| July 15, 2008 - Back on My Feet, the nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of Philadelphia’s homeless population by engaging them in running to build strength, confidence and self-esteem, turned one-year old on July 3rd, 2008. To start year two off on the right foot, Back on My Feet launched off a $100,000 fundraising campaign on June 18th and announced the location of its first pilot program....which will get underway in Baltimore, Maryland in March of 2009. Back on My Feet (BOMF) began on July 3rd, 2007 as a simple running club started by Anne Mahlum, who would pass a group of homeless men every day on her morning jogs through the City. She knew first-hand the power of running and its ability to inspire, motivate and empower and she wanted to share the secret with them. Since then, the program has matured into a comprehensive organization that is much more than just running. Back on My Feet provides its members with shoes, gear, race fees, social events and financial assistance opportunities for housing and education. It costs BOMF $4,100 to host a member for a year and these benefits and opportunities are not free, they are earned through a currency of attitude, commitment, teamwork, respect, dedication and leadership.
“We have spent the 12 months growing, building, learning, observing, running, living and breathing Back on My Feet,” said Mahlum. “It is because of the compassionate commitment of so many individuals that we are in a position to launch a pilot program in a new city.”
In the timespan of a year, the organization has grown to 65 members, 330 volunteers and four full-time employees. In one year, 11 of our members have received jobs, 100 percent of our members have suppressed their smoking habits, 40 have ran in a competitive race, three have finished a half-marathon, and one has completed a full marathon. Excitingly, there are at least three members scheduled to move into their own place this summer. The organization plans to have more than 100 members by the end of 2008.
While our official "birthday campaign" is over, we need continued support to keep growing and we appreciated your consideration in making a tax-deductible donation to Back on My Feet. The Back on My Feet Team
www.backonmyfeet.org Also, if you would rather mail a check instead of donating online, please send checks made out to Back on My Feet to:
1220 Buttonwood St. Suite 506
Philadelphia, PA 19123 |
