Ryan Bartel Foundation | ryanbartelfoundation
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Celebrating 
10 Years of Impact

Providing safe, welcoming spaces where teens find friendships, skills to manage anxiety, stress or sadness and experience a true sense of belonging. 

Our Mission

Ryan Bartel Foundation’s mission is to build resilient and connected young people to prevent suicide from becoming a solution to life’s inevitable storms.

​91% teens feel less alone in their struggles*

*Reported Outcomes for 2024

The FORT Teen Hangout Presents:

Kick it and keep it real together! 

Join us for this special workshop on November 8th from 11am-1pm. 
Young men ages 13 - 18 will engage in movement, reflection, and conversation. Through soccer skill games, mask-making, and real talk with mentors, boys will explore what it means to “take off the mask,” express emotions, and connect with peers in an atmosphere of brotherhood, trust, and belonging.
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This workshop coincides with the national Million Mask Movement. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something bigger.

​Upcoming Teen Programs

  • The FORT
    The FORT
    Sun, Oct 26
    Sterling Community Center
    Oct 26, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St, Sterling, VA 20164, USA
    Join us for creative and interactive workshops in a safe, community space for teens.
  • The FORT
    The FORT
    Sun, Nov 09
    Sterling Community Center
    Nov 09, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St, Sterling, VA 20164, USA
    Join us for creative and interactive workshops in a safe, community space for teens.
  • The FORT
    The FORT
    Sun, Dec 07
    Fusion Academy Loudoun
    Dec 07, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Fusion Academy Loudoun, 19300 Promenade Dr Suite 200, Leesburg, VA
    Join us for creative and interactive workshops in a safe, community space for teens.
  • The FORT Teen Hangout
    The FORT Teen Hangout
    Multiple Dates
    Tue, Oct 21
    Crossroads United Methodist
    Oct 21, 2025, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Crossroads United Methodist, 43454 Crossroads Dr, Ashburn, VA
    A safe and supportive space for teens to connect once per week with other teens in person.
  • Friday Night Teen Hangout 5
    Friday Night Teen Hangout 5
    Fri, Oct 24
    Arcola United Methodist Church
    Oct 24, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Arcola United Methodist Church, 24757 Arcola Mills Drive Dulles, VA 20166
    Meet new people, enjoy games, conversations, and pizza in a safe, chill space.
  • The FORT Teen Hangout (Nov)
    The FORT Teen Hangout (Nov)
    Multiple Dates
    Tue, Nov 04
    Crossroads United Methodist
    Nov 04, 2025, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Crossroads United Methodist, 43454 Crossroads Dr, Ashburn, VA
    A safe and supportive space for teens to connect.

We invite you to explore our scheduled programs, where teens build confidence, find their people, and learn to manage life's challenges in a safe, compassionate community.

Training

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The FORT

Facilitator Training

Professional development designed to equip adults with the skills to lead our workshops for teens. Current application window closes September 15!

Apply
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Community Sources of Strength Training

Training for both youth and adults, using a strength-based, upstream approach to mental health promotion.

Read More

Resources for Parents and Teens

Navigating the path to your family’s mental wellness is easier together. Find strength in the shared wisdom of our community and explore professional guidance alongside the personal stories of parents and teens who have been there, too.

Latest News

The Ryan Bartel Foundation works to prevent youth suicide

Suzie Bartel, founder & president of Ryan Bartel Foundation, shares the story of Ryan Bartel Foundation’s 10 year journey this suicide prevention month.

Author: wusa9.com

Published: 3:59 PM EDT September 8, 2025

“Many thanks to Ryan Bartel for filling a very necessary and important hole in our community. You are all doing an excellent service to parents and teens!”

- Parent of Teen Participant

Brown: Creating Safe Spaces for Real Conversations can Help Reduce Teen Suicide.

Helping Loudoun youth
starts with offering them a feeling of safety

Read More

Ryan Bartel Foundation recognizes teen ambassadors. 

The Ryan Bartel Foundation recognized 35 high school students.​​

Read More

Ryan Bartel Foundation marks 10 years and looks to the future 

Ten years after her son died by suicide, Suzie Bartel reflects on the impact of her nonprofit.

Read More

10 years after Ryan Bartel’s death, foundation helps Loudoun teens

The Ryan Bartel Foundation has helped over 10,000 youth in its various programs.

Read More

Ways to Support

There are a few ways to get involved in our work, you can become a volunteer and work directly with our youth & special events or you can make a tax-deductible donation to help spread acceptance, connection, resiliency and hope to our community to end the silence on suffering NOW!

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Thank You to Our Sponsors

and Grant Funders

We are deeply grateful to our amazing business and corporate sponsors for supporting our mission to help youth in pain. To make a meaningful impact, visit our Sponsor Us page and join us!

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STAY IN THE KNOW

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