Back on My Feet
Encyclopedia
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.
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
.
, 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."
.
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.
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.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
non-profit organization
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
that promotes the self-sufficiency of homeless people by engaging them in running
Running
Running is a means of terrestrial locomotion allowing humans and other animals to move rapidly on foot. It is simply defined in athletics terms as a gait in which at regular points during the running cycle both feet are off the ground...
as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. The organization was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
in 2007 by Anne Mahlum from Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck is the capital of the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Burleigh County. It is the second most populous city in North Dakota after Fargo. The city's population was 61,272 at the 2010 census, while its metropolitan population was 108,779...
; 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 shelterHomeless shelter
Homeless shelters are temporary residences for homeless people which seek to protect vulnerable populations from the often devastating effects of homelessness while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact on the community...
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
Running
Running is a means of terrestrial locomotion allowing humans and other animals to move rapidly on foot. It is simply defined in athletics terms as a gait in which at regular points during the running cycle both feet are off the ground...
.
Outreach
Back on my Feet is made up of more than 20 running teams (nine in Philadelphia, PA, five in BaltimoreBaltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, MD, five in Washington D.C. and three in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, 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 MarathonPhiladelphia Marathon
The Philadelphia Marathon , founded in 1954, is an annual marathon sporting event hosted by the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the third Sunday of November each year. The course is a certified , and is sanctioned by the USA Track & Field.-History:In 2011, two competitors died...
.
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
Schuylkill River
The Schuylkill River is a river in Pennsylvania. It is a designated Pennsylvania Scenic River.The river is about long. Its watershed of about lies entirely within the state of Pennsylvania. The source of its eastern branch is in the Appalachian Mountains at Tuscarora Springs, near Tamaqua in...
, 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
Comcast
Comcast Corporation is the largest cable operator, home Internet service provider, and fourth largest home telephone service provider in the United States, providing cable television, broadband Internet, and telephone service to both residential and commercial customers in 39 states and the...
,
Marriott
Marriott
- Corporations :* Marriott International, international hotel company* Marriott Hotels & Resorts* Marriott Corporation , originally known as Hot Shoppes, Inc...
,
Accenture
Accenture
Accenture plc is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company headquartered in Dublin, Republic of Ireland. It is the largest consulting firm in the world and is a Fortune Global 500 company. As of September 2011, the company had more than 236,000 employees across...
,
KPMG
KPMG
KPMG is one of the largest professional services networks in the world and one of the Big Four auditors, along with Deloitte, Ernst & Young and PwC. Its global headquarters is located in Amstelveen, Netherlands....
,
PWC
PwC
PricewaterhouseCoopers is a global professional services firm headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the world's largest professional services firm measured by revenues and one of the "Big Four" accountancy firms....
,
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is an American multinational bulge bracket investment banking and securities firm that engages in global investment banking, securities, investment management, and other financial services primarily with institutional clients...
,
United Way,
Equity Office and
John Hancock
John Hancock
John Hancock was a merchant, statesman, and prominent Patriot of the American Revolution. He served as president of the Second Continental Congress and was the first and third Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts...
.
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,"