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. Our mission is to bring awareness about mental illness and suicide prevention as well as promoting mental wellness and resiliency to youth in our community.
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!
