About Us

Every life holds immeasurable value, and every story deserves to be heard. Our community was created to offer a safe, supportive space where people can speak openly about suicide, mental health, and the challenges that often remain hidden behind silence. We believe that honest conversation-rooted in compassion and understanding-has the power to reduce stigma, strengthen
connection, and inspire hope.

We bring together individuals, families, and groups who seek awareness, prevention, and support. Whether someone is navigating their own struggles, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to learn, we provide resources, education, and a community built on empathy. No one should feel alone in their experience, and no one should feel afraid to reach out.

Austin Leatherman

September 14, 2007 – May 28, 2025

Austin James Leatherman was born on September 14, 2007 in Waynesboro, PA and his first home was in Smithsburg, MD. We moved to the home that we still occupy in January 2009. Austin was always driven to service. Whether it was helping in daycare, playing dress-up with the girls so they would play police with him or always standing up for someone that couldn’t for themselves, he was always about helping and cooperation.

Austin got to do many activities in his short lifetime and visited so many places. It was important to his step-father and I that we shared as much history, knowledge and fun as possible. Austin was a member of the Civil Air Patrol for a year in which time he was able to take four flights, to include taking off, flying and landing the plane – all at the age of 12. When COVID hit and the activities were downsized, Austin turned his interest to what he had always wanted to do – the fire department.

Austin became a Junior Firefighter and soon became the Captain of the Junior Firefighters. Austin had an amazing skill in leadership and speaking up for what was right and wrong. He was not afraid to share what he felt and used that quality to stand up for his fellow classmates and firefighters. Austin became a probationary firefighter shortly before his untimely death.

It was always Austin’s dream that everyone get along and become a stronger community. He worked hard in the areas of this dream that he could control. He stood up for anyone that was getting bullied from the time he was young and spent considerable time on how to achieve this mission.

Austin was a member of the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company, Maugansville Volunteer Fire Department and Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department. His commitment to service was known throughout multiple communities and he never backed down from a challenge. He was the first to volunteer to help and the last to leave once ensuring all tasks were complete.

I could not be more honored to have been his mother, even for the short time that I was allowed to keep him. A key takeaway from Austin’s short life is that we never know what is going on in someone else’s mind. Taking care of our own mental health and understanding warning signs is so important to take the first steps yourself to ensure that you are well balanced in all areas of your life.

Our Work

Our work is guided by core values that shape every interaction: compassion, safety, dignity, community, awareness, prevention, and hope. These principles remind us that healing grows when people feel seen, respected, and supported.

We envision a world where conversations about mental health are embraced rather than avoided – where reaching out is met with understanding instead of judgment, and where every person feels empowered to seek help without fear. Together, we are building a community that listens deeply, cares genuinely, and stands united in the belief that connection can change lives.

This is more than a space. It’s a commitment to one another. It’s a reminder that hope is real, support is possible, and no one has to walk their path alone.

The Team

Kathyrn Kaiser

Founder

The loss of Austin created a hole that cannot be filled, however, with everyone’s work and dedication to the community we can strengthen each other and build ourselves into a stronger united front as was Austin’s dream.

Keith Cooper

Foundation Support

My hope is to continue making a positive impact, both in the fire service and in the lives of those around me.