The crisp air of September is a reminder that change is beautiful - explore what’s new and exciting at the BRBR this month, BRBR Family!
Embracing change opens the door to new experiences, and we’re bringing you a blend of music, mindfulness, and meaningful connections this month. Join us for the upcoming 2024 Fall Jam, sign up for FREE TM training, or embrace your creative side with our unique therapy programs. Plus, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities for you to make this month unforgettable in a meaningful way! As always, thank you for being a dedicated part of our mission to "Help Heroes Thrive". You are making a difference in the lives of our heroes who need it the most, so thank you very much.
P.S. Sign up for text updates from The Big Red Barn Retreat by texting "START" or "SUBSCRIBE" to +1 (803) 866-5752!
Upcoming Events
Don’t Miss Out: Get Your Tickets for the Fall Jam!
Featuring multiplatinum country music singer and songwriter, Scotty McCreery!
Time is running out to secure your spot at the Big Red Barn Retreat Fall Jam, happening on September 28th at Segra Park! This year, we’re thrilled to welcome multi-platinum country music star Scotty McCreery to the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable night of music and community. Not only will you enjoy a fantastic concert, but you’ll also be supporting the transformative programs that make a real difference in the lives of our veterans and first responders at the Big Red Barn Retreat.
Tickets are selling fast, so don’t wait—grab yours today and be part of this incredible event benefitting our heroes!
Choose to attend at the BRBR Log Cabin or join us in Greenville, SC
We warmly invite all veterans and first responders in Greenville, SC to join our brand-new coffee group! Held weekly at the Upstate Warrior Solutions Rupert Huse Veteran Center, this meetup offers a welcoming space to share experiences, build connections, and unwind with a comforting cup of coffee. If you can't make it to our Greenville group, join us at the BRBR Log Cabin. Directions to both locations below!
Click on the image here for GPS directions and join us this Friday!
Our Peer-to-Peer Coffee Groups at the BRBR are proudly sponsored by Caliber Coffee, thank you for your support!
Discover the Benefits of Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple and natural technique that can bring profound relaxation and peace to your daily life. By sitting comfortably and silently repeating a specific word or sound (called a mantra) for just 20 minutes, twice a day, you can help your mind settle into a state of deep rest.
TM doesn’t require any special focus, concentration, or beliefs, making it accessible to everyone. Many people have found TM to be a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving overall well-being. Ready to experience the benefits of TM for yourself? Sign up for our upcoming TM training session from October 3rd to October 6th today (by clicking the button below) and take the first step towards a more relaxed and balanced life!
Upcoming Fall Art Therapy Group at the Big Red Barn Retreat
Join board certified art therapist and emotional wellness coach, Mary How, MA, ATR-BC, as she leads participants in this eight-week group for veterans and first responders. Healthy relationships are essential at home and work for building fulfilling and purposeful lives.
Group participants will meet for two hours weekly to learn about combining art creation and coping skills to increase mindfulness and skills for finding balance within your relationships, getting needs met, and maintaining compassion and connection that helps relationships thrive.
This group will meet Tuesdays from 12 PM to 2 PM starting on September 10th, 2024. Fill out our interest form using the button below and we will be in contact with you regarding your interest shortly.
Discover Healing Through Music with "Beyond Music" This Fall!
We are thrilled to offer the “Beyond Music” group once again at the Big Red Barn Retreat (BRBR) starting in October. This music therapy course offers veterans and first responders a chance to explore music for their continued well-being at home. Laura Theismann, MT-BC, and Lenny Hyland (USAF, ret.) will lead this group.
Over 8 weeks, participants will engage in various music-based activities designed to deepen their understanding of music and self-care, build resiliency, and grow through experiences that may still be impacting their lives. No musical skills are required to join. This class will be held on Thursdays from 12-2pm beginning in early October. Fill out our interest form today to reserve your spot in this group.
Create MORE and Beyond Music are graciously funded by the Creative Forces Community Grants. Creative Forces Community Grants are a part of the National Endowment for the Arts’ Creative Forces Initiative in partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance. We are so grateful for this incredible support!
We have current openings in our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) program!
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 above) today! EAP services are provided at no cost to veterans and first responders.
Form Up Fridays
September 27th Session
Join us for an unforgettable experience during our Form Up Friday session on September 27th, where the power of horses will motivate you to cultivate resilience and inner peace.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with these magnificent creatures and harness their wisdom for personal growth and well-being, use the button here to sign up today!
Fall Jam and Golf Tournament Volunteer Opportunities
Are you looking for a unique way to give back and be part of something meaningful? We're seeking passionate volunteers for two of our biggest events of the year—the 2024 Fall Jam at the Ballpark and the Leon Irons Memorial Charity Golf Tournament!
Volunteering at these events is a fantastic opportunity to work behind the scenes, meet new people, and contribute to a cause that truly matters. Every hour you give helps support the life-changing programs we offer for veterans and first responders at the Big Red Barn Retreat.
Please contact our office manager/volunteer coordinator, Melanie, with interest regarding Fall Jam or Golf volunteering. Her email is officemanager@thebigredbarnretreat.org
Warrior PATHH: Kitchen Volunteer Opportunities
Join us in the BRBR kitchen to make a positive impact on the lives of veterans and first responders! Work alongside talented chefs to prepare meals during the 7-day stay in the BRBR Log Cabin. Click the button here to sign up and be part of something rewarding!
**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!**
We're currently seeking small groups to volunteer each Thursday for a vital task: resetting the cabin for the next class. This commitment provides our WP PATHH guides with the chance to return home, rejuvenate, and cherish time with their loved ones. Sign up for the next cabin reset group by clicking the button here!
Volunteer with us in the Garden!
Join us in the garden on Saturday, September 14 from 9:30 AM to 12 PM to assist our dedicated garden manager, Sal!
Volunteers will assist with clearing out summer plants, prepping the beds for fall and winter planting, replace the soil in the raised beds so the plants can be in a more healthy, growing environment and general clean up around the space.
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.
