Graduates work to save nonprofit Red Barn Academy after it announces closure

FARMINGTON — Red Barn Academy, a nonprofit vocational school for men, unexpectedly announced plans to cease operations and subsequently received an emergency cease and desist order from the Department of Commerce.

The Utah Department of Commerce's Division of Consumer Protection issued the order on Feb. 12 after it "received credible information that Red Barn planned to shut down the program in two weeks," according to the document. Closing the program with only two weeks' notice would be in violation of the Residential, Vocational and Life Skills Programs Act, which requires programs to provide written notice to the division 30 days prior to the intended closing date, along with a plan to provide food, shelter and clothing to displaced participants during that time.

Many Red Barn Academy graduates were devastated by the news of its closing due to the program's positive effect on their lives.

"It gave me a structure, and it gave me a community and place of connection; it impacted my life, and it did change me," said Brock Szczypkowski, a Red Barn Academy graduate. "I worked six days a week. I did some of the hardest things I've ever done in my entire life and ... I did them sober. It definitely made me a man of substance with accountability, honesty and integrity. ... I reaped a lot of great benefits from that place."

While it seems the decision to sell the Red Barn property is final, a number of graduates are still fighting to save it. An anonymous graduate created a petition to preserve the substance abuse program that reportedly gained over 100 signatures in the first hour it was published.

Red Barn Academy graduate Adam Plummer is helping to spread news of the petition in hopes the program will remain.

"At this point, we just want to keep the doors open to Red Barn. We want to continue the mission," Plummer said.
"We want these men to have the opportunity to finish their two-year commitment, and we want the place to remain open. It has such a positive impact that nobody can fathom why the doors would be closing."

Red Barn Academy is a men's residential program with an emphasis on nontraditional rehabilitation. Those struggling with criminality, substance abuse and homelessness can live at Red Barn Academy free of charge and participate in a minimum two-year program that teaches value-centered life skills and vocational skills. Participants typically gain these skills by working for the academy's various departments, including Red Barn Thrift, Red Barn Movers and Red Barn Culinary.

Because many of the program's participants have experienced homelessness, incarceration and addiction, they will require help to transition to a similar facility or they may face legal repercussions. According to the Department of Corrections, there are 62 men on probation and one man on parole currently residing at Red Barn Academy. A standard condition of parole and probation is to establish a residence of record and not change it without permission from a parole officer.

The Utah Division of Consumer Protection is continuing to monitor the situation. Red Barn Academy has stated it will ensure current residents are transitioned and can continue their recovery journeys by working with Adult Probation & Parole.

Red Barn Academy announced that not only is the program ceasing operation, but all Red Barn assets — estimated to total $17.2 million as of 2023 — will be sold and reinvested.

According to a press release from Red Barn Academy, "All proceeds from the sales will be reinvested by Red Barn Academy's parent, R&S Foundation, into other charities, including many in Davis County and throughout Utah and beyond. The property where Red Barn Academy currently operates will be commercially developed by Class A businesses that will provide new products and services to residents of Davis County."

Related topics