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 At School
Trailside Middle School Register: Free The FORT At School is a free mental wellness workshop series similar to…
The FORT Hangout
Social 2hr session. Thankful You’re Here! Discovering all the small things we can find to be grateful for,…
The FORT
Sterling Community Center Register: Free Join us at The FORT for an active, movement-filled workshop and an expressive…
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.
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Six weeks. One consistent group. So many meaningful moments.💚 We recently wrapped up our first six-week FORT Series Pilot, bringing the same group of teens together each Sunday to build connection, find belonging, explore their strengths, and discover healthy ways to navigate stress and difficult feelings. Throughout the series, teens stepped outside their comfort zones, tried hands-on workshops, created personal…
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What a wonderful day of tiles, laughter, friendly competition, and community! Our first Tiles for Hope Mahjong Tournament brought together new and familiar friends for a fun-filled day at the tables, all in support of teens in our community. We are so grateful to everyone who played, cheered, sponsored, and helped make this first tournament such a success, raising almost…
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Counting down the days! There's still time to register and support a great cause. Tiles for Hope has great prizes planned for both competitive and "lite/novice" tournament players. And chances to win amazing raffle items from local donors! @stonetowerwinery, @kingstreetoyster, @eastgoesfirst, @talktilestome, @locomahj, @sweetjojodesigns, @shopmonamieamy, @thebambooroomvienna, @jacksonharlowbeauty, @sommlay_consulting. Less than one week to register: 💚 Mahj for a Cause! November…
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The FORT is back this month as single-day event. After a very successful, six-week FORT series in October, the upcoming FORT will be in our traditional, 3-hour format on November 15th, from 1pm – 4pm. Join us at Sterling Community Center for an active, movement-filled workshop and creative projects that boost mindfulness. Participants will have a chance to engage mind…
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What an incredible day on the field! We are deeply grateful to the @ServiceNow Federal family, their partners, and sponsors for hosting the 5th Annual Charity Kickball Tournament benefiting the Ryan Bartel Foundation. The generosity was truly overwhelming. Thanks to the dedication of the organizers, participating teams, and sponsors, the tournament raised an astounding $88,614 to support our youth mental…
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Do you play Mahjong? Would you like to learn? Tiles for Hope is a Mahjong Tournament benefiting the Ryan Bartel Foundation, with proceeds supporting programs that promote teen mental health, resilience, and protection against self harm. The tournament is for all levels and we are offering free lessons for new players preceding the event! Less than one week to register:…
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Relive More Moments at ryanbartelfoundation.org/notes-of-hope/
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Huge thanks to the Lido Civic Club of Washington (@lidoclubpublicrelations) for their incredible $5,000 grant supporting the Ryan Bartel Foundation’s youth suicide prevention programs! 🌟 Our President, Suzie Bartel, and Executive Director, Val Walters, were on hand at the Lido Club’s October meeting to accept this generous gift. We are especially thankful to Vito Germinario for his sponsorship and continued…
