Big News, Big Events, and MORE this Spring, BRBR Family!!
Exciting things are happening at BRBR! We’re welcoming Kate Voigts as our Interim Executive Director and offering plenty of ways to get involved—from volunteering in the Log Cabin Kitchen to joining impactful programs. Plus, don’t miss out on our Oyster Roast featuring live rock music and our Heroes Singer-Songwriter Showcase this summer. Read on for all the details!
Welcome New Interim Executive Director, Kate Voigts!
The Big Red Barn Retreat is excited to welcome Maj. Gen. (ret) Kate Voigts as our Interim Executive Director!
With over 40 years of Army leadership experience, Kate brings invaluable expertise and dedication to BRBR. In addition to her role, she serves as a senior policy analyst for the RAND Corporation and volunteers with Team Rubicon and ESGR. Kate is passionate about supporting our nation’s heroes and looks forward to making a lasting impact at BRBR.
Rock out for a cause at the Southern Shuckdown Oyster Roast!
Join us at the Southern Shuckdown Oyster Roast for a night of live rock music from She Might Get Loud, featuring BRBR Board Member and veteran, James Smith, on bass! Enjoy fresh oysters, a southern buffet, games, and a silent auction—all while supporting BRBR’s free programs for veterans and first responders.
Click the link to read James’ story and learn more about his journey from service to the stage!
This event is proudly sponsored by The Folline King Group at Merrill Lynch.
Location: 701 Whaley St., Columbia, SC
Date/Time: April 4, 2025 | 6 PM – 10 PM
Tickets: $75 each (Includes food, entertainment, and more!)
Reserve your spot today by clicking the button below!
Join us at the Icehouse Amphitheater for an unforgettable night of music benefiting the Big Red Barn Retreat!
Country music singer-songwriter, combat veteran, and Purple Heart recipient Scotty Hastings will take the stage, with special performances by Carter Lybrand, Brendan Roberts, and Robert Stevens—all graduates of BRBR’s Warrior PATHH program.
Date: June 13, 2025
Location: Icehouse Amphitheater, Lexington, SC
Tickets: $20 | On sale March 17 at 9 AM
Gates open at 6 PM | Music starts at 7 PM
This special concert is presented by Nucor Building Systems and made possible through the Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant, part of the National Endowment for the Arts’ Creative Forces® initiative, in partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance.
Don’t miss this inspiring night of music—grab your tickets starting March 17!
Programs and Services
Songwriting for the Soul
Ever wanted to write a song but didn’t know where to start?
Join our six-week songwriting course with board-certified music therapist Laura Theismann and gain the confidence to create your own original composition—no musical skills required!
Limited spots available—fill out the interest form to be considered!
Our Next Form Up Friday session is coming up soon!
Join us for our next Form Up Friday session on March 28th, where you’ll connect with horses, find a sense of inner calm, and experience their unique ability to guide personal growth and well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to reset, reflect, and learn from these incredible animals!
Make sure to secure your place by reserving your spot today using the button below!
EAP provides hands-on, experiential interaction with our horses to receive immediate feedback and engage in creative problem-solving to overcome life's challenges. Clients say “I gained more from one session than I did from years of traditional therapy.”
EAP assists with dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, relationship struggles and a variety of other issues. Mindfulness, coping skills, and creating a new story are all part of the process.
Don’t miss out - complete our interest form (using the button here) today! EAP services are provided at no cost to veterans and first responders.
Discover photography as a wellness practice! Veterans and first responders have the opportunity to join us on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month to learn new skills, express creativity, and explore fresh perspectives through workshops and field trips.
No experience or special equipment required! Click the button below to fill out our interest form today!
Veterans and first responders, join us for coffee, connection, and camaraderie at our new Greenville location at Overture Apartments (52 Market Point Dr.) or the Blythewood Coffee Group at the BRBR Log Cabin (8024 Winnsboro Road). Find your community with the Big Red Barn Retreat no matter where you are located, one cup at a time!
Whether in Blythewood or Greenville, we’ve got a welcoming spot just for you. Click below for directions and updates!
Our Peer-to-Peer Coffee Groups at the BRBR are proudly sponsored by Caliber Coffee, thank you for your support!
Volunteer Opportunities
Join us as a Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser during the Seen Through Horses Campaign this May!
Join us as a Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser for the Seen Through Horses Campaign during Mental Health Awareness Month this May! Help raise funds for BRBR’s equine therapy programs by spreading the word through email, social media, flyers, and word of mouth.
No fundraising experience? No problem! We’ll provide you with resources, tips, and tricks to help you succeed. Fill out our interest form below to be considered!
Join us in the heart of the BRBR kitchen and play a vital role in transforming the lives of our veterans and first responders! Collaborate with our talented BRBR chefs to prepare, craft, and serve wholesome meals for our Warriors during their enriching 7-day retreat at the BRBR Log Cabin.
Click the buttons here to volunteer for our upcoming PATHH classes and be part of an unforgettable journey, creating lasting change for our heroes!
**Please be advised: While we try our best to make sure each volunteer is assigned a time slot, Warrior PATHH Kitchen Volunteering is assigned on a first come, first serve basis. You are not assigned a volunteer time slot until you have received a confirmation email from the Big Red Barn Retreat. Thank you!**
**No pre-registration required for gardening—just show up on Thursday mornings and dig in!
Discover the Joy of Garden Volunteering at BRBR!
Join us every Thursday from 9:30 to 11 AM and experience the mental and emotional benefits of gardening and volunteer work. Spending time in nature can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve focus, while giving back fosters a sense of purpose and connection.
Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteer Spotlight:
Christi Catoe
Meet Christi Catoe, a dedicated BRBR volunteer since April 2024! Christi helps in the kitchen during Warrior PATHH and assists with cabin resets, all while forming meaningful friendships along the way.
Inspired by the impact of PATHH on her own life, Christi volunteers to give back and encourages others to do the same. She describes BRBR as welcoming, flexible, and a great place to learn new skills while connecting with like-minded individuals.
"I have embraced the opportunity to give back to this organization that has given me so much." - Christi Catoe
Thank you, Christi, for your passion and commitment to our mission!
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The Big Red Barn Retreat, 8024 Winnsboro Rd, Blythewood, SC 29016, United States, (803) 716-9097
