AUBURN — Fueled by a lifetime of resilience and the healing power of music, Joe Toles – a 66-year-old grandfather, former foster youth, and adoptive father of 10 – has launched “Songs of a Journey,” a heartfelt musical campaign for National Foster Care Awareness Month.

Inspired by recent words from Cynthia Erivo and Viola Davis about the power of visibility and voice, Toles is using his own — literally — to highlight the stories of youth in foster care, especially those still awaiting adoption.

Each week in May, Toles is releasing a video of himself performing a meaningful cover song paired with a personal message about self-worth, hope, and healing. Just months after undergoing open-heart surgery, Toles pressed forward to complete the project in time, reflecting his lifelong commitment to uplifting children who feel forgotten.

“I know what it’s like to feel unseen,” said Toles. “From birth to age 21, I was in foster care. For the past 17 years, I’ve adopted and raised young men who deserved to be seen, heard, and loved.

“‘Songs of a Journey’ is a gift to them — and to every child still waiting.”

Originally from Uniondale, N.Y., Toles lives in Auburn, where he earned All-American and All-SEC honors in track at Auburn University under legendary and Hall of Fame Coach Mel Rosen. He credits that foundation for shaping him into the father and advocate he is today.

Through this campaign, Toles hopes to do more than raise awareness — he hopes to inspire action.

“These kids aren’t broken,” he said. “They’re just waiting for someone to believe in them.”

Follow the campaign on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn by searching “Songs of a Journey – Joe Toles.”