The Resile One Foundation is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area (est. 2022). Their mission is to empower, encourage and provide relief to middle class families who are facing medical hardship. I’m excited that Yolanda Tyler decided to sit down and speak with me.
Grayson Mask: My first question is, before starting your organization, were you born and raised in the DFW area, or are you from somewhere else?
Yolanda Tyler: I am originally from Paris, Tennessee, a small town located about two and a half hours northwest of Memphis and two hours from Nashville. I grew up in a rural setting on a small farm. In 1997, I relocated to Texas and have been living in the area ever since.
Grayson Mask: I remember seeing something about Crohn’s disease. Did you have Crohn’s before starting the organization?
Yolanda Tyler: Yes, I was officially diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2010, though I had been experiencing symptoms for nearly a decade before receiving a proper diagnosis. My initial symptoms began with abdominal pain, but diagnosing the condition was challenging because the inflammation was located in the small intestine. Standard colonoscopies indicated no issues, making detection difficult.
The breakthrough came with the use of a capsule endoscopy—commonly known as a “pill cam”—which allowed doctors to visualize the small intestine. However, the pill became lodged, leading to a bowel obstruction that required emergency surgery. During the procedure, 22 feet of my small intestine had to be removed. Had the condition been identified earlier, it’s likely that the surgery could have been avoided.
Grayson Mask: Were the symptoms of Crohn’s still a major issue even after that medical procedure and diagnosis?
Yolanda Tyler: Yes, they were, and they still are. Since my diagnosis, managing my condition has been a continuous process of learning how my body responds. I’ve found that some foods may seem fine initially but cause issues a day or two later. While there are articles and resources recommending dietary guidelines, these are not always universally effective, as Crohn’s affects individuals differently. Although it can be challenging, I believe I am managing my condition well and staying proactive in maintaining my health.
Grayson Mask: I saw that a big component of your organization is offering emotional and financial resources for families facing the hardships of medical procedures. Was there a pivotal moment when you realized this kind of organization was needed? How did you decide on it?
Yolanda Tyler: It was based on my own story. While going through my hardship in my early 30s, I was working full-time and financially independent. However, despite having savings and other resources, I eventually exhausted them. When I reached the point of needing assistance, I was denied at every turn. The situation became so dire that I had to persuade my surgeon to allow me to return to work earlier than recommended. At the time, it was just me—no husband, no children—but I began to think about what it would be like for families with children facing similar challenges. Many people believe they have enough savings to handle unexpected events, but few are prepared for a financial “tsunami.”
After five years, I managed to rebuild my finances. That experience motivated me to start helping other families prevent financial loss—whether it was keeping their transportation or saving their homes. However, I soon realized that I needed support from the community to help even more families. It’s not just about providing temporary financial assistance; it’s about equipping them with the tools and knowledge to build long-term stability.
I now connect families with financial advisors and guide them through financial literacy courses. The goal is not just to provide money but to offer education and resources that foster independence. I learned firsthand that managing money requires more than having savings; it requires intentional planning. For example, when I was single with no kids, I shopped for groceries without budgeting, buying whatever I wanted. Over time, inflation made me realize how quickly costs can rise and how important financial foresight is.
With that in mind, I also founded Earn Up Academy, a program that provides financial literacy education to youth. My goal is to give young people a head start and equip them with financial skills I didn’t have growing up. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare families and individuals to weather unexpected challenges and build a secure financial future.
Grayson Mask: Regarding Earn Up Academy, has the youth responded positively to it? Have they shared any favorite moments or topics they enjoy learning about?
Yolanda Tyler: Yes, I believe the greatest impact comes from the facilitative approach I use. Rather than teaching in a traditional sense, I meet participants where they are and allow them to identify what they want to learn. From there, we break things down together. For example, I provide a hypothetical monthly budget of $3,800—around the average income in the DFW area. Through this exercise, they quickly realize they’ve overlooked essential expenses such as car maintenance, insurance, and gas. By the end of the exercise, many find they’ve run out of money without even budgeting for groceries.
I aim to make these lessons as realistic as possible. Many middle and high school students, for instance, don’t know how to shop for a complete meal. I might say, “You’re cooking spaghetti tonight—purchase everything you need.” Often, they’ll forget critical items like meat or sauce because they didn’t plan the meal properly or manage their budget effectively. By having them engage in these practical exercises, they gain a deeper understanding of how finances work in real life.
The goal is to guide them toward financial awareness in a way that resonates. For example, some students later tell me, “Ms. Tyler, I don’t think I’ll be able to afford that Camaro right out of college.” I never discourage them from pursuing their goals, but I help them understand that there are steps involved and multiple ways to achieve them. The key is making these lessons practical, relatable, and tailored to their needs.
Grayson Mask: I remember seeing that you also have the Pop-Up Squad, and you mentioned trying to do more than just provide financial assistance. Can you explain what the Pop-Up Squad does and when it started?
Yolanda Tyler: Yes, so it’s called the Pop-Up Squad. We call it the “Result One Pop-Up Squad,” reflecting our mission to spontaneously engage with the community by providing time and resources. It serves as a community outreach initiative, focused on performing random acts of kindness. These efforts are effective because they address immediate needs and make it easier to rally people around a shared purpose. This approach fosters collaboration and makes a tangible impact within the community.
While I’ve been involved in similar outreach efforts since 2015, the initiative was formally named the “Pop-Up Squad” in 2022.
Grayson Mask: Can you talk about some of the pop-ups you’ve done? Have you had any favorite moments within that program?
Yolanda Tyler: There have been many favorite moments. Recently, during the water crisis in Grand Prairie, I took immediate action. Although I wasn’t personally affected, as I live on the south side of I-20, I wanted to assist those in need. After making a few phone calls, we coordinated with several organizations, visited Sam’s Club, and purchased 60 cases of water (each containing 40 bottles). We distributed the water to seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout the community.
On my birthday last Friday, we restocked two food pantries at a middle school and a high school in Dallas. In 2022, we also supported students at Paul Quinn College by providing food and snacks. Many people overlook the fact that college students often struggle to afford groceries, leaving them vulnerable. While we contribute to efforts for the unsheltered, which receive significant attention, we prioritize helping underserved populations that are often forgotten. My goal is to address needs that others may not always recognize.
Grayson Mask: I also read about something called the Bounce Back program. Could you explain what that is?
Yolanda Tyler: Oh, yes. The Bounce Back Project is designed to support middle-class families facing medical hardships. The goal for the coming year is to assist at least two families through the program. Participants receive a comprehensive range of support, including counseling, financial advising, and financial literacy courses. While I am not a financial advisor, I collaborate with certified professionals to provide families with expert guidance and resources.
Grayson Mask: How’s the current rollout for that going?
Yolanda Tyler: Currently, I am building connections with counselors and certified financial advisors to support the program. While participants will complete a financial literacy course, it will be led by certified professionals, not by me directly. In the past, I guided families based on my personal experience and occasionally covered the cost of financial advisors myself. My goal now is to structure the program so that families can access these essential resources without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses.
Grayson Mask: Is there any other project you’re excited about for this year or next year?
Yolanda Tyler: We have multiple projects. One of them is called “Still Here,” which is more of a movement. Everyone has a story of resilience, and we’re all “still here.” I enjoy hearing people’s stories and encouraging them to share, as they never know who their experiences might inspire or help. It took me over 20 years to open up about my journey with Crohn’s disease, and even now, I don’t discuss it often. However, sharing stories can be powerful—it helps others feel less alone.
Looking ahead, I’m especially excited about organizing an initiative for teachers and first responders this Christmas. While toy drives for children are common, there is often less focus on those who educate and protect us. Many teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies, and first responders frequently work through the holidays, sacrificing time with their families. This year, we want to show our appreciation by giving back to these dedicated individuals.
