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Celebrating 
10 Years of Impact

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.

​91% teens feel less alone in their struggles*

*Reported Outcomes for 2024

​Upcoming Teen Programs

  • The FORT
    The FORT
    Sun, Dec 07
    Fusion Academy Loudoun
    Dec 07, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Fusion Academy Loudoun, 19300 Promenade Dr Suite 200, Leesburg, VA
    Join us for our holiday themed FORT with creative and “edible” workshops in a safe, community space for teens.
  • The FORT Teen Hangout (Nov)
    The FORT Teen Hangout (Nov)
    Multiple Dates
    Tue, Nov 18
    Crossroads United Methodist
    Nov 18, 2025, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Crossroads United Methodist, 43454 Crossroads Dr, Ashburn, VA
    A safe and supportive space for teens to connect.
  • Friday Night Teen Hangout 7
    Friday Night Teen Hangout 7
    Fri, Nov 21
    Crossroads Methodist Church
    Nov 21, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Crossroads Methodist Church, 43454 Crossroads Dr Ashburn, VA 20147
    Trivia Night: Sign up for the first ever Trivia Night at the Hangout. Start with an ice breaker, trivia, music, and PIZZA in a judgement-free, chill space.
  • The FORT Teen Hangout 3 of 3
    The FORT Teen Hangout 3 of 3
    Multiple Dates
    Tue, Dec 02
    Crossroads United Methodist
    Dec 02, 2025, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Crossroads United Methodist, 43454 Crossroads Dr, Ashburn, VA
    A safe and supportive space for teens to connect.

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

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The FORT

Facilitator Training

Professional development designed to equip adults with the skills to lead our workshops for teens. Current application window closes September 15!

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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.

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!

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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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