Franklin Challengers with Kayla Torti

You Matter Nashville

We had the pleasure of interviewing Kayla Torti, the founder of Franklin Challengers, on our You Matter Nashville podcast. Franklin Challengers is a special needs baseball team in Franklin, Tennessee, that provides opportunities for kids ages 5-18 with physical or intellectual disabilities to play baseball.

Kayla shared with us how the organization focuses on inclusivity and creating a joyful and fun environment for the players. Volunteers, known as buddies, are paired with players to assist and encourage them during the games. It's heartwarming to know that the league is free for families to participate, thanks to the support of Franklin Baseball Club and other sponsors.

Franklin Challengers is more than just a baseball league; it's a supportive community for children with special needs. As a dedicated mother and advocate for special needs children, Kayla relies on volunteers and donations to provide equipment and organize end-of-season parties and award ceremonies.

In addition to running the league, Kayla works full-time at Tucker's House, a nonprofit that facilitates home modifications for families with special needs children. Her passion for supporting and advocating for special needs families is truly inspiring, and we believe, like her, that more resources and support are needed in this area.
Key Takeaways

• Franklin Challengers is a special needs baseball team in Franklin, Tennessee that provides opportunities for kids with disabilities to play baseball.
• The league focuses on inclusivity and creating a joyful and fun environment for the players.
• Volunteers, known as buddies, are paired with players to assist and encourage them during the games.
• The league is free for families to participate, thanks to the support of Franklin Baseball Club and other sponsors. Franklin Challengers is a baseball league in Franklin, Tennessee, that provides an inclusive and supportive environment for children with special needs to play baseball.
• The league relies on volunteers and donations to provide equipment and organize end-of-season parties and award ceremonies.
• Kayla, the league organizer, also works full-time at Tucker's House, a nonprofit that facilitates home modifications for families with special needs children.
• Kayla is passionate about supporting and advocating for special needs families and believes that more resources and support are needed in this area.

Special Guest
Kayla Torti
Organization
Franklin Challengers

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville
The Hoover Team
https://www.thehooverteam.com/

Chapters

1. Introduction to You Matter Nashville podcast (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Franklin Challengers and Kayla Torti (00:00:50)

3. Providing Opportunities for Kids with Disabilities (00:02:13)

4. Volunteering as Buddies (00:04:29)

5. The Role of Buddy Teams (00:07:43)

6. The Joy and Impact of Franklin Challengers (00:09:08)

7. The Community and Inclusivity of Franklin Challengers (00:14:06)

8. The Cost and Support of Franklin Challengers (00:21:28)

9. The Need for Donations (00:23:33)

10. Kayla's Work at Tucker's House and the Importance of Home Modifications (00:26:14)

11. The Challenges of Dealing with Insurance for Special Needs Families (00:29:24)

12. The Impact of Franklin Challengers on Special Needs Families (00:34:25)

13. Starting a Similar League in Other Locations (00:40:52)

14. The Importance of Specific Asks and Support for Special Needs Families (00:41:41)

15. The Need for Volunteers, Gloves, and Donations (00:44:20)

16. Closing Remarks and Call to Action (00:46:08)