Ready, Willing and Able
Updated: February 6, 2012
WELCOME TO TEAM RWA!
Back on My Feet Philadelphia has a team at Ready, Willing & Able (RWA), a facility that integrates work and training, housing, and support services. It is this comprehensive model that has helped hundreds of individuals graduate into lives of self-sufficiency.
RWA houses 70 men at 1211 Bainbridge Street, and provides paid transitional employment and occupational training to program participants - referred to as "trainees"- for approximately one year.
Because these are big challenges to face alone, RWA also provides extensive support services in addition to the paid work core of our program.
Trainees graduate from the program when they obtain mainstream, full-time employment, secure independent housing, and remain drug and alcohol-free. For some they will be living independently for the first time in their entire lives.
The program started in New York City. Read more here.
Past Monthly Team Updates from the Back on My Feet blog
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- Featured Member of the Month for February 2011: Oba G.
- January 2011
Find all RWA team news on the Back on My Feet blog here. Find all Philadelphia chapter news here. Find other monthly team updates here.
TEAM INFORMATION
Inaugural Run: October 15, 2008
Location: Corner of Broad and Bainbridge, Philadelphia, PA map
Morning Runs: 5:30 AM (M, W, F)
Distance: 1 - 4 miles
TEAM LEADER : ERIN MCINTOSH
Erin grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. As the only girl—and self-admitted tomboy—she was often playing street hockey and soccer with her brothers and their friends. Even though she played 3 varsity sports in high school—none of which involved water—Erin walked on to the Varsity rowing team in college at the University of Pennsylvania. In between the early mornings on the Schuylkill and travel to regattas, she managed to stay a pretty avid runner.
After graduating in 2008, Erin hadn’t had her fill of the City of Brotherly Love, so she stuck around to work in cardiology research at HUP. She started running more and completed her first marathon in the fall of 2009. That same fall she moved to a house whose backyard overlooked that of RWA’s. Interested in learning more about the “Men In Blue,” she stumbled upon Back On My feet and was eager to get involved.
“Ever since my first team huddle, I was so excited to be a part of Back On My Feet. What I love most about RWA is that everyone is always there for each other. No matter what is going on in our lives, through both the high points and lows, there is continued support. I feel fortunate to be able to give back to my community, while forming new friendships that have become really special to me. I can’t wait to set new goals this year and see how far our guys can go!”
FEATURED CHAPTER MEMBER OF THE MONTH FOR MAY 2011: Maurice
Maurice has been running with the Ready, Willing and Able team for the past five months and has surpassed most of his goals. Maurice started running with Back on My Feet hoping to complete a half marathon. He reached this milestone when he completed the Caesar Rodney half in well under two hours.
Maurice also has goals outside of running. He is about to enter his job search phase at RWA and has been very proactive with gaining a slew of trainings and certifications. Not only has he received certificates for housekeeping training at the OIC, but he is also a certified forklift operator, arc welder, and basic welding technician. To read Maurice's full story, check out this blog post.
