Building Braveheart: A New Home for Healing in Columbiana County

As President of Camp Braveheart (CBH), I am deeply honored and truly privileged to share an encouraging update on our building fund campaign. In January alone, thanks to the incredible generosity of several local businesses and dedicated individual donors, we raised over $2,000 toward our new permanent facility at Camp Braveheart. Every dollar brings us one step closer to turning a long-held vision into reality. For those who may be new to our work, Camp Braveheart is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of first responders, corrections officers, front-line workers, veterans, and their families right here in Columbiana County.

We offer peer support groups where veterans and first responders can connect, share stories, and simply talk about life—no agenda, no pressure, just community. We host seminars on managing post-traumatic stress, wellness events, and spaces for decompression after tough shifts or challenging days. Our vision is straightforward but vital: to provide a safe haven where those who serve and protect our communities can renew, restore, and rebuild their own resilience. This new building will serve as our "base camp" for everything we do. Imagine a dedicated space where people can gather—not just for meetings or peer groups, but to relax, recharge, and find strength in one another. It will be more than walls and a roof; it will be a sanctuary away from the demands of high-stress careers, a place to breathe, reflect, and remember they are not alone.

In a world where first responders and veterans often carry invisible burdens, having a physical home base will allow us to expand our reach, host more events consistently, and create deeper, ongoing support networks. We are incredibly excited about this next chapter. None of it would be possible without the steadfast support of our community—people like you who believe in the importance of mental health, peer connection, and honoring those who serve. Your contributions, whether through one-time gifts, monthly pledges, or simply spreading the word, are what fuel this progress. That said, we still have a significant road ahead. The total cost for the new building is approximately $75,000, and while the $2,000+ from January is a strong start, we need to keep the momentum going. Small, consistent support can make an enormous difference.

If you value our local first responders, corrections professionals, and veterans—and if you're in a position to help—we invite you to consider joining us with a monthly donation of $15 (or any amount that works for you). These sustaining gifts help us plan ahead, cover ongoing program costs, and steadily chip away at the building goal. Together, we're not just constructing a building; we're building a more resilient Columbiana County—one conversation, one gathering, and one healed heart at a time. To donate, visit our website or reach out directly—we'd love to connect and share more about how your support makes an impact.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing with us. Your generosity is making a real difference in the lives of those who give so much to keep us safe. God bless you, and God bless the heroes among us.

With Gratitude,

Kelli Hephner

Founder/President, Camp Braveheart