promoting something that we have grown to embody so much just with our story on a national scale,” he said.
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