FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Big Red Barn Retreat different?

The BRBR is dedicated to helping veterans and first responders move from PTSD to Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG). We provide innovative, evidence-based programs at no cost, focusing on holistic wellness, community support, and long-term transformation.

What is Posttraumatic Growth (PTG)?

PTG is the positive psychological change that can occur after experiencing trauma. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on symptom management, the BRBR helps individuals develop resilience, new perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose.

What programs and services do you offer?

We provide a variety of programs and services, including:

Warrior PATHH – A nationally recognized intensive program that helps participants turn struggle into strength with a 7 day residential program followed by 83 days of follow up.
Struggle Well Workshops – Skills-based training for long-term resilience in a class
Transcendental Meditation (TM) – Evidence-based stress reduction.
Equine-Assisted Therapy – Healing through interactions with horses.
Yoga & Mindfulness Training – Enhancing mental and physical well-being.
Creative & Expressive Arts Therapy – Encouraging self-expression and healing.
Peer Support & Community Events – Building strong connections.

Do you have to be a veteran or first responder to participate?

Yes, our programs are specifically designed for veterans, active-duty service members, National Guardsman, Reservists, and first responders. Some events, services, and workshops may be open to family members or caregivers.

How much does it cost to attend?

Nearly all of our programs and services are offered at no cost to veterans and first responders. This is made possible through generous donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships.

Our Struggle Well training is a paid for service. Please reach out to John Tjaarda, at [email protected] for more information.

What are your metrics of success that demonstrate your impact?

We measure success through:

Participant Outcomes – Over 90% of Warrior PATHH graduates report increased emotional and mental well-being, improved relationships, and a greater sense of purpose.
Sustained Engagement – Many alumni return as mentors, demonstrating lasting impact and peer-to-peer support.
Scientific & Clinical Research – Our programs are rooted in evidence-based science, utilizing DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) criteria to assess reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvements in mental health markers associated with Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG).
Community Growth – Thousands of veterans and first responders supported annually, with continued expansion of services to meet demand.

What are the Struggle Well Workshops?

Our Struggle Well Workshops teach veterans and first responders practical strategies to transform struggle into personal growth. Using principles from Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) and positive psychology, these workshops provide hands-on training in:

Reframing Adversity – Learning how to shift perspectives and see challenges as opportunities for growth.
Emotional Regulation – Developing skills to manage stress, anxiety, and triggers effectively.
Building Strong Relationships – Enhancing communication and connection with family, peers, and the community.
Purpose-Driven Living – Identifying personal strengths and setting meaningful goals for the future.
Daily Mental Resilience Practices – Incorporating mindfulness, gratitude, and structured routines to sustain well-being.

What is Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes)?

Warrior PATHH is a transformational 7-day in-resident intensive program designed to help veterans and first responders turn struggle into strength. It is followed by an 83-day structured support and integration process to ensure long-term success.

Warrior PATHH is rooted in the science of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) and is not a clinical program—instead, it is a training-based approach that equips participants with the tools they need to thrive. The program focuses on:

Processing Trauma in a Healthy Way – Participants learn to redefine their experiences and shift from post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic growth.
Mental and Emotional Resilience Training – Through mindfulness, stress regulation, and self-awareness exercises, participants develop skills to manage emotions effectively.
Physical and Psychological Well-Being – Incorporating movement, breathwork, and structured routines to improve overall health.
Community and Peer Support – Participants build lasting connections with others who have shared similar experiences, fostering a strong support network.
Purpose and Mission Realignment – Helping individuals rediscover their sense of purpose and create an action plan for a meaningful future.

The 83-day follow-up ensures that each participant continues their growth journey with ongoing mentorship, structured check-ins, and practical applications of the skills learned during the in-resident training.

Warrior PATHH is offered at no cost to veterans and first responders, thanks to generous donors and supporters.

How do I sign up for BRBR Programs and Services?

To sign-up for Warrior PATHH:

- - Visit the Warrior PATHH page.
  - Click the “Click here to Sign-Up for Warrior PATHH” button.
  - Fill out the form and we will be in contact with you regarding your registration.

To sign-up for Struggle Well:

- - Visit the Struggle Well page.
  - Click the “Request More Info” button and fill out our interest form
  - Our team will be in contact with you regarding your registration.

To sign-up for PTG Services such as EAP, Form Up Friday, Farm to Table Cooking Classes, etc.:

- Some of our PTG services require pre-registration, while others are open for drop-in participation. To find the most accurate sign-up details, please visit our website and click the “Training and Services” tab.
- From there, navigate to the specific service page you’re interested in. Each page includes up-to-date registration requirements and information.
- To stay informed and be among the first to sign up for upcoming services, we also recommend subscribing to our monthly newsletter.

Is this therapy?

Some of our services, such as Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), are clinical mental health treatments led by licensed clinicians who all have training in military-cultural competency. Other programs, while non-clinical, are deeply therapeutic in nature and support mental wellness through holistic, trauma-informed practices. These include:

Art and Music Groups: Offered through the Creative Forces Grant by Mid America Arts Alliance and National Endowment for the Arts, these services are facilitated by board-certified professionals (where applicable) and focus on creative expression, regulation, and connection. Learn more here.
Yoga and Tai Chi: Led by instructors trained through the Veterans Yoga Project, with specialised training in trauma-informed care. Learn more here.
Gardening: Facilitated by an 8th-generation homesteader with extensive experience in garden management and maintenance. Learn more here.

All civilian facilitators have extensive experience in working with veteran and military populations, ensuring that each participant’s experience is delivered with awareness of the unique needs of veterans and first responders.

Our organization also deeply believes in the power of peer-to-peer support – veterans supporting veterans, first responders supporting first responders, and people in recovery walking alongside each other. This model plays a vital role in many of our services and creates a space where our heroes feel seen, heard, and supported.

While not all of our programs and services are clinical in nature, each contributes significantly to mental wellness and Posttraumatic Growth.

What Volunteer Opportunities are Available?

We’re always looking for helping hands in areas such as:

Kitchen Meal Service
Cabin Reset
Garden Maintenance
Events and Special Projects

How can I sign up to volunteer?

Visit GetConnected by Galaxy Digital.
Create an account.
Select a volunteer opportunity.
Scroll down and click “Sign Up” for your desired shift.

How old do you need to be to volunteer?

Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Can you ride horses at the BRBR? Can I board my horse there?

Horseback riding is not offered at the Big Red Barn Retreat. Our Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Follow-Up Fridays (FUF) involve ground-based work with horses.

While you may see horses on-site, those are privately boarded and not used in our programs.

We are not currently accepting horses for boarding.

How can I support the Big Red Barn Retreat?

Visit the “Valuable Ways to Give” page on our website to learn how you can get involved.

Can I fundraise on behalf of the BRBR?

Yes! We welcome individual or group fundraisers.

Reach out to John Tjaarda at [email protected] if you’re planning to donate proceeds from an event.
For easy online fundraising, we recommend setting up a Facebook fundraiser to benefit the Big Red Barn Retreat.

Can I tour the Big Red Barn Retreat?

Yes, however tours are available by appointment only.

Please email us at [email protected] or call us at (803) 716-9097 to schedule your visit.

Are you hiring?

Please visit our Careers page for current job openings.

What’s the best way to stay up to date with BRBR?

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Your support helps us provide these life-changing programs and services at little to no charge to veterans, military, first responders, and their families. With your help, our Warriors won’t just survive — they’ll thrive.