Josh and Maria launched the Hader’s Heart program during the 2024 season, creating a meaningful opportunity for children in Child Protective Services care and at-risk young adults to experience Astros baseball. Through a monthly partnership with BEAR Houston (Be A Resource) and Covenant House, the initiative has continued to grow through 2025 and into 2026. Hader’s Heart participants are treated to a game-day experience that includes watching the game from a suite, access to batting practice on the field and the chance to meet and interact with Josh and his teammates.
What makes the program especially impactful is Josh’s genuine investment in each participant. He routinely spends more than an hour during batting practice connecting with the children and young adults, playing catch, sharing conversations, talking baseball and simply getting to know them. Through these interactions, Josh creates lasting memories and ensures every participant feels valued, seen and special.
The two Houston-based nonprofits that Josh and Maria have chosen to support are BEAR and Covenant House. Hader’s Heart rotates between hosting one of the two organizations each month. BEAR works with at-risk and CPS-involved children and their caretakers in the greater Houston area. Covenant House works with young adults who have aged out of the foster care system and are overlooked and at risk for homelessness.
In 2025 and 2026, Josh and Maria hosted Uncork for a Cause events, an evening of exceptional food, wine and fellowship benefiting BEAR Houston and Covenant House Texas. The events drew strong support from the Houston community, including teammates, coaches, manager Joe Espada and ownership. The enthusiastic participation of Josh’s teammates speaks volumes about the respect they have for him, not only as a leader in the clubhouse, but also as someone deeply committed to making a difference in the community.
Beyond their monthly Hader’s Heart visits, Josh and Maria hosted toy drives in 2024 and 2025 that benefited BEAR, helping provide holiday gifts for children in foster care and supporting the organization’s annual Christmas celebration.
In April 2026, Josh partnered with a local sporting goods retailer to provide 20 children from BEAR with a memorable shopping experience, giving each child a $200 shopping spree and personally helping them select their items. Through opportunities like this, Josh seeks to encourage kids and young adults to pursue their passions and see possibilities beyond their current circumstances.
Josh also helped raise money for BEAR and Covenant House in September 2024, when he teamed up with two of his teammates to host a Team Up event, with the proceeds going to the players’ charities of choice.
Josh has been recognized for his work in the Houston community and has also had the opportunity to connect with the ALS community as a 2025 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award finalist.
Community service is a longstanding priority for Josh and Maria, who have dedicated their time and resources to supporting vulnerable children and families in every city they have called home. While in San Diego, Josh supported the Monarch School Project, hosting fundraisers and spending time with unhoused youth and their families. In Milwaukee, Josh partnered with Camp Hometown Heroes, raising scholarship funds for children of fallen service members and personally engaging with campers alongside his teammates.
Josh's passion for supporting children stems from his belief that they do not choose the challenges they face. Through Hader’s Heart, he hopes to broaden their horizons, create new experiences and inspire them to dream beyond their circumstances.
With their roots firmly planted in Houston, Josh and Maria are focused on expanding Hader’s Heart and increasing its impact throughout the community. Through the program and their ongoing philanthropic efforts, they hope to continue creating moments of joy, connection, inspiration and belonging for children and young adults across the city.
