The Colten Foster Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was formed after the death of our 19 year old son to suicide on 6.18.2018. His death blindsided his family and friends. He never showed signs of mental illness. The foundation was formed because we do not want anyone else to suffer from this devastating loss, nor do we want others struggling with mental illness or suicidal ideation to suffer in silence.
Mission Statement
The Colten Foster My Story Isn’t Over Yet Foundation is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and emotional wellness while fostering hope and resilience in our communities. Founded in memory of Colten Foster, we strive to educate, connect, and support individuals and families through outreach, resources, and community engagement. In honor of Colten’s passion for the skilled trades, we also advocate for vocational and trade education by providing scholarships and opportunities that empower young people to pursue meaningful careers. We believe that investing in both mental wellness and the skilled trades helps build stronger individuals, families, and communities.
Our Impact
This year, the Foundation has proudly:
- Awarded three $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
- Awarded a $600 scholarship to a high school junior continuing a trade education pathway.
- Contributed $600 to help send local youth to Young Life summer camp, providing opportunities for connection, mentorship, and personal growth.
- Donated $1,000 to support the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping provide positive mentoring relationships for youth.
- Supported suicide prevention efforts through donations to organizations dedicated to mental health education and suicide prevention.
- Donated raffle and silent auction items to nonprofit organizations with missions that align with our commitment to strengthening communities and supporting youth.
- Hosted educational outreach at the high school’s Mindful Monday event, providing mental health resources, engaging activities, and giveaways that encouraged conversations about emotional wellness and suicide prevention.
- Continued to provide suicide prevention education, community awareness initiatives, resource connections, and outreach events throughout the year.
Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to creating hope, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, preventing suicide, and investing in the next generation through education, mentorship, and opportunities in the skilled trades.
Since the foundations inception in 2018
- We have provided $17,000 in scholarships to Basehor-Linwood high school seniors & juniors to attend trade, tech or vocational school as this was the path Colten had chosen. He was training to be an electrician.
- We provide financial assistance annually to assist two teens in attending Young Life summer camp.
- We have donated a selection of books about understanding emotions and mental health to the 4 elementary schools in the USD 458 school district.
- The foundation provides educational training opportunities for school district staff, youth leaders and mentors in the communIty to empower them with knowledge and resources to be prepared to handle the ever increasing mental health challenges and needs of youth in our community.
- The foundation partnered with Basehor Parents in Action to bring the Speak Up Foundation to BLHS to provide education about mental illness, suicide awareness and mental health to staff & students.
- We attend local events to provide resources and educational material about suicide prevention and mental health.
In the near future we will :
Con’t to seek opportunities to provide education and support about mental health and fight to end the stigma against mental illness.
We are now accepting donations through Venmo. Scan the QR code below to donate!
