About us
Being A Teen Today Isn’t Easy.
Many are navigating anxiety, stress, loneliness, and the pressure to keep it all together—often without feeling seen or understood.
That’s why we create safe, supportive spaces where young people find connection, belonging, and hope, while building lifelong skills for resilience and emotional wellness.
Our approach
Programs That Change Lives.
Through engaging, meaningful experiences, our programs bring teens together to build connections, strengthen resilience, and gain practical tools to face life’s challenges.
The FORT
Oatlands Historic House & Gardens, Leesburg, VA 20175 Register: Free The FORT is back just in time…
The FORT Hangout (For Boys)
Boys today are facing increasing pressure to appear strong and handle challenges on their own. This six-week program…
RBF at Loudoun Out of the Darkness Community Walk
In support of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, Ryan Bartel Foundation will host a table displaying our resources…
By the numbers
Real Connection. Lasting Impact.
Our impact reflects what matters most: teens feeling less alone, more understood, and better equipped with real tools to navigate life.
91%
teens
feel more connected to peers and adults.
500+
program participants
served in 2025.
90%
teens
report improved ability to communicate their feelings.
98%
learned
a new skill to use when feeling stressed, anxious or sad.
Give hope
Connection Starts With Community.
The need for teen connection is growing—and we can’t meet it alone. Your support helps reach teens early, before isolation deepens, creating consistent spaces where connection can grow and belonging can take root. Together, we can build a community where every teen feels seen, supported, and never alone.
Thank You To Our Major Funders.
Follow Us.
Join us for a 2-hour, social hangout!
This month`s theme: What`s Your Strength. While we relax and recharge this Friday, we will discover surprising strengths within ourselves and others.
✨What to expect: A Judgement Free Zone: Real people, games, snacks, and zero stress. It’s your time to hang, have real convos, and be yourself.
🗓 When: Friday, Sept. 11th at 7:00 – 9:00pm
📍 Where: 43454 Crossroads Dr. Ashburn, VA
🟢 Who: Teens ages 12 – 18
🎟 How: Free! Must register to attend at https://tinyurl.com/ythbrxcc
Visit us to learn more about our programs: ryanbartelfoundation.org
#RyanBartelFoundation #FORT #Hangout #JudegmentFree #TeenHangout
New! 6 Weekly One-Hour Young Men’s Group 💚
🗓 When: 09/16 – 10/21
⏰ Time: 7:30 – 8:30PM
📍Where: Evolve Family Counseling and Sports Psychotherapy
44135 Woodridge Parkway, Suite 260, Landsdowne, VA
🟢 Register by September 14th: https://tinyurl.com/5n8wavu6
🤝 We`re excited to partner with Dave Edwards, LPC as the facilitator to lead the FORT Hangout Series for Boys in 9th and 10th grade.
Dave Edwards is the founder of Evolve Family Counseling and Sports Psychotherapy, and has spent more than 36 years helping children, adolescents, and families.
He has seen firsthand how many boys struggle with friendship, belonging, and finding places where they can truly be themselves.
Through this six-week series, boys will build confidence, strengthen social skills, and develop meaningful connections in a safe, supportive environment.
Visit ryanbartelfoundation.org for more information.
#RyanBartelFoundation #YoungMenSupport #TeenBoysIsolation #Loneliness
Today is 988 Day, a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about the @988lifeline (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). In addition, the Board of Supervisors has proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Month in #Loudoun to promote greater awareness of the resources and support available to help prevent suicide, which is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24. Read the proclamation: https://bit.ly/4xFVOt6
RBF is honored to partner with Loudoun County to champion suicide prevention and ensure our youth know they are never alone.
Being a part of this initiative means bringing real hope, advocacy, and life-saving tools directly to our youth.
Together, we are building a safer, more supportive safety net for our kids. 💚
Remember: support is always just a call or text away at 988.
#988Day #LoudounCounty #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePreventionMonth
Today, we’re proud to introduce the new Ryan Bartel Foundation brand and website.
Our new identity honors where we began while reflecting who we are today—and the future we’re building together.
At its heart is the monogram R: a tribute to our namesake, woven into both the Ryan Bartel Foundation and the programs that live under The FORT.
And surrounding it is an identity inspired by what we strive to create every day: safe spaces where young people can find connection, belonging, and hope.
Watch our video below to see the symbolism behind our brand.
Then come explore our new home: ryanbartelfoundation.org
Now we’re building what’s next.
A new space for youth mental wellness is coming in early 2027!
Welcome to the next chapter.
#RyanBartelFoundation #TheFORT #NewChapter #ConnectionBelongingHope
