How a NEEDTOBREATHE Concert Led a Family to Foster

When people think of NEEDTOBREATHE, they often think of the band’s depth of sound, thoughtful lyrics, and incredible musical talent. While all of those things are true, the members will tell you it’s not just about the music. NEEDTOBREATHE believes in music as a vehicle for change and, with this mission in mind, the band decided early on to use their platform to champion causes close to their hearts. 

One such cause is child welfare, which led NEEDTOBREATHE to partner with For Others. Founded in 2019, we raise awareness and empower best-in-class organizations to end the child welfare crisis in America. As a band with a passionate and engaged following, NEEDTOBREATHE knew they had the means to spread awareness and raise funds to serve America’s vulnerable children. One NEEDTOBREATHE concert recently led to one family’s unexpected, yet exciting journey to make a difference.

Serving from the Concert Stage

Awareness may sound anti-climactic, but big change often results from educating and inspiring others. 

Chad and Sharlene Pigg Fife had been NEEDTOBREATHE fans for years, always jamming along when their songs came on the radio. Last year, the couple finally saw the band live at a concert in their home state of Georgia. In their own words, it was a “wonderful, wonderful” show with high energy and incredible talent. 

“We were blown away to see them in action,” Chad shared. “It was awesome.” 

As the band entered the closing setlist of their amazing show, NEEDTOBREATHE slowed the tempo in the darkened room. They shared from the stage how kids are being affected by the ongoing child welfare crisis in the United States. Lead singer Bear Rinehart then told the audience about For Others and our work to end the crisis state by state. Sharlene remembers feeling compelled by the heartfelt message and scanned the on-screen QR code to learn more.

“It felt like the right thing to do in the moment,” she says. “We didn’t know it would lead to anything else.”

Yet this one action would lead Chad and Sharlene farther than they ever expected.

A Vehicle of Change

Before the NEEDTOBREATHE concert, Chad and Sharlene had never heard of For Others. Like most, they also didn’t realize the severity of the child welfare crisis in our own nation. The couple felt moved to donate that night, but their story didn’t stop there. For Others later invited Chad and Sharlene to the Founder’s Retreat. Despite knowing little about For Others, the Pigg Fifes decided to take the plunge.

What ensued was a four-day event with inspiring speakers and educational panels on the child welfare crisis. Prior to the retreat, Sharlene and Chad had limited exposure to the current state of child welfare. They soaked up the stats, testimonies, and panels of experts in the child welfare space.

To top it off, Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE also attended the Founder’s Retreat with his wife, Reames. Chad and Sharlene enjoyed his musical talents a second time as he helped lead a special songwriter’s night with Chris Tomlin and Ashley Gorley.

Chad briefly got to speak with Bear during the event, and he used the opportunity to convey how much he appreciated NEEDTOBREATHE for using their platform to serve children and families.

“I just said, ‘Hey, thank you for creating awareness on the stage, because we would never have known about this amazing organization,’” Chad says. It was a full-circle connection.

But Chad and Sharlene didn’t stop when the Founder’s Retreat ended. After returning home, they felt called to begin the process of becoming licensed foster parents.

“It was a life-changing couple of days,” Chad says. “It was incredible.”

And it all started because one band decided to use their voices for the vulnerable.

Snapshot of the Collective

NEEDTOBREATHE has generously supported For Others since 2021, including three tours and multiple special appearances at fundraising events. We work to address the needs of our nation’s most vulnerable. By uniting state governments, other nonprofits, churches, businesses, and individuals, we create a collective impact to end the crisis.

Chad and Sharlene’s journey from their first NEEDTOBREATHE concert to the For Others Founder’s Retreat and starting the foster parenting process is exactly what we envision for the future of our nation. We all have a part to play in ending the child welfare crisis. When we work together, we achieve far more than what we could do alone.

Join us in the mission to end the child welfare crisis in America. Make a donation today!