Back On My Feet

     5:30am Wednesday I start my summer internship with Back On My Feet in Austin. Back On My Feet, for those of you that haven't heard, is a homeless running ministry. And yes, I am stoked...

BoMF Background

     Here is a little bit of background info on the organization...

     BoMF was started in 2007 in Philadelphia. Since that time, it has grown to 10 different U.S. cities, including Austin, TX, which launched its chapter in January of this year.

     BoMF isn't about creating homeless people that run, it is about transforming and empowering "homeless" people through running. It is about changing peoples' self-perception, giving them confidence, giving them community, giving them identity, and hope for the future. 

     BoMF transforms people through the acquisition of commitment and dedication (there is something to say about people who are willing to wake up at 5:30 am 3-4 times a week to run). It changes people through the supportive community of caring people found in each running group, which is made up of residential (homeless) members and non-residential (volunteer) members. People are changed as they set and achieve goals and discover the successful results of hard work. Furthermore, there is also something to be said about the actual aspect of running and its effect on life. There is a connection between physical health and emotional/mental health. Running serves as an outlet for negative emotions, a source of positive high emotions, and has many positive effects on the brain, including capacity to learn, etc. Finally, BoMF provides financial and educational resources, as well as assistance in gaining jobs and housing that contributes to members' external success.

     Here is how it works. People that have been in homeless shelters for a month or more are given the opportunity to join BoMF. To join, they must commit to the 3 practices a week as well as other guidelines, fill out a goals sheet and take an initial survey. After a month of attending 90% of practices, members are moved to the "Next Steps" phase of the program. During this phase, members are evaluated in order to determine the best way to go about gaining a job and housing, as well as any training/education and finances that will be needed to do so. Success through the program is measured when individuals achieve occupational and housing independence.

Why I Care

     First of all, I love to serve people. Second of all, I love to run. Thus, I love to serve people through running.

     In all seriousness though, running has been a major part of my life for the last 7+ years. Running has had a major impact on me: giving me confidence and happiness; testing my physical, emotional and mental limits; teaching me life lessons; and giving me a connection to nature, other runners, and God. After relationships with others - including friends, family and God - running has been the most transformational thing in my life. Thus, I want to see other people enjoy the power of running too; I want to see this gift change the lives of other people.

     I believe in serving others, especially the poor and marginalized. The God that I love is a God of hope and restoration, redemption and salvation. I believe in this ministry and the redemption that it brings to the lives of broken people. While this organization may not proclaim to be "Christian," their work is very much God's work. Thus, I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part, however small, of a group and community with such a large and meaningful purpose.

     During my time with BoMF, I will gain experience working in a non-profit organization, working with volunteers, and interacting with homeless. I hope to gain experience that would be of value in leading a non-profit organization in the future and in leading a running ministry. Furthermore, I expect to be challenged in this internship as I come face-to-face with people that I often overlook and dehumanize. I know that I will learn a lot from the people I interact with, and I am looking forward to gaining a new perspective on God and life.

     In any case, I am blessed to have this opportunity. Thank you God! And, I welcome you to participate too. Feel free to contact me if you want to come walk/run any Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning!

     God is good!


If you want more info on BoMF, go to their website at http://www.backonmyfeet.org/
To hear the awesome story of BoMF founder Anne Mahlum, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVWCqCe1D8Y