Life's a forge! Yes, and hammer and anvil, too! You'll be roasted, smelted, and pounded, and you'll scarce know what's happening to you. But stand boldly to it! Metal's worthless till it's shaped and tempered! More labor than luck. Face the pounding, don't fear the proving; and you'll stand well against any hammer and anvil." ~ Lloyd Alexander

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with the generosity of Midas Springs, we are REBUILDING the barn to REBUILD the man

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Tempered by Service. Strengthened by Peace.

The Elements Rebuild the man.

THE FORGE is a respite for first responders and military personnel seeking to shape a renewed personal path forward.

Our Mission

The mission of THE FORGE is to support all active and retired First Responders, Military Personnel and their families by providing space, connection and purpose. The Forge brings people together in a spirit of unity, brotherhood and personal renewal. Through meaningful conversation, team building activities, workshops and genuine camaraderie, individuals can reconnect to the strength and clarity that first inspired their calling.

The Forge offers educational, reflective and restorative retreats and gatherings in a peaceful and confidential environment. We are not a counseling service. Instead, we create the space where growth, clarity and resilience can take root naturally, much like the heart of the pine that remains strong long after the outer wood has weathered.

The Forge is proud to provide its programs, outings and events at no cost to first responders, military personnel and their families.

At The Forge, those who have dedicated their lives to helping others will now find a community striving to help them in return.

Please join us in supporting our heroes.

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68%

53%

52%

40%

Stress and Burnout:

Over two-thirds (68%) of first responders report experiencing stress, and nearly 60% report burnout.

Depression:

A majority (53%) experience symptoms of depression.

Anxiety:

Over half (52%) report experiencing anxiety.

PTSD:

Approximately 40% of first responders experience symptoms of PTSD.

Serving Those Who Serve Us

First responders and military personnel are the backbone of our communities. Their commitment, resilience, and readiness create the safety and stability we all rely on. Through their daily service, they strengthen the fabric of our towns and inspire us to contribute to something larger than ourselves. Our gratitude for their dedication, seen and unseen, runs deep.

At The Forge, we simply provide the space.

A place to gather, unwind, reconnect, and breathe.

A place where conversations can happen naturally and without judgment.

A place where shared experience becomes strength and where those who serve can rediscover the steady center that has always been within them.

We encourage connection, community, and the kind of camaraderie that reminds people they are never carrying the load alone. By bringing peers together in a setting designed for clarity and calm, we help strengthen the networks that already exist among our service members.

These men and women have given so much to all of us.

We are honored to stand beside them - offering a peaceful place to reset, reconnect, and continue forward with strength.