Ryan Bartel Foundation

The Ryan Bartel Foundation (RBF) was started in Oct 2015, one year after the Bartels lost their son Ryan to suicide. They wanted to turn their tragedy into something positive by preventing other families from experiencing the same outcome. The mission of RBF is to prevent youth suicide through awareness, upstream educational programs, and activities that support and empower youth, families, and the community through acceptance, connection, resiliency, and hope. Our goals fall into the following areas: AWARENESS about the causes behind the epidemic of youth suicide through outreach programs. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS that develop coping skills for ups and downs of life, providing acceptance for all while encouraging youth to build confidence and self-esteem. ACTIVITIES inspired by youth who are struggling. We aim to empower teens to create their own programs that stimulate their interests and help others who have similar issues, giving them a feeling of normalcy, purpose, strength, and renewed interest in life.