Tidal Resilience Foundation
The Monthly Ripple
February 2026 
 
The Shoreline Moment
Riding the Swell
 
January moved with a rhythm all its own. It was a month that carried a steady rise and fall of energy, doubt, momentum, and clarity. Some days felt full of possibility, and others felt quieter or uncertain. But together, that rhythm created the first real swell of movement for Tidal Resilience.
 
Clear Out for a Cause brought in thoughtful donations from neighbors and supporters,  items that will soon become part of our Resilience Kits. Those contributions, paired with conversations on the driveway and small moments of connection, helped introduce the mission into the community in a real and tangible way. It wasn’t a tidal wave, but it was meaningful. It was movement.
 
And beneath the surface, January was full of quiet but important shifts. Partnerships with Aqua East and Genung’s Fish Camp began to take shape. Conversations with community stakeholders helped clarify direction. Speaking about the mission became more natural, more confident, more grounded. These weren’t loud moments, but they were foundational ones.
 
January wasn’t about dramatic change. It was about the swell- the early, steady build that happens before a wave rises. About learning to move with the rhythm, even when it oscillates, and trusting that each pulse is part of something larger.
 
As we step into February, that swell is already carrying us forward.
 

Gratitude & Community Spotlight
Tidal Resilience Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our Clear Out for a Cause drive throughout January. Your donations, contributions, and belief in this mission helped us begin the year with purpose and possibility. Each item shared, each conversation sparked, and each gesture of support played a meaningful role in helping TRF take its first steps into the community.
 
This month, we are honored to highlight Mrs. Nance McLeish in our Community Spotlight. A dedicated and seasoned educator with a heart of gold, Mrs. McLeish has supported Tidal Resilience from the very beginning. Her contributions have been heartfelt and deeply meaningful, reflecting the compassion, wisdom, and steady encouragement she brings to everything she touches. We are profoundly grateful for her presence as Tidal Resilience Foundation  finds its bearings and begins to grow.
DONOR SPOLIGHT: NANCE
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Q: What inspired you to support Tidal Resilience Foundation during its early days?
In my 30’s, I saw the hardships of young people when they made poor choices to
end their lives. I wanted to help, so I became an educator.
When I saw a great educator creating an entity that helps young people feel
loved and gain friendships, I knew I wanted to help that grow and develop.
Q: What part of Tidal Resilience Foundation's mission resonates most deeply with you?
Everyone needs to feel special and cared about; but life can create
circumstances that take it away. This mission brings that to so many that may
not even know why they feel sad or angry.
Q: When you think about resilience, what does it mean to you and your family?
Resilience is learning the tools of life to help develop and grow; to become a
successful person in their own way.
Q: What do you hope Tidal Resilience Foundation brings to families and youth in our community?
My prayers are for all young people and their families who have lost a loved one
to find the special fellowship in the love and caring of others. I also love the
concept of the ocean waters because it is both calming and powerful.
Q: Is there anything you’d like others to know about why supporting this work matters?
Most people do not see the hurt inside their friends and acquaintances, even
though they care. This program will reach so many who need support in a
special way. Then, through that support, they will gain stronger relationships.
Strong, positive relationships can help us through almost anything.
Thank you, Nance, for sharing your story and for supporting Tidal Resilience Foundation.

February Focus: What We Are Working On
With January’s first swell of momentum behind us, February is all about shaping what’s next for Tidal Resilience Foundation. This month marks a shift from early groundwork to hands‑on building . We are turning ideas into tangible support for the families we serve.
We’re assembling our first Resilience Kits, complete with custom Tidal Resilience Foundation items from the Tide Market and printed copies of our Resilience Toolkit booklet. These kits represent the heart of our mission, and seeing them come together has brought a renewed sense of clarity and excitement.
 
We’re also preparing for our upcoming Spring Break Resilience Week in March, continuing to nurture community partnerships, and moving forward with planning for the Waves of Hope 5K this May. Each of these steps reflects our commitment to steady, intentional growth as we find our rhythm and expand our reach.
 
February is a month of building,  thoughtfully, patiently, and with purpose, as Tidal Resilience Foundation continues to rise and take shape.

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Spring Break Resilience Week March 17-20, 2026
Spring Break Resilience Week is right around the corner, and we’re excited to bring this gentle, ocean‑rooted experience to families in our community. Hosted at Genung’s Fish Camp, this four‑day program offers kids and families a supportive space to learn, explore, and reconnect with the water during a time that can feel especially tender after loss.
The week will feature our Resilience Rides — kayak‑based resilience sessions designed for kids and families, with drop‑off optional and parents always welcome. 
From Tuesday through Thursday, participants will engage in simple, hands‑on coastal learning and quiet moments of exploration. We’ll close the week with a Community Picnic on Friday, open to everyone who wants to join us in celebrating connection, healing, and the start of something meaningful.
RSVP for Spring Break Resilience Week 2026 here
 
 Preparing for the Waves of Hope 5K — May 2026
Planning continues for our first annual Waves of Hope 5K this May. The race permit has been secured, and we are awaiting final confirmation from the venue. This event will bring together remembrance, movement, and community. This event will be a meaningful way to honor loved ones while supporting the programs and families we serve. As we move through February, we’ll continue gathering volunteers, refining logistics, and preparing to open registration.
 
Strengthening Community Partnerships
Our early partnerships with Aqua East and Genung’s Fish Camp continue to grow, and February will focus on nurturing these relationships while exploring new ones. These connections help expand our reach and support the development of future programs, including Resilience Rides, our paddleboarding and kayaking days planned for later this year. We welcome conversations with any local businesses or organizations interested in collaborating.
 
 Building the Foundation’s Internal Structure
Behind the scenes, Tidal Resilience Foundation continues to strengthen its operational foundation.  We are thrilled to share that our 501(c)(3) status is now official. This designation marks an important milestone in our growth, ensuring that all contributions are tax‑deductible and that our work is grounded in transparency, accountability, and long‑term sustainability.
This step allows us to move forward with greater clarity and confidence as we build programs, deepen partnerships, and prepare to serve youth and families in meaningful ways throughout the year.
 
Honoring Our Theme of the Year: Emergence
As we move through February, we continue to be guided by our theme for the year: Emergence. January reflected the early swell — the rise, fall, and rise again that comes with beginning something new. February is about shaping what’s forming, stepping forward with intention, and allowing the mission to take clearer shape. Emergence reminds us that growth doesn’t happen all at once; it unfolds, strengthens, and becomes more visible over time.

The Tide Report
A simple, honest snapshot of where things stand
This month, we’re sharing a clear view of Tidal Resilience Foundation’s early progress as we move from January’s groundwork into February’s building phase. These are the small wins, the steady steps, and the places where we are still emerging. Transparency builds trust, and we want our community to feel connected to every part of this journey.

 Money Raised So Far
Between our December soft launch and January’s Clear Out for a Cause, we have raised $1,575 through early donations and contributions. This generosity continues to be the foundation that allows Tidal Resilience Foundation to grow with intention and care.
 
Resilience Kits Assembled
Thanks to January’s donation drive and early supporters, we are now actively assembling our first Resilience Kits. Custom Tidal Resilience items from the Tide Market have arrived, and printed copies of our Resilience Toolkit booklet are ready to be included. These kits are beginning to take shape, a tangible expression of our mission
 
January Donation Drive Momentum
Clear Out for a Cause brought in thoughtful donations from neighbors and supporters throughout the month. These items will directly support the first wave of Resilience Kits. The drive also opened meaningful conversations and helped introduce Tidal Resilience Foundation's mission into the community in a real, grounded way.
 
Early Partnership Conversations
Our early connections with Aqua East and Genung’s Fish Camp continue to grow. We are also exploring additional partnerships that align with our mission and values, especially as we prepare for Spring Break Resilience Week and the Waves of Hope 5K. These relationships are forming slowly and intentionally, exactly the pace we want.
 
Organizational Foundations
We are thrilled to share that our 501(c)(3) status is now official. This milestone strengthens our operational foundation and ensures that all contributions are tax‑deductible. We are also continuing to build internal systems, refine documentation, and prepare for upcoming programming and events.
 
Where We're Growing Next
As we move into February, our focus is on expanding partnerships, completing our first wave of Resilience Kits, and preparing for Spring Break Resilience Week and the Waves of Hope 5K. These next steps will help deepen our impact and continue shaping the foundation we built in January.

The Next Wave
A gentle look at what’s coming into view
As Tidal Resilience Foundation moves into February, our focus is on steady, intentional growth. Instead of sharing every detail on the horizon, we’re highlighting the pieces that are already taking shape, the ones we’re actively building toward with clarity and care.

Resilience Kits
Our first Resilience Kits are underway, and February will be dedicated to assembling and delivering them to families in our community
 
Spring Break Resilience Week
With March approaching, we’re finalizing plans, preparing materials, and coordinating with partners to bring this four‑day, ocean‑rooted experience to life.
 
Waves of Hope 5K
The race permit is secured, and we’re moving into the next phase of planning. Registration details will be shared soon.
 
 Volunteer Opportunities
We are building a list of volunteers who want to support Tidal Resilience Foundation as we grow. If you feel called to help with events, donation drives, kit assembly, or future programming, we would love to hear from you.
We are also hoping to form a core team of 5–6 like‑minded individuals who can meet twice a month to plan, coordinate, and help shape what Tidal Resilience Foundation becomes in the community.
 Express your interest here
 
Support Our Mission
If you’d like to make a financial contribution to support our early growth, you can donate directly through our website. Every gift helps us build a strong foundation for the year ahead. Donate here
 
Prefer to shop instead of donate? You can also support Tidal Resilience Foundation through The Tide Market, where every purchase helps fund our mission to support bereaved youth through ocean‑inspired healing and resilience practices. 
Explore our collections:
Wear the Waves Collection
Strength Beneath the Waves Collection 

Anchored in Purpose
Tidal Resilience Foundation exists to support children who have lost a parent through ocean‑inspired healing, resilience‑building, and educational pathways. 
We are at the beginning of this work, and your support helps us grow.

 2026 Theme: EMERGENCE  
A year of rising, beginning, and stepping forward with clarity and care.  
As Tidal Resilience Foundation grows from its shoreline beginnings, this theme reminds us to move with intention, humility, and hope.

Until next month, may the tide carry you gently.
—Tidal Resilience Foundation
www.tidalresilience.org
connect@tidalresilience.org
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230 Villa Verda Road
St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
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