The Ryan Bartel Foundation is a Youth Suicide Prevention organization. 

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.

The Ryan Bartel Foundation creates safe, welcoming spaces and offers proven programs that support teen mental health before a crisis occurs — helping young people experience belonging, build friendships, and develop skills that protect against self-harm and empower them to thrive with resilience, confidence, and hope.

Ryan Bartel Foundation Programs

The FORT  - A one-day weekend experience where young people can be themselves, find belonging, and connect with peers. Through shared activities across expressive arts, mindfulness, time in nature, animal-assisted therapy, and movement, participants build friendships and discover practical coping skills they can draw on during times of stress, anxiety, or sadness. The FORT Camp A multi-day program offered during school breaks, giving teens extended time to build friendships, strengthen their sense of belonging, and explore new ways to support their mental wellness. Workshops encourage teens to push past comfort zones, embrace a growth mindset, and practice coping strategies they can carry into everyday life.

The FORT Camp  - A multi-day program offered during school breaks, giving teens extended time to build friendships, strengthen their sense of belonging, and explore new ways to support their mental wellness. Workshops encourage teens to push past comfort zones, embrace a growth mindset, and practice coping strategies they can carry into everyday life.

The FORT At School - Brings our experiential workshops directly into schools, libraries, and community centers as a series of one-hour sessions over 3–6 weeks. Especially valuable for families unable to attend weekend programs, these sessions focus on building resilience and connection while teaching practical skills for handling stress and emotional challenges.

The FORT Hangout - Ongoing sessions for high school students to unwind, build friendships, and receive support in a safe, welcoming environment. With a mix of fun games, group discussions, and free time, teens practice social skills, set healthy boundaries, and encourage one another under the guidance of a mental health professional.

Community Sources of Strength Training is offered to teens and adults upon request, at no charge. Source of Strength is an evidence-based program focused on upstream prevention by building protective factors, encouraging positive, help-seeking behavior, and stronger peer-to-peer and peer-to-adult connections. We make this training available to any youth or adult group interested, including Scouts, sports teams, parent groups, and other community organizations.