Mental Resiliency

Mental resilience is essential to the health and readiness of the Coast Guard community. Service in the Coast Guard can involve long hours, high stress, time away from loved ones, and assignments in isolated locations — all of which can affect emotional well-being. The Coast Guard Foundation supports programs that help members and families build resilience, strengthen relationships, and access meaningful support during challenging times.

In partnership with the Coast Guard Chaplain’s Office, the Foundation funds chaplain-led programs across the country that focus on spiritual resilience, emotional wellness, and human connection. These programs include suicide prevention training, marriage enrichment workshops, resilience experiences, and spiritual fitness events designed to meet Coast Guard families where they live and serve.

In 2025, the Foundation supported 58 chaplain-led programs that reached more than 7,100 Coast Guard members and family members. These initiatives created opportunities for reflection, encouragement, and shared support at units nationwide. Events like the annual Illuminating the Darkness Walk at Fort Meade helped raise awareness around suicide prevention and reinforce the importance of caring for one another across the service.

Mental resiliency programs also provide practical morale support in moments of stress and uncertainty. During the 2025 government shutdown, for example, Coast Guard Foundation support helped make the Sector Northern New England Fall Fest a free event for more than 100 Coast Guard members and family members, offering relief, connection, and community during a difficult time.

By supporting mental resiliency, the Foundation helps Coast Guard members and families stay connected, supported, and better prepared to navigate the challenges of service together.