Big Red Barn Retreat highlighted in Boulder Crest Foundation’s Hero’s Journey Contest
June 6, 2025
Public voting open now through June 9th, 2025
The Big Red Barn Retreat (BRBR) is proud to announce that a video submission, “Irmo, SC Fire Dept Finding it’s Soul” featuring the Irmo Fire Department and their journey through the Struggle Well program has been selected for the Hero’s Journey Story Contest, hosted by Boulder Crest Foundation.
Created by Lee Ann Kornegay, the powerful video tells the story of how Irmo Fire Department personnel embraced the science of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) through BRBR’s Struggle Well training, transforming the way they respond to stress, trauma, and life’s challenges. The Struggle Well program, developed in partnership with Boulder Crest, supports first responders and veterans to grow through adversity using evidence-based tools rooted in PTG.
The video is now live for public voting, and the Big Red Barn Retreat is calling on its community for support. Voting is available through this link, and closes on Sunday, June 9th. Individuals can only vote once, and the process only takes a few minutes to complete.
The top stories will be recognized nationally, and winning entries will help raise awareness for the transformative power of PTG in the lives of first responders, veterans, and their loved ones.
About The Big Red Barn Retreat
Located in Blythewood, SC, the Big Red Barn Retreat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping heroes thrive. We achieve this mission by providing transformative programs and services to veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families. The Big Red Barn Retreat emphasizes the importance of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG), which is a studied science that results in turning struggle into strength. We offer Warrior PATHH and Struggle Well, which are PTG-based programs for our heroes, at no cost. In addition to our programs, we offer a variety of science-backed services, not only for our heroes, but also for their families. The services include equine-assisted therapy, yoga, tai chi, healing arts, and more. To learn more, please visit our website.
