Where Teens Can Connect, Share, and Be Themselves
The FORT Teen Hangout is a safe, supportive space where teens (ages 14–18) can finally exhale. It is a community where they can meet, interact, connect, and share experiences without the fear of judgment. Here, we explore the topics that actually matter to them: school pressures, loneliness, relationships, and anxiety.
The FORT Teen Hangout: A Place to Belong
We bridge the gap between home, school, and formal care by providing an accessible, prevention-focused space. Here, teens find a unique mix of peer support, trusted adult guidance, and—most importantly—a true sense of belonging.
Choose the Right Fit for Your Teen
We offer two ways to connect, depending on your teen’s comfort level.
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Best for: High School Teens (14-18) seeking consistent peer support within a small-group, low-pressure dialogue. Ages
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The Goal: To foster comfort, trust, and meaningful dialogue around personal challenges in a predictable environment.
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Best for: A relaxed, “end-of-the-week” social outlet for Teens (14-18) where participation is always an invitation, not an expectation.
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The Goal: A mix of gentle ice-breakers, guided conversations, interactive activities, and games that encourage connection, resilience, and emotional growth in a low-pressure setting.
Expert Guidance, Zero Pressure
Our Commitment to Safety: Every session is moderated by a trained mental health facilitator. We ensure that “awkward” moments are handled with grace, every teen is guided, every voice is heard, and every connection is meaningful.
Upcoming Weekly One-Hour Sessions
New! 6 Weekly One-Hour Sessions For Boys
Designed specifically for 9th and 10th grade boys adjusting to high school, this series will help build confidence, strengthen social skills, and develop meaningful relationships in a safe supportive environment by a certified mental health professional and counselor, Dave Edwards. Spaces are limited to 7 participants.
Wednesdays 7:30 - 8:30pm
September 16th - October 21st
Evolve Family Counseling and Sports Psychotherapy
44135 Woodridge Parkway, Suite 260, Landsdowne, VA
Online registration for Weekly One-Hour Sessions is required. Space is limited. Open to high school teens, ages 14 - 18.
New Participants’ parents/caregivers are required to first register, then schedule a welcome call with Program staff prior to attending to ensure the program is a good fit.
Upcoming Two-Hour Social Sessions
Saturday, August 22nd at 4:00 - 6:00pm
Loudoun Therapeutic Riding
14490 Berlin Turnpike, Lovettsville, VA
Get ready for a return to LTR for fun games, snacks, and hands-on horse time where we'll explore how horses communicate, express emotions, and set boundaries. No horse experience is required—just come as you are to unwind, laugh, and connect. Snacks will be served. No pizza for this event.
Friday, September 4th at 7:00 - 9:00pm
Equality Loudoun Community Center
1507 Dodona Terrace SE, Suite 105, Leesburg, VA
Join us for the first (of many) FORT Teen Hangouts we are hosting in partnership with Equality Loudoun at their new community space in Leesburg!
Created for LGBTQ+ Teens & Allies, Open To All.
Online registration for Friday Night Two-Hour Sessions is required. Space is limited. No walk ins. Open to teens, ages 14 - 18.
Past participants: Online registration closes Friday (day of event) at 5 PM.
New participants: All participants' parents/caregivers are required to first register, then schedule a welcome call with Program staff by Wed prior to the event, to ensure the program is a good fit.
The Transformation
Through consistent participation, parents often see their teens begin to:
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Experience Belonging and Acceptance: Feeling the relief of being themselves and meeting people who are like them in a judgment-free space.
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Find Connection: Building real friendships and a reliable peer network.
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Build Emotional Intelligence: Learning to understand, express, and manage emotions in healthy, constructive ways.
Meet our FORT Teen Hangout Facilitators:
Teen Support Group Facilitated by
Abby Ridge-Anderson, Ph.D.
Developmental Psychologist
Abby works with teens in the FORT After-School program and the FORT Teen Hangouts. She helps create spaces where teens can feel safe, be themselves, and build confidence at their own pace. Abby believes that when people feel safe, they’re more willing to try new things, learn coping skills, and connect with others. Abby Ridge-Anderson has a PhD in developmental psychology with expertise in adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and adolescent suicide prevention. She has extensive experience working with teens and families across foster care, school-based mental health programs, and clinical settings, and supports youth across several RBF programs, including the FORT After School program and the FORT Teen Hangouts.
Teen Support Group Facilitated by
Dave Edwards, LPC
Developmental Psychologist
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and founder of Evolve Family Counseling and Sports Psychotherapy, Dave 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. “Boys today are facing increasing pressure to appear strong and handle challenges on their own. This series creates a space where they can build real friendships, practice healthy social skills, and discover that asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Something Abby wants you to know:
“You don’t have to have everything figured out to belong here. Just showing up as yourself is enough.”