Big Red Barn Retreat outlines veteran-focused post‑traumatic growth training to South Carolina senators

Mister Christian, a combat veteran and representative of the Big Red Barn Retreat, told the Family and Veterans' Services Committee that the nonprofit provides residential training and ongoing follow-up for veterans, first responders and their families across South Carolina.

"We get to do this," Christian said, describing the program as a non‑clinical but therapeutic set of trainings that promote “post traumatic growth” rather than only treating post‑traumatic stress. He said the Big Red Barn offers seven‑day residential sessions followed by an 83‑day follow‑up and that the program has grown from roughly one class a year to about 27 classes annually.

The presentation, delivered during the committee’s public agenda item, emphasized the organization’s statewide outreach. Christian said the retreat works with military installations and recruiting organizations on the East Coast and has recently conducted training for Marine Corps leadership at Parris Island. He also said the organization partners with the Bouldercrest Foundation and is one of 10 national programs delivering two named training modalities, "Struggle Well" and "Warrior Path." Christian described the trainings as digestible, peer‑led and therapeutic in effect though not clinical therapy.

Committee members praised the program and added local perspectives. Senator Richland noted South Carolina’s growing veteran population and said the program is an "extraordinary" resource. Senator Katrina Shealy, who the committee identified as sitting on the Big Red Barn board, and Councilwoman Gretchen Baron, introduced as a Bridgerton County council member on the board, were present and stood when asked to be recognized.

Committee members asked about geographic outreach and formats. Christian said the retreat runs on‑site residential programs and also offers preventive and awareness training delivered at partner organizations such as American Legion posts and Veterans of Foreign Wars halls. He listed existing outreach groups in Greenville and Beaufort and said staff do on‑site trainings for local police and fire departments, including Sumter Police and Sumter Fire. Senators and members at the hearing offered personal testimony about veterans and clients who benefited from the program; one senator said a veteran client who entered the program while in veterans court had a successful recovery and relationships built through the program’s peer‑to‑peer model.

Christian and committee members stressed the program’s family focus: he described post‑traumatic growth as a transformative approach that helped his own family after the suicide of his daughter. The committee did not vote on or take formal action related to the presentation; members thanked presenters and adjourned the item after the discussion.

The presentation was placed on the committee record so senators and staff could follow up on local partnerships and potential referrals from their districts.