Back On My Feet: Running For Change

Back On My Feet is a non-profit organization that promotes self-sufficiency, confidence, strength, and self-esteem. They do this through a community-supported running club program for people experiencing homelessness. Back On My Feet operates eleven running clubs in Philadelphia and Baltimore in partnership with shelters in both cities. James Singletary is one member of this program. He has benefited from the group support, the discipline of running, and the shared experience of learning what it means to be on a team.

“Other than running from the law, I have never been a runner before,” explains James Singletary, who became an active member of Back On My Feet in Philadelphia in July 2008. Back On My Feet is a non-profit organization that works to promote self-sufficiency, confidence, strength, and self esteem. They do this through a community supported running club program for people who are experiencing homelessness. Anne Mahlum, Back on My Feet’s founder, speaks about the power of running. “I think running is very powerful. It teaches discipline, respect, teamwork, and consistency - all qualities that help someone to move forward in his or her life.”

James left Baltimore after spending nearly $3,000 in one week on cocaine. This followed thirty-five years of drinking and using drugs. He realized he had a problem and moved to Philadelphia to live at New Jerusalem, a shelter with a recovery program. While living at the shelter, Back On My Feet visited and the program appealed to James. “I wanted to see what was so different about this program. I had been at New Jerusalem for two months and I took a chance.”

Since taking this chance, James has run three half marathons, one full marathon, a 10K, an 8K, and several 5K races. “I’ve learned a lot from Back On My Feet. I learned discipline and how to develop endurance. I talk to other members and get things off my chest. This has given me the opportunity to trust other people and to help others. It is all about giving back.” James finished his first marathon in four hours and 48 minutes. In October 2009 he ran his second marathon along with other members and volunteers from Back On My Feet.

“Back On My Feet has taught me that is not always about how fast you run, but that it is about team work. We never leave someone behind. We are all team players. We are all striving and doing this for each other.” Through his connections and support from staff at Back On My Feet, James has completed a program in Business Technology, found a place to live, and is working as a sous-chef at a restaurant. He hopes to go back to school for an advanced degree. One day, he wants to start his own business to share his passion for food and to teach others about cooking.

Andrew Marr is the Director of Operations for Back On My Feet and runs with members three days a week. He believes strongly in his ability to help others realize their potential through teamwork and exercise. “We all share goals and disappointments. I get to know people when we run so they begin to trust me and share with me.”

Back On My Feet is a program that people can rely on. “We have a lot of caring volunteers. Our members finish a mile or two and realize that they thought there was no way they could ever run that far. It leads people to think, ‘what else can I do with my life? How do I become more educated? How do I get a job?’”

Once members have achieved 90 percent attendance, a staff member from the outreach team will connect with an individual to talk about how they can help the individual move forward in life. “We sit down and talk about goals and begin to set up timelines.”

Back On My Feet works with people who have not had much support in their lives. “We work with a lot of people who suffer from addiction. While we are often successful, it can be emotionally challenging to see someone drop off,” shares Andrew

Back On My Feet has seven running clubs in Philadelphia, four in Baltimore, and is developing a presence in Washington D.C. There are a total of 172 members. Staff and volunteers connect with people through a network of participating shelters that have established relationships with Back On My Feet.

The combination of providing a running outlet and a network of people that members can rely on has been important to the success of Back On My Feet. The organization receives donations from companies like Nike, Mizuno, Under Armour, and New Balance to support members with running gear. “Different avenues open up for people through the belief that others care enough to share their time. We help people to feel human again.”

Publication Date: 
2009
Location: 
Rockville, MD, USA