About Back On My Feet
Since it was founded in 2007, Back On My Feet has served more than 6,000 individuals experiencing or at risk for homelessness. With chapters in 11 U.S. cities, the organization uses volunteers to recruit participants from homeless facilities, beginning with a commitment to join a group run three days a week. After an initial 30-day period, members with 90 percent attendance graduate to the Next Steps program, which provides educational support, job training programs, employment partnership referrals and housing resources.
According to the organization's statistics, 80 percent of individuals who start the program are able to graduate to the Next Steps phase and more than 1,500 members have completed their GED, enrolled in further education or completed certified vocational training.
"It takes a village to transform a life."
How Runners Can Help
Back On My Feet relies heavily on volunteers and donors for success, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
To lead members on weekly group runs, sign up to be a volunteer runner in one of the 11 cities with BOMF chapters (with another one launching in San Francisco this fall). By attending a one-hour orientation class and committing to running at least one morning a week, you'll have the opportunity to run side-by-side with members in your local chapter and make a positive difference in their lives.
If you're a fundraiser at heart, sign up to be a fundracer for Back On My Feet. As a fundracer, you are guaranteed entry into one of the organization's partner races—which include popular events like the Berlin and Big Sur Marathons. After committing to raise a set amount of money, you will receive exclusive Back On My Feet racing gear, provided by Champion System.
Both monetary and in-kind donations are also accepted, including donating your gently used running shoes for members to start their own running journey. Click here to donate funds, or find your local chapter to donate running shoes.
You can also help employ Back On My Feet members or purchase merchandise of your own.
"Whether you join us for a morning run, fundraise for us or support our members in job skills training, every little bit helps," says Back On My Feet CEO, Katy Sherratt. "It takes a village to transform a life."
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