Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones, BRBR Family!!
We want to thank you for your unwavering support throughout the year—it means the world to us! This holiday season, we encourage you to spend time with loved ones, reflect on the year, and recharge for the new one ahead. Don’t miss the chance to join us for our final volunteer days and 2024 classes before we pause for the holidays. We’ll resume our regular schedule for all programs and services in January, and we can’t wait to see you in the new year! Wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday season! ❤️
Click the Image Here to See Our Full Holiday Schedule this Month
As we celebrate the holiday season, please take note of our adjusted office hours:
Half-Day Schedule (Available from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM):
December 23rd, 24th, 26th, 27th, 30th, 31st
January 2nd, 3rd, 2025
Office Closed:
December 25th (Christmas Day)
January 1st, 2025 (New Year’s Day)
Click the image below to see our full office and services holiday calendar in full screen. We hope you enjoy this special time of year, and we look forward to serving you with renewed energy in 2025! 🎄✨
Volunteer Spotlight: Brian Colip
Since first joining BRBR in 2020, veteran Brian Colip has been a shining example of service and dedication. Whether he’s tending the garden, helping in the kitchen, or supporting events, Brian’s efforts create a welcoming space for his fellow veterans.
"[The Big Red Barn Retreat] is a very positive and calming environment. Meeting the different people and groups that volunteer is great!" says Brian.
Thank you, Brian, for giving back and making a difference. We’re so grateful for you!
Upcoming Events
Give a Meaningful Gift to Veterans and First Responders for the Holidays, BRBR Fam!!
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re filled with gratitude for the generosity that has supported our mission this year. During Giving Tuesday, your contributions helped us raise an incredible $27,225 to fund transformative programs for veterans and first responders
But the need for these services continues year-round. By making a year-end gift, you help us provide programs like Warrior PATHH, Struggle Well, equine-assisted therapy and learning, art and music therapy, and more—all offered free of charge to the heroes we serve.
This holiday season, let’s come together to provide the tools and resources our Heroes need to move forward in their lives. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Thank you for your continued support!
No Form Up Friday sessions in December—take this time to relax and enjoy the holidays with your loved ones!
We'll resume in January and can’t wait to kick off the new year together.
A Taste of Togetherness
Upcoming Farm-to-Table Cooking Class on December 21st
Celebrate the season by joining our Farm-to-Table Cooking Class on December 21st! Discover how preparing and sharing meals can build connections, spark creativity, and support wellness.
From the soothing act of cooking to the joy of gathering around the table, this holiday-inspired class is the perfect way to nourish both body and mind. Our Farm-to-Table Cooking Classes fill up quickly—so don’t wait! Sign-up and reserve your spot today using the button below!
Coffee & Connection for Veterans and First Responders!
Join us weekly in Blythewood or Greenville for our Peer-to-Peer Coffee Groups. Whether at the BRBR Log Cabin or the Upstate Warrior Solutions Rupert Huse Veteran Center, enjoy great coffee, shared stories, and meaningful connections this holiday season! 🎄
Check out the directions below for each location and GPS guidance. We can’t wait to see you there! (Please note that any closures or schedule changes for the coffee group will be announced on our social media channels, so be sure to follow us for updates!)
Our Peer-to-Peer Coffee Groups at the BRBR are proudly sponsored by Caliber Coffee, thank you for your support!
Healing Lens will Resume in January 2025
Our Healing Lens Photography Group has had an incredible year, capturing powerful moments and building a supportive community through the art of photography. While there are no sessions scheduled for December, we look forward to regrouping in January 2025 to continue learning, creating, and connecting!
Upcoming Yoga Schedule
Our Yoga and Tai Chi classes have been a cornerstone of mindfulness and well-being throughout the year. As we approach the holiday season, these classes will be taking a break from December 20 to January 3.
We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year!
Volunteer Opportunities
Join us on our Final Garden Workshop Days this Year!
Discover the joy of garden volunteering at the BRBR! Join us for our final garden volunteer days this month on December 5th, 12th, and 19th, no pre-registration required!
Attention Garden Volunteers: The 2024 garden volunteering season will wrap up on Thursday, December 19th. We'll resume in January—see you in the new year!
Warrior PATHH: Kitchen Volunteer Opportunities
Step into the BRBR kitchen and help make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and first responders! Team up with our skilled BRBR chefs to prepare and serve nourishing meals for our Warriors during their 7-day stay at the BRBR Log Cabin.
Sign up using the buttons here to volunteer for this month's PATHH classes and join us in creating a transformative experience 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.
(Thank you to our Board Members, David Kerr and Dan Stanton for helping us in the kitchen last month!)
Join us for a rewarding volunteer opportunity: Cabin Reset Days! Each Thursday, small groups refresh and prepare the BRBR Log Cabin for incoming Warriors in our PATHH program. Tasks include light cleaning, restocking, and adding thoughtful touches to create a warm, welcoming space. Your support allows our PATHH guides to recharge, ensuring they return ready to lead. Use the buttons here to sign up and make an impact in the lives of our heroes!
The Effects of Post-Traumatic Growth
Posttraumatic growth is a transformative process resulting from challenging experiences, prompting individuals to reflect on their identity and life's purpose. Veterans and first responders often find that navigating this process enhances their lives, fostering authenticity, meaning, and purpose.
Five key areas of growth emerge, including newfound hope, deeper interpersonal connections, personal resilience, gratitude for life, and a spiritual shift involving profound existential inquiries.
Discover the potential for posttraumatic growth in your journey by taking the first step – sign up for the Warrior PATHH program using the buttons below today to embark on a transformative path towards resilience and purpose.
.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=December%20Holiday%20Hours%20(1).png)
