Our Story
We Care Because Music Changes Lives
WeCare For Music Inc. was founded on a simple belief: every young person deserves the chance to experience the transformative power of live music — and to learn from those who have dedicated their lives to it.
Our Mission
Mission Statement
WeCare For Music creates opportunities for young people to grow, lead, and thrive through music education, mentorship, and meaningful connections with accomplished musicians and industry professionals.
What We Do
WeCare For Music helps young people develop confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose through live music-centered experiences. Many students never have the opportunity to learn directly from accomplished musicians or to connect with positive role models in the arts. We partner with schools and community organizations to provide live music experiences, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities that help young people discover their strengths and build skills that extend far beyond music. We'd love to explore how we can work together to support this work in our community.
The Transformation We Create
We believe music is a powerful vehicle for personal growth, leadership development, confidence building, and opportunity. Through direct interaction with accomplished musicians and hands-on learning experiences, students gain exposure, inspiration, mentorship, and new possibilities for their future. Success is not defined by whether a student becomes a professional musician, but by whether they develop the confidence, discipline, relationships, and belief in themselves needed to pursue their goals.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Access for All
Every student, regardless of background or zip code, deserves access to world-class musical mentorship and education.
Community & Connection
Music is a bridge. We build lasting connections between legendary artists and the next generation of musicians.
Excellence in Education
We hold ourselves to the highest standard — bringing only the most dedicated legends and educators to our students.
Where We're Headed
Vision
We envision a future where the legacy of live music is passed from one generation to the next through transformative experiences that help young people discover their talents, build meaningful relationships, and create new possibilities for their future.
Over the next three to five years, WeCare For Music will become a recognized leader in using music as a vehicle for youth development, mentorship, leadership, and opportunity while preserving the traditions, artistry, and impact of live music.
The People Behind the Music
Meet Our Team
James "Popeye" Greer
Founder and Project Director
James Earl Greer, BA, MA — Concordia University, St. Paul. With 50 years in education and a lifelong passion for music, James has dedicated his career to helping young people succeed academically and socially through the power of music. He worked at Flyte Tyme Production Studio from 1984–1996 alongside Jimmy Jam Harris, Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson, Morris Day and The Time, and many more legends. He managed Mint Condition and secured their first record deal in 1989. Now through WeCare For Music Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, James brings legendary musicians directly into schools across the United States.
James "Popeye" Greer
Featured Work
Janet Jackson
Pia Zadora
No Limit
Leadership
Board of Directors
Pastor Christine Belfrey
Board Chair
M.Div + M.Ed
Pastor Christine Belfrey (Christine FREE) is a Pastor and Multidimensional Artist. Christine is a 2020 M.Div. graduate of Luther Seminary, and currently serves as Associate Pastor of Music at St. Paul's/San Pablos Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. Before St. Paul's Lutheran, Christine served as Interim Associate Pastor at Christ Lutheran Blaine & Grace Lutheran Andover. In addition, she served as Intern Pastor at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, MN.
Christine has also served as a Global Musician Educator for the ELCA Churchwide for several years. She is a recipient of the Fund For Leaders Scholarship and the Leadership Scholarship awarded by Luther Seminary. She has led worship as a choir director and served as a Sunday School Minister at Redeemer Lutheran in north Minneapolis and Key of Faith Pentecostal Church.
Before attending seminary, Christine had a career in education and holds a Master's degree in Educational Administration from St. Mary's University, along with a Post Graduate in K-8 Communication Literature Arts from Concordia St. Paul and a Bachelor's in Mass Media Arts (Radio, TV, Film) from Clark Atlanta University.
Christine is a songwriter, open mic host (H-Cubed), recording artist, actress, author, and owner of Belfrey Books LLC. She is the mother of four beautifully gifted children: Imani (26), Caleb (17), Ellis and Issa (15, twins).
“Peace & Wellness” — Pastor / Multidisciplinary Artist
Nicole E. Fernandez
Co-Chair / Treasurer
BS, MA
Nicole E. Fernandez is a public health leader, certified Community Health Worker, and Forest Therapy Guide who centers restorative practice and narrative in her work with marginalized communities.
She has led trauma-informed initiatives across maternal health, youth development, and health equity sectors, using writing and storytelling to amplify community assets.
With a BS in Communication Studies, MA in Leadership and Innovation, and certifications in Youth Development and Community Health Work, Nicole's leadership is rooted in community voice, student-centered practice, and systemic change.
Melissa A. Pugh
Secretary
BS in Systems Analysis
Melissa Pugh is a housing policy leader, real estate broker, and tax strategist who brings a multidisciplinary approach to advancing equitable homeownership. She currently serves as a Homeownership Programs Manager & Policy Specialist with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, where she works to expand access to homeownership through inclusive policy and innovative programming.
Melissa holds a Bachelor's degree in Systems Analysis and brings a strong foundation in technology and entrepreneurship to her work. She also serves on the Board of Directors as Chair of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers Twin Cities Chapter (NAREBTC).
Melissa is deeply committed to closing the homeownership gap by empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to build generational wealth.
Broker | Owner | Realtist | Realtor — ZigZag Realty LLC
Join Us in Keeping Music Alive
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word — every act of support helps us reach more students and preserve the legacy of live music.