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 $8,000 in scholarships to Basehor-Linwood high school seniors to attend trade, tech or vocational school as this was the path Colten had chosen. He was training to be an electrician. We will be providing 2 $1,000 scholarships again this spring. This year we will also be offering a $500 scholarship to a junior who will be doing trade school next year.
- We provide financial assistance annually to assist two teens in attending Young Life summer camp. We support their annual Sporting Clay Tournament fundraiser.
- 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. This past year we sent 11 people including school district staff & youth leaders to Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a two day workshop for caregivers who want to feel more comfortable, confident and competent in helping to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. We are extending the training opportunities to include first responders 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.
2019 Scholarship Recipient
Congratulations Dylan Donnelly! We wish you the best of luck on your pursuit in the trades!
2024 update: Dylan attended KCKCC and completed his training. He is EPA licensed in HVAC and is employed at On Demand Mechanical LLC. Dylan continues to grow and seek more opportunities as he is currently pursuing his Master Mechanical license.
“The scholarship and HVAC have opened many doors for me that otherwise could have been closed- like salary/ wages, knowledge and so many opportunities” ~Dylan Donnelly
2020 Scholarship Recipient
Congratulations Camryn McCarty! Your future looks bright. You deserve the best!
2021 Scholarship Recipients
2022 Scholarship Recipients
Congrats Hannah Mason & Samantha Price! Good luck, your future looks bright!
2023 Scholarship Recipients
Congrats Adam & Andrew, we wish you the best of luck!
Last spring the foundation donated these books about feelings & emotions to all four elementary schools in the BLHS school district with the help of FMG Realty.
We are now accepting donations through Venmo. Scan the QR code below to donate!
