Fosteralife
About Fosteralife
Foster*A*Life serves children who are or have been involved with Texas DFPS with the kind of support that is easy to picture and hard to forget. A suitcase instead of trash bags. A birthday celebration. Prom necessities, tutoring, art activities, and basic household items for young people starting the next chapter. For donors, the appeal is simple: this is help that meets real needs while also giving children a chance to feel seen.
What sets Foster*A*Life apart is how specific its support is. It does not stop at basics, it also makes room for the moments that help a child feel important, from birthdays and art contests to prom needs and support for former foster youth. The result is practical, personal, and very grounded in what children in Lubbock County and the surrounding region actually need.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Dream requests and special services
Provides otherwise unavailable assistance, services and opportunities to children who are or have been involved with Texas DFPS.
Journey Gear
Provides suitcases so children do not have to move their belongings in trash bags.
Happy Birthday Program
Provides birthday celebrations for children who may not have anyone to make them feel special on their important day.
Kids Art Journey
Promotes the arts to children and uses an art contest to discover talent that can be nurtured.
Prom Expo
Provides prom necessities including dresses, accessories and shoes.
Anchors
Helps children adjust to being in foster care, promotes more foster placements, and provides support to families adopting children.
Preston’s Purpose
Provides funds for former foster youth.
Hope Chest
Provides basic household needs for children who have graduated from high school, such as a microwave, dishes, and bedding.
Tutoring program
Helps children catch up with their classmates.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
The mission of Foster*A*Life is to provide otherwise unavailable assistance, services and opportunities to children who are or have been involved with Texas DFPS. The purpose is to enhance the lives of children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned and to promote a more positive self-image and increased self-esteem.
Who they serve
Children who are or have been involved with Texas DFPS, including foster children and former foster youth in Lubbock County and the 17 surrounding counties.
How your donation helps
- Items for children in the custody of the state of Texas
- Special outings
- Special services for children in state custody
- Suitcases for children’s belongings
- Birthday celebrations
- Prom dresses, accessories, and shoes
- Art activities and contests
- Tutoring
- Basic household needs such as microwaves, dishes, and bedding
- Funds for former foster youth
Our story
Foster*A*Life began with Dr. Shaun H. Keel, a psychologist who spent more than 30 years working with abused and neglected children, including foster children. After hearing children talk about losing their families and missing ordinary experiences, she started thinking about a way to give children in the Lubbock area special dreams and a stronger sense of self-worth. With help from friends and family, those early brainstorming meetings in spring 2004 became a nonprofit incorporated by June 2004.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Fosteralife’s services.
Children who are or have been involved with Texas DFPS, including those in Lubbock County and the 17 surrounding counties, can receive assistance, special services, or a dream experience through Foster*A*Life.
Events
Hub City Beach Party
annualMain fundraiser with games, food, and live music. It began in 2005 and was described as the 20th annual event in 2025.
Home Run
A fun run and family-friendly event that began in 2021 and focuses on awareness of the need for foster homes in the Lubbock area.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Fosteralife has shared.
Current needs
- Volunteers for the Hub City Beach Party, tutoring, and office work.
Volunteer opportunities
- Hub City Beach Party support
- Tutoring
- Office work
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who does Foster*A*Life serve?
It serves children who are or have been involved with Texas DFPS, including foster children and former foster youth in Lubbock County and the 17 surrounding counties.
What is Journey Gear?
Journey Gear provides suitcases so children do not have to carry their belongings in trash bags.
What does the Happy Birthday Program provide?
It provides a birthday celebration for a child.
What does Hope Chest provide?
Hope Chest provides basic household needs for children who have graduated from high school, including items like a microwave, dishes, and bedding.
What does Prom Expo provide?
Prom Expo provides prom necessities, including dresses, accessories, and shoes.
Similar nonprofits
Other family services nonprofits in TX.