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. This month’s theme: What’s Your Strength? A relaxed, “end-of-the-week” social outlet where activity participation is…
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…
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.
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
For more than a decade, you`ve helped us create spaces where young people can feel safe, supported, connected, and hopeful.
Tomorrow, we’ll show you a new expression of that work.
A new brand.
A new website.
A new chapter.
We’re so excited to share it with you.
August 31.
#RyanBartelFoundation #Tomorrow #NewChapter
A major shoutout to our incredible partners at @aegfuels! ✈️
For the past several years, their generous support has helped propel our mission forward. We`re grateful to have a partner that shares our commitment to preventing youth suicide and building a future where every young person feels seen, supported, and connected.
Because of partners like AEG Fuels, we can continue creating safe, welcoming spaces and delivering prevention-focused programs that build belonging and resilience before a crisis occurs.
This is how we transform teen lives through belonging, connection, and hope.
Let’s keep going! 💪
Find out more about the 2026 Notes of Hope Gala on October 10th: www.ryanbartelfoundation.org/notes-of-hope
#YouthSuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAdvocates #Grateful #ImpactInAction #RyanBartelFoundation #AEGFuels
As our mission grows, so does our community of support. Today, we are incredibly grateful to announce a brand-new partnership with the @rotaryclubofbroadlands 🚀
When it comes to protecting our youth, we need leaders who are willing to step up—and our new partners are doing just that. They are joining us with a shared passion for our mission for building community and championing teen mental health.
We are honored to welcome the Rotary Club, a cornerstone of the Broadlands-Dulles South community. With their fresh support, we are expanding our reach to create more safe, welcoming spaces and deliver proven programs that support teen mental health before a crisis hits.
Here’s to a powerful new chapter of transforming teen lives through belonging, connection, and hope.
Welcome aboard! 🤝✨
Want to know more about the 2026 Notes of Hope Gala? Find ticket and sponsor information at:
www.ryanbartelfoundation.org/notes-of-hope
#CommunityImpact #MentalHealthAdvocates #YouthSuicidePrevention #StrongerTogether #RyanBartelFoundation #RotaryClub #Broadlands #DullesSouth
