Turning Retirement into ReFIREment
Where Experience Meets Eternal Purpose
Refire Nation is a dynamic, faith-driven community that ignites the passions of individuals entering or living in retirement, often called the “third third” of life – a season when many seek renewed purpose, contribution, and growth. Rather than viewing this stage as a time of decline, Refire Nation reframes it as an opportunity to re-engage through connection, learning, and service.
Members are encouraged to “refire” by stepping into this vibrant season, where connecting deeply, learning actively, and serving passionately become the norm. We believe these years are not about slowing down, but stepping up – turning later life into a legacy of growth, service, and lasting impact.
At Refire Nation, you don’t just retire – you refire, transforming your later years into a season of profound purpose and impact that echoes far beyond today.
Core Pillars of ReFire Nation
CONNECT
Build meaningful relationships with people who understand this season. Find community, not isolation.
LEARN
Engage in structured studies and experiences that help you navigate this stage with clarity and confidence.
SERVE
Put your experience into action through real service opportunities in the church and community.
Testimonials
“Having recently retired, my wife and I started attending a Flourish group [hosted by Refire Nation] being held at Fairhaven Church. It was our hope to get some help in navigating this new phase of our journey. It has been a real blessing to meet and connect with others who desire God’s plan for how to have impact and bear fruit in this season of life. We are no longer wondering what our retirement will look like, but rather, we are seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and planning for what our future possibilities might be in bearing fruit for God’s kingdom.” – G.W.
“I have always struggled with saying “yes” too much, especially to the people I am close to (too much grace, not enough truth). This inward look that I am doing with Flourish is helping me realize what is truly important to me so I can start saying no to the lower priority things in my life. I am certainly not there yet, but have started the journey. Thank you.” – S.N.
“Even though my life was already full of meaningful purpose, Flourish provided essential clarity and I’m eagerly embarking on the path God has revealed to me. For anyone seeking purpose, meaning and self-discovery in their third third of life, I HIGHLY recommend the Flourish experience!” – P.W.
How am I doing in my third third season of life?
I’M SEEKING GUIDANCE
Are you floundering, wondering how to move from retirement into a new life of purpose? Retirement isn’t meant to be a drift into irrelevance – your experience, wisdom, and leadership still matter. At ReFire Nation, we challenge you to transform from success to significance, isolation to community, inactivity to mission, and uncertainty to purposeful service.
Through transformational courses, making connections at live events, and intentional service, we help you discover where your gifts can make a lasting difference. Whether mentoring, leading in churches, serving nonprofits, or investing in the next generation, you can live a life of impact and faithful purpose.
Find your next calling – learn more about ReFire Nation today!
I’M OFFERING INSPIRATION
If you’re flourishing in your retirement (third-third), your story can help others move forward with hope, faith, and purpose. At ReFire Nation, we challenge faith-filled retirees and purpose-driven adults to actively use their skills, share their experiences, and engage with others in meaningful ways. The wisdom and lessons God has used to shape your life were never meant to stay hidden.
Through mentoring, speaking, writing, leading, or simply coming alongside someone in need of encouragement, you can help others navigate uncertainty, inspire meaningful service, strengthen churches and communities, and show that purpose continues at every age.
Someone may be waiting for the unique story, wisdom, and encouragement only you can offer.
ReFire Nation helps you transition into a life of purpose, not just retirement
Discover your calling
Engage your faith in meaningful ways
Invest your experience where it matters
Ready to Refire Your Next Chapter?
Retirement isn’t just about what you’re leaving behind. It’s an opportunity to discover what you’re being called to next.
Sign up for Refire Nation updates and receive your FREE Refire Roadmap, a practical guide designed to help you explore greater connection, direction, and purpose in this next season of life.
Get My ReFire Roadmap
ReFire Nation’s Story
ReFire Nation’s Story
For many people, retirement is pictured as the finish line. For Barak and Victoria Strickland, it became the beginning of something entirely new. Together, they are the founders of Refire Nation, a movement dedicated to helping older adults rediscover purpose, connection, and meaning in the “third third” of life.
Barak spent 40 years serving in the U.S. Air Force through both active duty and civil service, managing complex projects and leading through seasons of challenge and change. Yet after retirement, he found himself facing something he never expected: profound isolation and a personal mental health crisis. In 2025, one courageous decision to reach out for help changed the course of his life. What once felt hopeless became the foundation for renewed purpose, deeper relationships, and a calling to help others navigate life after retirement. Today, Barak passionately encourages older adults to move from floundering to flourishing, reminding them that it is never too late to “refire” and finish well.
Victoria brings her own lifelong heart for service to the mission. A licensed physical therapist and founder of VTS Physical Therapy in Ohio, she has spent years helping people heal physically while also investing deeply in her family and community. In this season of life, she treasures one of her most meaningful roles yet: “Oma” to her grandchildren. As she looks toward her own future retirement, Victoria is committed to living intentionally, nurturing relationships, and using her experience and gifts to continue serving others in impactful ways.
Together, Barak and Victoria believe the later years of life are not meant for withdrawal, but for renewed purpose, wisdom, mentoring, and impact. Through Refire Nation, they are helping others discover that the third third can become some of the most meaningful years yet.
- September 15, 2026
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Flourishing in the Third Third of Life Course September 15, 2026 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Daniel J. Curran Place, 1700 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45479, USA See more details
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- September 16, 2026
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- September 17, 2026
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- September 22, 2026
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Flourishing in the Third Third of Life Course September 22, 2026 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Daniel J. Curran Place, 1700 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45479, USA See more details
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- September 29, 2026
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Flourishing in the Third Third of Life Course September 29, 2026 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Daniel J. Curran Place, 1700 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45479, USA See more details
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- October 1, 2026
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- October 2, 2026
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First Friday Connect October 2, 2026 9:00 am – 10:30 am Kettering Health Years Ahead – Kettering, 1745 E Stroop Rd, Kettering, OH 45429, USASee more details
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- October 6, 2026
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Flourishing in the Third Third of Life Course October 6, 2026 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Daniel J. Curran Place, 1700 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45479, USA See more details
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- October 8, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refire Nation?
ReFire Nation is a community and movement for adults in the “third third” (retirement) of life who want to live with renewed purpose, not just retire. We help people connect, grow, and serve in meaningful ways.
What do you mean by “refirement”?
Refirement is the idea that this season of life is not about slowing down, but being called into something new. It’s a shift from ending a career to stepping into purpose.
Who is this for?
ReFire Nation is designed for adults 55+ who are entering or navigating retirement and want more than just leisure. Many are leaders, professionals, or people of faith who feel there’s still more ahead.
I’m retired but unsure what’s next. Is this for me?
Yes. If you’ve ever asked “now what?” or felt a loss of direction after your career, you’re exactly who this is for.
Do I need to have everything figured out before joining?
Not at all. Most people join because they don’t have clarity yet. This is a place to explore, learn, and discover your next step.
Is this only for people in the Dayton area?
No. While there are local gatherings, ReFire Nation is growing into both in-person and virtual experiences so people can participate from anywhere.