Bill Text: VA HJR244 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending the Ryan Bartel Foundation.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2020-02-28 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ244ER) [HJR244 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-HJR244-Introduced.html
WHEREAS, the Ryan Bartel Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Waterford, strives to prevent youth suicide by empowering young people, families, and community organizations to provide education, hope, and lifesaving support; and
WHEREAS, the Ryan Bartel Foundation was established by Suzie and Ben Bartel after their oldest son, Ryan, died by suicide at the age of 17, with a mission to ensure that other families did not experience a similar tragedy; and
WHEREAS, the Ryan Bartel Foundation facilitates connections between young people and trusted adults and encourages young people to seek help for themselves and others; the organization works to break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide and create a culture of acceptance; and
WHEREAS, by using evidence-based programs to build resiliency for coping with life challenges and providing community-focused activities, the Ryan Bartel Foundation fosters a sense of purpose, belonging, and hope among participants; and
WHEREAS, the Ryan Bartel Foundation uses a wide range of programs to engage with young people, including We're All Human peer groups, the We're All Human Walk, and the We're All Human Color Run, all named for one of Ryan Bartel's favorite sayings; and
WHEREAS, the Ryan Bartel Foundation also hosts Sources of Strength training programs in local schools and other locations; in 2019, 12,000 Loudoun County Public Schools students attended Sources of Strength training at 26 middle and high schools, and 110 teens and more than 100 adults received community-based training; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, the Ryan Bartel Foundation's FORT program served 145 participants through workshops where young people can relax, share their experiences, and grow strong together by learning skills to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression; and
WHEREAS, the Ryan Bartel Foundation's Acceptance of Others Awards recognize strength of character, acts of kindness, and service to others and has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to high school seniors who were nominated by their peers for their good deeds; and
WHEREAS, the Ryan Bartel Foundation has fulfilled its mission through the hard work of its professional staff members and volunteers, the leadership of its Board of Directors, and many generous donations from individuals, local organizations, and corporate partners; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Ryan Bartel Foundation for its work to raise awareness of youth suicide and provide vital support to young people; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Ryan Bartel Foundation as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its contributions to young people and families in the Loudoun County community.
