In May of 2000, Al Andrews, a counselor in private practice and Peter York, the president of Sparrow Records, engaged in a conversation in which they discussed their concerns for artists. Both men understood that the vocation of creating and performing music brings with it unique issues, struggles and challenges. Their dream was to see someone come alongside artists as they made their journey.

That conversation led to a proposal to the Sparrow Foundation which generously provided a grant allowing Al to offer his services to artists and their families at no cost to them. Within a few months he began laying the groundwork for a full-time ministry. In April of 2001, Porter's Call began.

Let us introduce ourselves :

Since that time, almost 400 artists have benefited from the services we offer. We've moved from a one room office to a house in downtown Franklin. Our staff has grown from one to three. Porter's Call is honored to have many individuals who share in its vision. Joining Al on the Board of Directors are:  Ben Howard, chairman,  John Mays, Malcolm Greenwood,  Neal Joseph, Kendra Allen and Brian Kagan.

The following individuals agreed to serve on the Porter's Call Advisory Board, offering valuable insight and leadership:

Bill Hearn, President & CEO, EMI CMG

Peter York, President EMI CMG

Terry Hemmings, President & CEO, Provident Music

John Huie, Creative Artists Agency

Our full-time staff is made up of Al Andrews, M.A., Brooke Byers, and our part time staff is Nita Andrews, M.A

	Al Andrews is the founder and director of Porter's Call. He is a former associate professor of counseling at Colorado Christian University and has counseled in private practice for ten years. He co-authored the book, The Silence of Adam. One of his greatest passions is to engage with the stories of others.
Nita Andrews has worked for many years as a counselor and educator. It has been a dream of hers to facilitate creativity groups and to provide one-on-one support for artists. She presently devotes time to the pursuit of fine art painting in her art studio. She also loves to spend time with her two sons. She is married to Al and they live in Franklin.
	Brooke Byers is the Office Manager and Hospitality Coordinator of Porter’s Call. She is a native of North Carolina (go Heels!) and also has her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She enjoys curling up on the couch with Starbucks in hand reading books about life and love. Her goal is to impact young children spiritually through her simple writings. She lives in Franklin with her best friend/husband Chris and beautiful daughter Britain