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 Hangout
Social 2hr session. First Friday with Equality Loudoun: Building & Exploring Positive Friendships. Hangout in a chill, all-inclusive gathering…
The FORT Six Week Series
Building Courage: Knowing Myself, Finding My Place & Discovering What Helps A six-week experience created to deepen connection,…
The FORT Hangout (For Boys)
Continuation of this six-week program designed for 9th and 10th grade boys. Each week builds on the skills…
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.
Mahjong takes four. Nobody plays alone.
And no young person should have to struggle alone.
When you play at Tiles for Hope, you’re helping support safe spaces where local teens can connect, find belonging and know they have people in their corner.
Pull up a chair. Mahj for a Cause. 💚
Reserve your seat: https://tinyurl.com/5n8392t4
#MahjongForACause #MahjongTournament #RyanBartelFoundation #TeenMentalWellness #YouthMentalHealth
On Friday, the Ryan Bartel Foundation welcomed mental health and healthcare professionals and youth-serving partners to Experience The FORT at Oatlands Historic House & Gardens.
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the afternoon was designed to care for those who care for young people and families. Guests enjoyed watercolor, gentle movement and mindfulness, fun games, and meaningful connection—what The FORT is all about!
The afternoon included watercolor with FORT facilitator Carol Trujillo @carolnataliecreative , gentle yoga-inspired movement and mindfulness with FORT facilitator Kirsten Shabanowitz @KissofYoga, and opportunities to experience how The FORT helps teens build connection, belonging, confidence, and coping skills.
We are incredibly grateful to our Mental Health Advisory Council members for planning this event.
Thank you to Oatlands Historic House & Gardens @oatlands.historic.house for the beautiful setting and to @Wegmans for providing the delicious food and beverages!
Learn more about The FORT and connecting teens to our program:
https://tinyurl.com/kuzcubvs
#ExperienceTheFORT #RyanBartelFoundation #YouthMentalHealth #ConnectionIsPrevention
Building safe, welcoming spaces for teens is an ongoing movement, and @atlanticunionbank ion Bank is helping us take that work further every day.
Their proactive support keeps our momentum going strong. Together, we’re expanding our upstream youth suicide prevention efforts, delivering proven programs, and reaching local youth right where they are.
Thank you, Atlantic Union Bank, for keeping this movement alive and ensuring no teen has to navigate life`s challenges alone.
Find out more about the 2026 Notes of Hope Gala on October 10th: www.ryanbartelfoundation.org/notes-of-hope
#SuicidePrevention #TeenMentalHealth #SafeSpaces #CommunityPillars #RyanBartelFoundation
Join us for First Friday with Friends!
Building & exploring Positive Friendships. Hangout in a chill, all-inclusive gathering for teens and be your authentic self. Connect with other people who know exactly what you`re going through. All are welcome to this event, a safe space held in partnership with @equalityloudoun
When: Friday, Oct 2nd
Time: 7:00 – 9:00PM
Where: Equality Loudoun Community Center
Cost: FREE
For teens ages 12 – 18
Must register to attend. Follow this link:
https://tinyurl.com/532uv7ky
#FORTHangout #SchoolHoliday #RyanBartelFoundation #YouthMentalWellness
