Back on My Feet (non-profit organization)

Back on My Feet

Type	Non-Profit
Industry	Non-Profit
Founded	July 3, 2007 (July 3, 2007)
Founder(s)	Anne Mahlum
Headquarters	Philadelphia, PA
Number of locations	4 Chapters: Philadelphia, PA, Baltimore, MD (2009), Washington, DC (2010), Boston, MA (2010)
Services	Homeless Outreach, Running Club
Employees	20+ (2010)
Website	[1]

Back on My Feet is an American non-profit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of homeless people by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. The organization was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2007 by Anne Mahlum from Bismarck, North Dakota; A second chapter was launched in Baltimore, Maryland in March 2009; A third chapter was launched in Washington D.C. in March 2010; a fourth was launched in Boston, MA in May 2010 ; and further expansions are planned for Dallas-Fort Worth, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Atlanta.

History

Back on my Feet started at 5 A.M. in late June 2007. Every morning, founder and avid runner, Anne Mahlum, waved hello and ran past a group of homeless men. In a few weeks, Mahlum decided to contact Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, the homeless shelter where these men were living, and ask Executive Director Richard McMillen if she could invite the men to join her on her runs. He agreed, and the first run took place on Wednesday, July 3, 2007 with a group of nine individuals ages 28-57, who were hoping to move their lives forward both physically and spiritually through running.

Outreach

Back on my Feet is made up of more than 20 running teams (nine in Philadelphia, PA, five in Baltimore, MD, five in Washington D.C. and three in Boston, MA), more than 200 male and female members and more than 650 volunteers (2010). Back on My Feet considers all those who participate in the organization to be a member (both volunteers and those experiencing homelessness). Residential members live in one of the 17 partnered shelters, whereas non-residential members are volunteers .

To participate in the program, prospective residential members must have been sober for at least 30 days and must attend an informational session and sign a commitment form. Over a 6 month period, the residential member must maintain 90% attendance at the early morning, 3-4 day-a-week runs. A non-residential team leader tracks residential member's attendance and mileage. Those experiencing homelessness earn opportunities for incentives, including new running gear and eventually Back on My Feet program staff support in getting their lives together .

After fully participating for 6 months, and undergoing community-building exercises, social opportunities and three financial literacy seminars, members are eligible to access the partnerships formed by Back on My Feet, which ranges from scholarships for educational advancement and permanent housing assistance to employment opportunities.

The program's success has caused many individuals and groups from across the United States and beyond to reach out and start similar initiatives. According to the Victoria Times Columnist , Canadian-based running club, Every Step Counts, found its inspiration in Back on My Feet. "The impetus for Every Step Counts came from Victoria Foundation executive director Sandy Richardson, who'd heard about Philadelphia marathoner Anne Mahlum and the success she'd had starting a homeless running group in that city."

Running

Back on My Feet teams run varying distances three days per week and participate in optional weekend runs. In 2008, as two of the initial races, 33 residential members participated in The Nike+ Human Race - "the largest running event in history" and several teams also participated in the Philadelphia Marathon.

Races like the aforementioned kicked off Back on My Feet's ongoing support and large attendance rates at races and various events; a tradition that the organization continues to uphold today. Most notably, the race which Back on My Feet hosts itself: The Stroemann Back on My Feet 20in24, which is a huge event that has the joint function of raising a large amount of funds for Back on My Feet's mission, as well as creating awareness for homelessness.

On March 31, 2009, Next American City writer, Jody Polluck, identified Back on My Feet as "part of an international trend of using sport as a means to alleviate urban problems." She notes that the 2006 advisory report of the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sports (CABOS) - formed to promote “the value of sport as a tool for social and economic development” in the 53 member countries of the British Commonwealth - points to the role sports play in providing health benefits, improving academic attainment, developing leadership skills, and creating community cohesion.

Funding

Back on My Feet has five major funding sources: individuals, foundations, events, corporations and merchandise.

Major events include: The Annual Back on My Feet Bash, held annually, The Stroehmann Back on My Feet 20in24 Relay Challenge, Lone Ranger Ultra Marathon, Midnight Madness Run, & Pajama Loop, on the Schuylkill River Running Loop, and Back on My Feet "Wear Your Sneakers to Work Day."

Individuals and corporations can contribute through the Individual and Corporate "FundRacing" Campaigns, which enable individuals and corporate teams to race on behalf of Back on My Feet.

Many companies provide aide to Back on My Feet's cause. As of June 23, 2010, the organization's national partners include:

Comcast, Marriott, Accenture, KPMG, PWC, Goldman Sachs, United Way, Equity Office and John Hancock.

A full, updated list of all the businesses and organizations that provide Back on My Feet with assistance can be obtained on Back on My Feet's official website.

Recognition

• 2008 CNN Hometown Hero Award Finalist: Anne Mahum.
• 2009 Nike Gamechangers Competition Finalist: Back on My Feet.
• 2009 Women Who Are Changing the World
• 4.3.2009. Back on My Feet and Anne Mahlum Featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams 4.3.2009.
• 2010 Profile of Back on My Feet on NBC Today Show

External links

• http://www.sundaybreakfast.org/ Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission
• http://www.worldcafelive.com/ World Cafe Live
• http://www.20in24.com Midnight Madness Run, & Pajama Loop
• http://www.schuylkillriver.org/Running.aspx Schuylkill River Running Loop
• Back on My Feet "Wear Your Sneakers to Work Day,"