Our Story
The Big Red Barn Retreat (BRBR) was founded in 2014 by Barbara Irons and Sutton Shaw to honor their late husband and father, Leon Irons. Leon embarked on a journey in the Navy aboard the “USS Independence” right after graduating from high school. After serving his country, he began a successful career in the restaurant business, where eventually he would come to own and operate multiple Sonic Drive-Ins around the Columbia area and across the southeast. Leon passed away in 2009, but left an indelible legacy in the hearts of many.
The BRBR initially began with offering services to help veterans and first responders who were struggling with PTSD and transitioning out of the military. These services included equine-assisted psychotherapy, yoga, and healing art classes. In 2015, the BRBR began hosting daytime retreat programs for drill sergeants based at Fort Jackson as part of the Cadre Resiliency Program.
In 2019, the Big Red Barn Retreat was selected by Boulder Crest Foundation to be a partner organization offering the breakthrough program, Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes), the only program scientifically proven to facilitate and cultivate posttraumatic growth in South Carolina. In 2020, work began on building the Leon Irons Lodge that would later become the home of the Big Red Barn Retreat’s Warrior PATHH program.
In 2022, the Big Red Barn Retreat was honored to be selected by Boulder Crest to launch Struggle Well training, a prevention-focused program based on the science and theory of posttraumatic growth. By partnering with local law enforcement, we began to fundamentally change the culture of law enforcement and first responders from the inside and out.
The Big Red Barn Retreat continues to grow and expand, offering its programs and services across the states of South & North Carolina. “The growth of the Big Red Barn Retreat has surpassed my wildest dreams, thanks to the work of so many people,” says Sutton Shaw. “I think my Dad would be proud of the work we are doing to help those that have served and sacrificed so much in service to others.”
We are a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit focused on helping military, veteran, and first responder communities live the life they desire full of purpose, joy and positive relationships. The need is great – it is estimated that 20 veterans die by suicide every day, and more first responders die by suicide than in the line of duty each year.
Our mission is to provide heroes with transformative programs, training, and services, so they become the best version of themselves and THRIVE AT LIFE!
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Veterans, active-duty military, first responders and their families are welcome to attend BRBR programs regardless of race, color, ancestry, sex, gender, religion, national origin, age, actual or perceived physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence or any other classification. The Big Red Barn Retreat stands in solidarity with our employees, our clients, our partners and colleagues to end injustice and racism. We believe ALL clients are worthy of being treated in a warm, caring and respectful manner. The vulnerable populations with which The Big Red Barn Retreat works deserves courtesy, kindness, compassion and sensitivity. The dignity and worth of each individual are honored in all interactions.
HELPING HEROES THRIVE
Your support helps us provide these life-changing programs and services at little to no charge to active-duty military members, military, first responders, and their families. With your help, our Warriors won’t just survive — they’ll thrive.
