Forging Forward 

Using metal art, blacksmithing, and community to help veterans, first responders, and others heal, rebuild, and move forward.

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🛠️ Our Mission

Emperor’s Pride: Forging Forward is a nonprofit healing program built around the forge.

We combine metal art, hands-on skill development, and brotherhood/sisterhood to support veterans, first responders, and anyone carrying trauma, injuries, or life-changing experiences.

Whether in the shop, at a retreat, or online, we provide a space to reconnect with purpose and move forward—together.

🔩 How Forging Helps Heal

• Physical creation grounds the mind and body

• Fire and steel offer controlled release and focus

• Skill-building restores confidence and identity

• Shared work builds trust and lasting relationships

• Quiet work allows healing without pressure to speak

Steel doesn’t judge. It only responds to how you work it.

⚒️ Our Programs

Local Forge Sessions

Hands-on metal art and blacksmithing in a safe, supportive shop environment.
No experience required. Tools, materials, and guidance provided.

Weekend Forge Retreats

Immersive weekend gatherings focused on:

• Skill development

• Relationship building

• Healing through shared work

• Reflection and community support

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⚒️Online Forge Community

A virtual space for those who cannot attend in person:

• Educational training in tooling design and fabrication

• Shop setup and essential tools

• Safety practices

• Design and development techniques

• Group support chats and peer connection

🇺🇸 Who We Serve

• Veterans

• First responders

• Individuals living with PTSD

• Those recovering from physical or emotional injuries

• Anyone seeking healing through purposeful creation

You don’t have to be “fixed” to belong here.

🤝 Get Involved

Three clear paths:

Need Support?
Apply to participate in local sessions, retreats, or the online forge.

Want to Support?
Donate, sponsor a participant, or contribute materials and tools.

Want to Help Hands-On?
Volunteer skills, instruction, or shop assistance.

Local Forge Program

• Small group sessions

• One-on-one guidance available

• Adaptive techniques for injuries

• Focus on safety and comfort

• Build functional or artistic projects

Weekend Forge Retreats

• Friday–Sunday immersive experience

• Structured shop time + open forge

• Group meals and informal conversations

• Optional reflection and support circles

• No pressure participation

Online Forge

Educational Training Includes:

• Tooling design & fabrication

• Shop tools: what’s needed vs optional

• Safety systems and best practices

• Metal design and development techniques

• Problem-solving and project planning

Community Support:

• Moderated group chats

• Peer support

• Instructor Q&A sessions