The Program
Updated: December 23, 2009
OVERVIEW
Established in July 2007, Back on My Feet is a strategically structured program that uses running as a vehicle to teach critical work and life skills -- including discipline, respect, leadership, team work and goal-setting -- to individuals living in homeless shelters. Through dedication, attitude and commitment, our members progress to advanced stages in our program that offer connections to job training, educational scholarships and housing assistance.
THE TEAM
First, Back on My Feet staff and the identified shelter staff meet to determine if the program is a good fit for that particular shelter based on the internal workings of the residence and the number of potential members who meet the BOMF requirements. If both parties see a fit, the next stage is presenting the program to the residents to determine their interest level. Each shelter must sign a legal document that states they give permission for each member to participate based on the shelter’s health and background knowledge of each individual. In addition to the shelter permission, BOMF requires that each member have at least 30 consistent days living at the shelter.
All potential members must attend an orientation where they sign a dedication contract and goal sheet, liability waiver and photo release form. Each Resident Member also receives a copy of the member guidelines, which goes over the expectations of being a part of the team. In addition, each individual fills out a survey that serves as the basis for evaluation at the team meetings that are held every month. We also take each individual’s weight, shoe and clothing size and require that all members have had a physical in the last six months.
Back on My Feet runs three days a week starting between 5:30 and 6 am, depending on the facility's schedule in the morning. All members are required to attend every day, unless he or she has an excused absence. Our runs are about a community of teamwork, positive attitude, friendship, hope, trust and encouragement. Through running, we create a community of love, hope, trust, friendship, encouragement and support that allows positive decision making for all our members.
Social events are also a major part of the organization and permission is based on attendance and attitude. Some of the events have included the Pennsylvania ballet, holiday parties, picnics and rowing.
Team Roles and Responsibilities: Each team has the following leadership roles: Team Leader, Team Captain, Team Organizer, Social Director, and Volunteer Coordinator. These positions are chosen by BOMF staff and each role is clearly defined and explained. While all of these individuals are BOMF members, they are a part of one specific shelter team. Teams have meetings once a month to discuss progress, gather feedback and discuss any problems of the overall well-being of the team.
THE NEXT STEP
After two months of participation with BOMF, those members with 90 percent attendance or better move into the Next Steps phase where we work with our members to determine the next step in their life. We assist our members with job training programs, educational scholarships and housing assistance.
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. The structure and support our runners receive from the staff and volunteers who work at the shelters and rescue missions is crucial to truly getting people back on their feet. To learn more about our measurements and results click here.
Click here to download the Next Steps Timeline.
