HOLBROOK FARMS RETREAT

It was after their 2008 return to the area that the Brancatos began to realize their dream. Purchasing a 47-acre working maple syrup farm on a breathtaking piece of land surrounded by woodlands and lakeshore south of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, afforded them the opportunity to define a place that would become a haven for military widows. It would lend the backdrop for survivors to heal and give support to one another.

Survivors of Heroes retreats offer an all-expense paid getaway for military survivors of fallen heroes whose loved ones gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. The retreats are designed to share time with others who have experienced a similar tragedy, to share stories, ask questions, or simply relax and take time to rejuvenate.

A sprawling home and the expansive property gives opportunities for the attendees to gather in small or large groups. They enjoy bonfires, boat rides and reconnecting with the healing properties of nature. There are shopping excursions and a night out at a favorite local restaurant. Another highlight is a BBQ and spending time on the water at the lakeside cabin.

The survivors come from all over the United States. Many have never known a Minnesota summer. Most leave looking forward to a return.

“We were very intentional about our size,” explains Brancato. “We found that when you get past the 10-12 number it gets a little bit harder to have those smaller more intimate conversations. So it’s our goal to keep it at a smaller group. We want them to feel they are really a part of our family and part of the community, and the community has done some amazing things to facilitate that.”

One of the survivors expressed to Brancato that she had received more out of four days at Holbrook Farms than from four years of counseling. “It’s that kind of experience, that when you’re around people that have gone through the same thing, you don’t have to pretend. You don’t have to be tough. You don’t have to put your smile on and you can just be. That’s the feeling we’re trying to achieve,” says Brancato.

She further explains that people often ask if they have counselors or chaplains at the retreat. They are available if someone needs them, but not a planned event on the itinerary. The Survivors of Heroes retreats center on peer-to-peer mentorship and time away from reliving the tragedies. “If it needs to happen it happens organically,” says Brancato. “It might be as they’re sitting around the bonfire that they’ll have those conversations.”

Never Going It Alone

In her unassuming way, Brancato points out none of this would be possible without her team. It stems back to her days as a point guard at Fargo South High School. “I’ve always loved being part of a team, to bring together everyone’s strengths and make things happen. Together, we can do big things.”

The team at Holbrook Farms is deeply connected. Sarah Merwin is vice president of the board of directors as well as the Survivors of Heroes retreat coordinator. Merwin, who served seven years in the Air Force herself, became a military widow when her husband Eric Ziegler died in a plane crash while serving as an Air Force pilot in 2011.

Merwin shares her incredible talents of mentorship at each retreat. “I was able to cope and work through my pain with many wonderful family and friends by my side,” says Merwin. “Not everyone has that support network, and when the tough days come, I want to be there to help and support people through their struggles.”

Brancato recognizes and appreciates the gifts her team members offer. “I’ve been so impressed by how Sarah took a very tragic situation in her life and has reminded all of us what’s really important. Sarah has done that with grace, she has taken steps forward, not only for herself but she is a great mentor for all the other survivors. They come to her as a resource for so many things. We learned from our survivors it’s not that you move on, but you find ways to move forward.”

When I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer; I went to Centre for Hair and Wellness and I was very nervous. Violet and the rest of her staff were very professional, friendly and caring. I was put at ease right away by their kindness and knowledge of the products. I would definitely recommend them to anyone. Exceptional customer service!!!

Merwin also taught those around her not to assume someone needs space. The reality is they would like to feel as normal as possible. They’d like to be invited to the family barbeque. Even though they’re not coming as a couple, they’d still like to come.

Brancato’s learned a lot from the survivors. “As a friend, you don’t have to ask what they need, just show up. Vacuum the floor for them, lend a hand, or sometimes you just need to be there and sit with them. You don’t have to say anything; you just need to show up.”

Another team member, Melissa Lorentz, is secretary of the board of directors and has recently taken on the role of property manager at Holbrook Farms. “Melissa is a military spouse with a huge heart, always reaching out to family members, the community and to survivors,” says Brancato. “Melissa is a local business owner and is highly involved with the Holbrook Farms strategic planning. She truly understands the perspective of a spouse, which is really helpful. We all feel as military spouses that it could have been any one of us.”

Along with the Holbrook Farms team is a host of volunteers acknowledged by Brancato. She insists none of this would be possible without the aid of community and volunteers.

Wired Up! owner Carol Seefeldt donates personalized gifts to all the survivor retreat attendees. She’ll be hosting an open house at the LOFT October 29 and 30 with all proceeds benefiting the Survivors of Heroes retreats (see AW calendar for more details).

Noreen Clark pampers each survivor with a magnificent massage.

Anita and Roger Price of Price’s Fine Jewelry clean and repair a special piece with great meaning for each survivor.

In addition to these very remarkable people are family members and legions of those in the community who show up on community work days helping to make the property retreat ready.

And in the midst of it all is the military family of the Brancatos. “I feel so blessed to be an American woman where we can serve our country, be successful entrepreneurs and spend time with our families,” states Brancato. “I’m thankful we are allowed to dream and have all the tools to turn them into reality.”

Brancato’s dream of Holbrook Farms would still be far off in the future if she and husband Matt had not been open-minded to another opportunity. They became independent consultants for Rodan + Fields online skincare company. This allowed them to continue their military service, while realizing their dream to own a business together. One hundred percent of the income from this endeavor has gone to fund Holbrook Farms allowing them to open five years earlier than originally planned.

Brancato and her husband plan to return full time to the farm after finishing their military careers. In the meantime, they will always return for the survivor retreats and give guidance to the on-theground team running the day-to-day business.

Expanded Dreams

Big dreams go along with a big heart and Brancato has more plans.

Holbrook Farms will continue to hold two Survivors of Heroes retreats each summer, along with an alumni retreat.

In the summer of 2016, Holbrook Farms was added to the VRBO list (Vacation Rentals By Owner) offering weeklong rentals for family reunions, wedding parties, as well as a venue for hosting church groups or other organizations. They will be hosting marriage, corporate and leadership retreats, plus crafting weekends and much more. They look forward to being your next family vacation spot too.

Eventually the expansion will include retreats for other groups including military veterans, caregivers of wounded warriors, and those dealing with PTSD or brain injuries—all in the interest of serving and helping others heal.

Brancato talks about her dream of building a big barn in the clearing where live music and barn dances will be held one day. Her eyes light up as she describes the “1940s themed big band” that will play and I see a glimpse of the little girl with big dreams and a heart of service, the one who grew up loving the lakes and knowing what it is to be supported by family and community.