Program Overview
Updated: February 1, 2012
Overview
Back on My Feet (BoMF) is a national nonprofit organization that is dedicated to creating independence and self-sufficiency within the homeless and other underserved populations by first engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem.
The organization’s mission is not to create runners within the homeless population, but to create self-sufficiency in the lives of those experiencing homelessness by using running as a vehicle. The program’s success is measured by how many members achieve independence through employment and housing.
The Team
The four- to six-month program works with individuals living in homeless and transitional facilities. Teams are formed at these partner facilities, where the foundation of Back on My Feet is laid through dedication to running. Residents at these partner facilities are eligible to join their respective Back on My Feet team after living at the facility for 30 consecutive days. All potential residential members must attend an orientation where they sign a dedication contract and goal sheet, liability waiver, photo release form and agree to the Back on My Feet member guidelines. Following orientation, residential members receive their team uniform-a tech t-shirt, track suit, socks and running shoes.
Back on My Feet runs three days a week starting at 5:45am. Optional, longer runs are held on Saturday mornings. All residential members are required to attend every run, unless he or she has an excused absence. In addition to residential members, non-residential members (volunteers) are an important part of our program. Non-residential members also attend morning runs, social events and races. Non-residential members have the ability to use running as a means to change someones life, and perhaps change their own in the process! All non-residential members must attend a volunteer orientation prior to running with a Back on My Feet team. Learn more about volunteering and sign up for an upcoming volunteer orientation here.
Back on My Feet participates in monthly races and social events.These are a major part of the organization and permission is based on attendance and attitude. Social events have included a White Sox game, concerts at Millenium Park, Thanksgiving feasts and holiday parties. Through running, we create a community of love, hope, trust, friendship, encouragement and support that allows positive decision making for all our members.
The Next Step
Each residential members' attendance, mileage and attitude are tracked at every run. After 30 days in the program, each residential member who maintains 90 percent attendance at the morning runs moves to Back on My Feet’s “Next Steps” phase. Click here for an example of our "Next Steps" timeline.
In Next Steps, residential members meet with Back on My Feet Program staff to assess their current situation and develop a road map for an independent lifestyle. Residential members have access to educational and job training opportunities, and through dedication to the program, earn financial aid to help them move toward employment and permanent housing. Members can use financial aid to address barriers to self-sufficiency including outstanding fines, tools for a job, transportation, education, certifications and security deposits. On average, 75 percent of residential members are in the Next Steps phase of the program – a true testament to the efficacy and sustainability of the program.
Back on My Feet promotes partnerships and collaborations with individuals and organizations already working diligently to solve the many problems associated with homelessness. Our program is just one part of a formula to rebuild lives.
Defining Members
Back on My Feet takes a team approach to conquering homelessness and as a result, works to provide equal footing for volunteers, people experiencing homelessness, donors and supporters:
Members - Everyone associated with Back on My Feet including people experiencing homelessness, volunteers and supporters
Residential Members - People experiencing homelessness using a residential facility (emergency shelter, mission, halfway house, etc.) and currently enrolled in the Back on My Feet program
Non-Residential Members - Volunteers who run regularly with Back on My Feet teams
Alumni Members - Residential Members who have completed the program, are employed and living independently
