Our Story
A Story of Loss, Love, Hope, and Purpose
OUR BEGINNING
2022
"A season of profound loss became the foundation for a mission of hope."
Like many people impacted by suicide loss, Stephanie Kaeberlein experienced firsthand the grief, trauma, and uncertainty that follow the death of a loved one.
As she navigated the difficult months that followed the loss of her husband, Chris, she found herself searching for places that felt peaceful, grounding, and supportive... places where people could gather, reflect, and begin moving forward one step at a time.
While family and friends surrounded her with love and support, one reality became increasingly clear: there was no roadmap for navigating a loss of this magnitude.
That deeply personal journey sparked a vision for something greater... a place where individuals and families facing life's hardest seasons could find encouragement, resources, and support for the road ahead.
From that vision, Liberty Oaks was born.
What If There Was a Better Way?
In the months following Chris's death, Stephanie found herself returning to a question that would eventually shape the future of Liberty Oaks:
"What if there was a better way?"
What if families experiencing profound loss had more than good intentions surrounding them?
What if support was intentional, compassionate, and organized?
What if people facing grief, trauma, and life's unexpected challenges had access to encouragement, practical resources, and people who truly understood what they were experiencing?
Those questions became the foundation of Liberty Oaks and continue to shape its future.
Strength Through the Journey
The story of Liberty Oaks is not only Stephanie's story. It is also the story of her children, Jack and Madelyn, and their journey forward after the loss of their father, Chris.
Together, they have faced grief, uncertainty, and the challenges that come with rebuilding life after loss. Through it all, they have continued to find strength in one another, their faith, and the hope that something meaningful could emerge from their experience.
Their resilience, compassion, and perspective continue to shape the vision behind Liberty Oaks and reinforce the belief that no one should have to walk through life's hardest seasons alone.
As a family, they remain committed to helping create opportunities for encouragement, support, and hope for others navigating difficult circumstances.
"What are the Possibilities?"
Chris Kaeberlein was a devoted husband, father, mentor, and leader who believed deeply in the potential of people.
Known for his optimism, curiosity, and servant-hearted leadership, he spent much of his life helping individuals, teams, and organizations grow, collaborate, and thrive. He encouraged people to look beyond obstacles and focus on what was possible.
That question continues to inspire the vision behind Liberty Oaks today.
While Chris's life ended far too soon, his influence lives on through a mission dedicated to helping others find hope and support during life's most difficult seasons. The values he lived by, including faith, compassion, service, and belief in others, remain woven into the heart of Liberty Oaks and the future it seeks to create.
Reimagining life after loss isn't easy, and it isn't linear. But it has taught me the power of intention, the importance of community, and the necessity of leaning into the hard work of healing.
— stephanie kaeberleinHelp Write the Next Chapter
Every step forward is a step toward restoration.
Liberty Oaks exists because we believe no one should have to face
life's hardest moments alone.
If this story has resonated with you, we invite you to take the next step with us.