Back on My Feet To Launch NYC Chapter to Help Homeless

Back on My Feet (BoMF), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating independence and self-sufficiency within the homeless and other underserved populations by first engaging them in running, will launch its New York City chapter on April 10.

That morning, Back on My Feet residential members (individuals experiencing homelessness) will begin their journey with BoMF by participating in a one-mile inaugural run through Central Park and ending in the heart of New York City's Times Square. Non-Residential members (volunteers), supporters, corporate sponsors, Back on My Feet staff, and national as well as NYC Advisory Board Members will join all 50 members who will form the first Back on My Feet NYC teams as they run their first mile together.

Following the run, Back on My Feet will hold its traditional "business attire with sneakers" Launch Breakfast, presented by Accenture and NYC Marriott and Renaissance Hotels of NYC, at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

New York City will be the ninth city to gain a Back on My Feet chapter, joining Philadelphia, Chicago, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Indianapolis, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.

The first 50 Members of Back on My Feet New York City will be outfitted for sneakers and official Back on My Feet running gear at Jack Rabbit Sports, Back on My Feet NYC's official running store partner.

Founded by Anne Mahlum in 2007, 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 does not provide food nor shelter, but instead provides a community that embraces equality, respect, discipline, teamwork and leadership.

Back on My Feet’s approach focuses on the very profound and innate desire for all of us—regardless of age, race, socio-economic status—to feel recognized, appreciated, valued and important. Through dedication and hard work, Members earn the opportunity to create a new road for themselves by advancing to the Next Steps phase of the program where they gain access to educational, job training and employment opportunities, as well as financial aid. BoMF focuses on changing the direction of people’s lives by changing the way they see themselves.

The organization has had incredible results with 75 percent of Members consistently maintaining 90 percent attendance at morning runs. Fifty percent of Members successfully move from dependency to an independent lifestyle.

Back on My Feet is extremely collaborative with homeless service agencies as well as running and corporate communities. Learn more at backonmyfeet.org.