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

Upcoming Teen Programs

Sun, Dec 07
The FORT
Fusion Academy Loudoun
Dec 07, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Fusion Academy Loudoun, 19300 Promenade Dr Suite 200, Leesburg, VA
Sign up early for our most popular holiday-themed FORT with creative and “edible” workshops in a safe, community space for teens.
Sun, Jan 11
The FORT 2
Crossroads United Methodist
Jan 11, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Crossroads United Methodist, 43454 Crossroads Dr, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
Choose Your Vibe: Start the new year fresh with energy boosting workshops at The FORT in January!
Mon, Jan 19
The FORT 3
Trillium Farm Gathering Center
Jan 19, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Trillium Farm Gathering Center, 18915 Lincoln Rd, Hillsboro, VA 20132, USA
Change up the long weekend with a bonus FORT on Monday!

Fri, Dec 05
Friday Night Teen Hangout 8
Crossroads United Methodist
Dec 05, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Crossroads United Methodist, 43454 Crossroads Dr, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
Cozy Giving: Celebrate the season by exchanging or donating silly socks, creating gifts at our craft stations, and enjoying a hot cocoa bar!
Multiple Dates
Tue, Dec 09
The FORT Teen Hangout 1 of 3
Crossroads United Methodist
Dec 09, 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, Jan 16
Friday Night Teen Hangout 9
Crossroads United Methodist
Jan 16, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Crossroads United Methodist, 43454 Crossroads Dr, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
A space where teens can actually connect, have real conversations, and relax without pressure. It’s all about fun games and sharing a slice or two of pizza! You’re welcome here.

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.

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. The next application window opens in Spring 2026!

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

Through resources and community, local nonprofits aim to prevent teen suicide.

The Ryan Bartel Foundation and the Live4Lane Foundation, are working to prevent teen suicide.

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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