On the Song: "Always Come Home"
- We Amplify Voices
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
Born from the lived experiences of foster care advocates at Safelite and written collaboratively with songwriter George Barrie, “Always Come Home,” tells a story of searching for belonging beyond traditional family structures. We invite you to watch, listen, and help amplify these voices.
"This workshop has empowered me to talk about past traumas. I think a lot of the time we try to bury them, put them away, not wanna reflect on them. I would say this allowed me the opportunity to work through some of the things that come up as we talk about them. Honestly, this thing has helped me become a better husband and a better father. It's given me the chance to not run from my past, or hide, it but embrace it."
-Colt, Workshop Participant
How it Started
The Safelite Foundation helps those who have hit a bump in the road find a clear road ahead by partnering with organizations that provide safety, stability and a sense of belonging. They do this through local giving, as well as a national partnership with Foster Love, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care across the country.
At We Amplify Voices, that mission felt deeply familiar. Our work is rooted in creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and connected—especially those navigating difficult experiences or life transitions. Recognizing this shared purpose, WAV Director of Marketing and Development Gigi Cox connected with Wendy Bradshaw, Executive Director of the Safelite Foundation and Community Relations, and Annie Crist, Senior Community Engagement Specialist, to explore how our organizations might collaborate.
The conversation sparked immediate excitement.
Together, our teams envisioned an experience that could offer healing and connection for Safelite associates impacted by the foster care system, while also amplifying their stories and Safelite's work with Foster Love. From that shared vision, the Safelite Songwriting Workshop was born.
The Process
When it came time to choose a facilitator for the workshop, George Barrie was the first songwriter to come to mind. Having collaborated on more than a dozen songs with We Amplify Voices, George knows our signature songwriting process inside and out and brings a unique ability to help participants transform personal experiences into meaningful music. Safelite gathered a group of associates who had been impacted by the foster care system in some way—former foster youth, foster parents, and those with family members involved in foster care.
Over the course of five consecutive weeks, participants met on Zoom for weekly 90-minute sessions. Together, they shared memories, emotions and personal reflections, gradually shaping the message they wanted their song to carry.
At the heart of their conversations was a shared belief: that small acts of care and support can make a profound difference in the life of a child. Participants reflected on the fear, uncertainty and longing that often accompany entering a new home, and the deep human need to feel safe and loved. They also spoke about the power of creating welcoming spaces where healing can begin.
Through this collaborative process, personal stories became collective storytelling, and collective storytelling became art. The result was "Always Come Home"—a song rooted in empathy, and the belief that everyone deserves a place where they feel they belong.
Thank you to all our foster care advocated who participated: Michael Dimick, Colt Hart, Rodney Peer, Heidi Stumbo, Randy & Kim Stiffler, Bill Seibel, Ramon Fabela, Keisha Reddy, Brandon Brooks, Ryan Gates, and Dimarcus Cucuta.
The Impact
"Always Come Home" is We Amplify Voices’ mission in action. We bring people with lived experiences together with artists to share their stories, emotions and ideas, and collectively turn those conversations into art. This songwriting process created a healing experience for those involved, offering space for reflection, connection and expression.
Then, we amplify their stories to the broader community by sharing their songs, videos and artwork on local radio, streaming platforms and in public spaces to change hearts, minds and start meaningful conversations.
"It's hard to not shed a tear listening to this song, thinking about my niece and what she's been going through these last few years in the foster system. It's definitely inspirational to hear...I can't wait to share it with her. Everything we've done here as a group is probably one of the most single proud things I've done in my 15 years at Safelite."
-Ramon, Workshop Participant
By sharing "Always Come Home," this message of foster advocacy can build empathy, raise awareness and inspire more individuals to become advocates for children and families impacted by foster care.
Listen to "Always Come Home"—written by George Barrie and mastered by Glenn Davis.
