We’ve got plenty of ways to get involved this Spring, from a variety of volunteer opportunities to joining transformative programs like Form Up Friday, Healing Lens Photography Group, and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Groups. Plus, we’re introducing a new volunteer sign-up platform and offering opportunities to become a fundraising ambassador during Seen Through Horses. We’re also excited to be participating in Midlands Giveson May 6, 2025! Read on for all the details—and, as always, thank you for your dedicated support!
We’re thrilled to announce that the Big Red Barn Retreat is participating in Midlands Gives on May 6, 2025—a region-wide day of giving to support local nonprofits like ours. This special event helps us provide the tools, resources, and supportive community our veterans and first responders need to thrive.
But you don’t have to wait until May 6th to make an impact! Early giving is now open, and your support today can help us reach even more Heroes.
Why Give Early?
Immediate Impact: Early gifts help us gain momentum—every dollar counts!
Inspire Others: Your early generosity can spark more giving across the Midlands.
Double the Impact: Thanks to matching funds, your donation could go even further!
Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us continue to serve the Heroes who need us most! Your support truly makes a difference.
Heroes Singer-Songwriter Showcase
Come out to the Icehouse Amphitheater for an unforgettable evening of music in support of the Big Red Barn Retreat! Enjoy performances by country music singer-songwriter, combat veteran, and Purple Heart recipient Scotty Hastings, alongside special acts from 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.
Tickets on sale now! Click the button below to save your spot today:
Save the date for our next Form Up Friday session!
Join us for a chance to connect with horses, find some peace, and discover how they can help with personal growth and well-being. It's a great opportunity to relax, reflect, and learn from these amazing 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.
Explore photography as a tool for wellness! Veterans and first responders are invited to join us on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month for workshops and field trips designed to help you develop new skills, unleash your creativity, and see the world from fresh perspectives.
No experience or special equipment required! Click the button below to fill out our interest form today!
Veterans and first responders, let's gather for a cup of coffee, meaningful connections, and great conversation at our Greenville location at Overture Apartments (52 Market Point Dr.) or join us at the Blythewood Coffee Group at the BRBR Log Cabin (8024 Winnsboro Road). Wherever you are, the Big Red Barn Retreat is here to help you find your community, one cup at a time!
Click the buttons here for directions to both locations!
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 for a National Pretzel Day themed Volunteer Opportunity!
Help us celebrate National Pretzel Day with a firewood chopping volunteer day!
Bring a chainsaw or sharpened ax and help us cut and stock firewood at the Barn on April 26th from 10 AM to 12:30 PM
As a thank-you, enjoy delicious seasoned pretzels from Lake Murray Pretzel Company—a local, veteran-founded business with roots right here in Chapin, SC. Born from an old family recipe and refined through years of gatherings, their pretzels are crafted with love, family tradition, and a sprinkle of innovation. Trust us—these snacks steal the show!
Come be a part of something truly special in the heart of the BRBR kitchen!
As a Kitchen Volunteer, you’ll work alongside our talented chefs to prepare and serve wholesome meals, helping to support the veterans and first responders attending their transformative 7-day retreat at the BRBR Log Cabin.
We have introduced a new volunteer management platform, follow the instructions below to get involved in the kitchen this month!
Click the button above.
Create an account.
Select “Warrior PATHH Volunteering.”
Scroll down and choose “Meal Service Volunteering.”
**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!**
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.
**No pre-registration required for gardening—just show up on Thursday mornings and dig in!
Special Garden Workshop Opportunity
Tomatoes are a garden favorite, but they can be tricky to grow! This class, on April 27th, will cover everything from selecting the right varieties to planting, staking, and troubleshooting common issues like pests and diseases.
Please note: this workshop requires pre-registration, Click the button here to sign-up!
Meet Lori Hancock, a dedicated BRBR volunteer since 2024! Lori lends a helping hand in the kitchen during Warrior PATHH sessions and assists with cabin resets on Thursdays, all while forming meaningful connections with fellow volunteers and veterans alike.
Lori shares that volunteering at the Big Red Barn Retreat is a deeply fulfilling experience. Inspired by her father’s service in the USAF and the importance of giving back, Lori has found a special place at BRBR. She appreciates the welcoming atmosphere, the camaraderie, and the opportunity to learn from the amazing chefs.
"In this life, we should feel honored to use our gifts and talents to help others. There are so many different ways to contribute, from gardening, to equine therapy, to cooking and cleaning. The BRBR is a wonderful resource for our veterans and first responders. I love being a small part of it, and I’m honored that I’m part of something so important." - Lori Hancock
Thank you, Lori, 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
