Celebrating
10 Years of Impact

Name: Ryan Bartel Foundation
Address: US

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.

Our Story

Our Impact

91% teens feel less alone in their struggles*

*Reported Outcomes for 2024

Celebrating 10 Years in Teen Mental Wellness

Find Out More

The FORT Teen Hangout Presents:

Kick it and keep it real together!

Help Your Teen Build Confidence On & Off the Field! November 15th from 10am-12pm.

Sign Up

Join international pro soccer player + coach and sports psychotherapist Dave “Ted” Edwards for a one-of-a-kind workshop blending soccer, creativity, and mentorship. Boys will build skills, express themselves, and learn to show their true selves — all while having fun! For young men ages 12 - 18

FREE: Spots are limited - register today
Participants must wear soccer or athletic shoes suitable for an indoor basketball court. Delicious snacks will be served. You must register to attend. Free of charge.

Special Guest Speaker: Marcus Smith II
Former first-round NFL athlete and mental wellness leader

Upcoming Teen Programs

Multiple Dates
Tue, Nov 18
The FORT Teen Hangout (Nov)
Crossroads United Methodist
Nov 18, 2025, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Crossroads United Methodist, 43454 Crossroads Dr, Ashburn, VA
A safe and supportive space for teens to connect.
Fri, Nov 21
Friday Night Teen Hangout 7
Crossroads Methodist Church
Nov 21, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Crossroads Methodist Church, 43454 Crossroads Dr Ashburn, VA 20147
Trivia Night: Sign up for the first ever Trivia Night at the Hangout. Start with an ice breaker, trivia, music, and PIZZA in a judgement-free, chill space.

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.

Sign Up Now

Past participants: Online registration closes Friday at 5 PM (walk-ins on Sunday accepted).
New participants: Register and complete phone intake by Thur at 6pm before the FORT, or register and complete intake at the FORT by arriving 30 minutes before start time.

Training

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

Community Sources of Strength Training

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

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

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

Helping Loudoun youth
starts with offering them a feeling of safety

Ryan Bartel Foundation recognizes teen ambassadors.

The Ryan Bartel Foundation recognized 35 high school students.

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.

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.

“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

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!

Donate

Volunteer

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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