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The Power Of Connection

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

Our Mission

To deliver safe spaces and supportive programs

where young people find belonging, connection, and hope while building lifelong tools for resilience and wellness that protect against self harm.

​91% teens feel less alone in their struggles*

*Reported Outcomes for 2025

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From Loneliness to Belonging

Connection changes everything. Take the next step in your journey with us. Read our blog posts, view an on-demand webinar or download a special report on teen loneliness to get actionable insights to build a stronger support system for your teens today.

​Upcoming Teen Programs

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.

  • The FORT Summer Camp 1
    The FORT Summer Camp 1
    Multiple Dates
    Mon, Jun 22
    Trillium Farm Gathering Center
    Jun 22, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Trillium Farm Gathering Center, 18915 Lincoln Rd, Hillsboro, VA 20132, USA
    Register EARLY for The FORT Summer Camp in June!
  • The FORT Summer Camp 2
    The FORT Summer Camp 2
    Multiple Dates
    Mon, Jul 20
    Trillium Farm Gathering Center
    Jul 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Trillium Farm Gathering Center, 18915 Lincoln Rd, Hillsboro, VA 20132, USA
    Take advantage of early registration for The FORT Summer Camp in July!
  • The FORT at Sterling Community Center August
    The FORT at Sterling Community Center August
    Sun, Aug 09
    Sterling Community Center
    Aug 09, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St, Sterling, VA 20164, USA
    Join us as we regroup and get ready to start a new school year. We're embracing change and growth with new workshops and old friends.
  • FORT Teen Hangout 11
    FORT Teen Hangout 11
    Thu, Jun 18
    Loudoun Therapeutic Riding
    Jun 18, 2026, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Loudoun Therapeutic Riding, 14490 Berlin Turnpike, Lovettsville, VA
    Join us for a special horse-powered experience at Loudoun Therapeutic Riding.
  • FORT Teen Hangout 12
    FORT Teen Hangout 12
    Sat, Jul 11
    Loudoun Therapeutic Riding
    Jul 11, 2026, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Loudoun Therapeutic Riding, 14490 Berlin Turnpike, Lovettsville, VA
    Join us for a special horse-powered experience at Loudoun Therapeutic Riding.
  • FORT Teen Hangout 13
    FORT Teen Hangout 13
    Fri, Jul 17
    Location TBD
    Jul 17, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Location TBD, TBD
    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.
  • FORT Teen Hangout 14
    FORT Teen Hangout 14
    Fri, Jul 31
    Crossroads United Methodist
    Jul 31, 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.

Training

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The FORT

Facilitator Training

Professional development designed to equip adults with the skills to lead our workshops for teens. 

​

Read More
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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.

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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.

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Latest News

Ryan Bartel Foundation plans programs to address teen loneliness

Ryan Bartel Foundation was featured in the Loudoun Times-Mirror for our ongoing work to support youth mental  health. Read the article. 

100WomenStrong Awards 51 Grants

RBF selected among Loudoun nonprofits for addressing one of five essential areas of community well-being.

Read More

Ryan Bartel Foundation Lands $100K Grant from Born This Way Foundation.

Ryan Bartel Foundation was selected for a Kindness in Community Fund grant. 

Read More

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

RBF and the Live4Lane Foundation, are actively working to prevent teen suicide.

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

“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!

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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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