February was a busy month for team Christopher’s Place.  We survived another Baltimore snowfall and we’ve been anxiously awaiting daylight savings time and warmer temperatures.  Training for the Delaware Marathon and the Nikia Half Marathon is underway, and mileage continues to increase.

We welcomed our newest runner, Dominique B., to the team in late January and he joined us for his first official run in February.  He’s literally hit the ground running and now has more than 75 miles with the team! Dom, Donte E., and Ron W. also completed their first 5k with the team – the Valentine’s 5k in Millersville, Maryland.  Johannah, Training Coach Preston, Joe, Next Steps Coordinator Andrea, Krystle, Avery B., Erin N., and Erin R. also represented Team CP. CP’s Brendan O’Kane took first place in the 5k, edging Baltimore Station Team Leader Dan Miranda at the finish line.  That same morning, other CP teammates hosted the Saturday long run for the marathon and half-marathon training group.

In February, we also celebrated the birthday of our Program Director Jackie, by meeting all the other teams at the Inner Harbor for a pre-dawn birthday gathering. As always, there’s no better way to start the morning than with BoMF!

We also wished Donnell W. good luck as he moved out of CP and into community housing.  Donnell joined CP in October 2009 and has been one of our most consistent runners.  Ricky P., who joined CP in March 2010, is also preparing to move out as well.  We are excited to support them in this next phase and look forward to continuing to run with them in the mornings!   Team CP also celebrated 50 miles with Ron W., 175 miles with Mike M., 200 miles with Ricky, and 275 miles with Mike H. In addition, Avery, Ron, and Dominique started new jobs.

March will be a big month for team CP, as we tackle the Kelly St. Patrick’s Day 5k and the Nikia Half Marathon & Relay.  Many of our teammates will be running in both races, and some will be attempting these distances for the first time. We’ll also host the first game night between CP and MCVET, and we’ll celebrate BoMF’s second birthday.   We’re excited for all the big events coming up this spring!

Team C.P. in February

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There were a lot of smiles, a ton of green and some very memorable moments for the residential members racing in the Lochrann’s Paddy Dash 5K on March 19 in Frisco, Texas. Gloria Zamora, first time racer and long time cheerleader for The Bridge, finished her first 5K with three non res members hand in hand.

David Routh, Dallas LIFE res member and local celebrity, completed his first 5K under 30 minutes, quite the stellar accomplishment!

And another of our res members? Had the chance to speak about the BoMF DFW chapter with Maher Maso, the Mayor of Frisco.

In addition to 70+ members running in the third annual Paddy Dash, the Dallas Morning News interviewed some of our teammates and Einstein’s Bros. Bagels kept us fed once again. For more pictures of the race and daily updates, join the BoMF DFW team here.

On Thursday, February 24^th, BoMF Chicago teamed with Accenture to kick off its widely anticipated Skills to Succeed program.  Members from all three teams traveled to Accenture’s downtown Chicago offices to participate in one-on-one mock interviews and resume building sessions with Accenture employees.  The residential members in attendance received feedback and tips on how to improve their employment preparation skills, and the two hour event culminated with a speech from BoMF Chicago Board Member and Accenture Senior Executive Patrick Coyne.  BoMF members received high marks from their Accenture counterparts, and all came away feeling that they learned a lot from the program.  As anyone with experience will tell you, when it comes to applying and interviewing, you can never have too much practice!  BoMF Chicago looks forward to teaming with Accenture again to provide this event to even more BoMF members!

The Skills to Succeed Program is a monthly addition to the Next Steps phase of the BoMF program that assists members with job training, continuing education and professional development.

Blair House has been busy for the month of February.  Wilford S. and Bobby T. both ran in their first race, the Love the Run You’re With 5K hosted by Pacers Events.  Omar H. and Kevin C. both joined the new Blair House racers in taking on the course.  Allen S. has unfortunately been sidelined due to a shin injury, but he was there to cheer on his teammates!  Amanda E., originally of 801 East fame, hosted a post race brunch for both Blair house and 801 East at her apartment after the race!  Both Stephanie V. and Anastasia C. have teamed up with Ragnar Relay Race by joining the Ragnar Brigade to spread the word about this amazing race series who have partnered with Back on My Feet Washington DC to make us their official charity sponsor.

Omar H. just got a job working with Washington Gas Energy Services, as well as attending the Skills to Succeed seminar hosted by our Next Steps partner Accenture.

For the month of February Wilford S. was selected as the Blair House member of the month, and David M., team organizer, was selected as the non-residential member of the month.  Both members have provided consistent effort and drive to help the team stay strong through the month!  Both members are quite happy to see the cold weather breaking and the temps rising quickly for their morning runs!

Every month, each Back on My Feet chapter highlights one of its many generous sponsors and funders. See past Boston Companies of the Month here and other corporate partners here.

BoMF Boston would like to recognize New Balance as their company of the month for February. New Balance is the official gear partner for the Back on My Feet Boston chapter, helping to provide proper, high-quality running shoes and clothing to every BoMF member.

“For me, Back on My Feet epitomizes what New Balance is about — helping people move, helping people in the communities that we live and work and helping Make Excellent Happen,” says Peter Sorenko, General Manager, New Balance Apparel. “Back on My Feet is all that. On a personal level, the energy and excitement that this Team generates is inspiring to me! I’m proud to be part of this community!”

Here in Boston, Back on My Feet is honored to be partnered with such a prestigious pillar of the community. When Back on My Feet members lace up our New Balance sneakers each morning, we are thankful for the opportunity to share our mission of battling homelessness in this unique way with a company that truly understands and values the importance of physical well-being and its effect on the mental whole.

Everyone at Back on My Feet Boston would like to thank the New Balance team for their support and congratulate them for the honor of Company of the Month!

On Sunday, March 20^th, Back on My Feet Chicago celebrated St. Patty’s Day in style with its March race event at the SEM St. Paddy’s Day 5k/8k Run/Walk.  BoMF was joined by thousands of other participants sporting race day green t-shirt tuxedos and other stylish apparel.  Amidst bag-pipes and A LOT of green, members conquered the picturesque course that wound around Diversey Harbor and South Pond.  Despite some rain drops and soggy terrain, a few personal records were set and fun was had by all. After the race, as the rain began to intensify, congratulations were exchanged in close quarters huddled under the Universal Sole tent.  But with Molly’s cupcakes provided courtesy of REST Team Coach Debbie Kelly, no one was in a rush to go anywhere!

SNOW and COLD are the two words that define February.  Snowmageddon 2011 put a real damper on our morning runs and the bitter cold that followed forced us indoors to experience a new way to get stronger.

While it may have been cold and snowy, Team REST still managed to fit in a Super Bowl Party.   Everyone met at Giordano’s to eat pizza and cheer the Packers on to victory…well, some cheered the Packers on to victory and others were just happy that the Steelers didn’t win.  Either way, it was a fun event and the team had a great time that didn’t involve running.  Thanks Amy and Julie for putting together a great party. Read more…

One of the amazing things about FundRacing for Back on My Feet, is the ability to bring together like-minded individuals from across the country, each of whom have joined the fight against homelessness. Tim Isgitt comes to the Boston Marathon BoMF team from Washington D.C. Below, he shares why he chose to make his miles count for Back on My Feet.

BoMF: Why this important to you?

I live in Washington D.C. where homelessness is an obvious problem. I am asked daily for money or food by people who literally live on the streets. I have been involved in the past with organizations that help to provide food and clothing, but the need has always been greater. I’m excited to run for Back on My Feet because their mission is more than just food and clothing; it about turning people’s lives around. In our country, with our access to resources — both financial and otherwise, no one should be in a situation where they don’t have an opportunity to succeed. I hope my run can help.

BoMF: Could you tell me a bit about your running history?

This will be my first Boston Marathon. I’ve run in many races in the past — including two Marine Corps Marathons, one New York and one Austin marathon — but I’ve never run Boston. I’ve never been able to qualify. My general goal is to finish a marathon in under four hours.

BoMF: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the BoMF community about yourself or fundraising efforts?

I just started fundraising two weeks ago and the response has been amazing. I’m overwhelmed by the number of donations. They have been mostly in the $20-$50 dollar range, but every little bit helps. I’ve started with my immediate friends, and I plan to reach out to Facebook friends soon, and then I might organize a happy hour. I’m $2,800 into my $7,200 target.

You can track Tim’s fundraising progress and contribute to his campaign here.

For the month of Februay Deborah L. and Stephanie S. were selected as the residential and non-residential members of the month.  Both come out with the group each morning with a positive attitude and warm hug for all of their teammates.  Deborah joined BoMF in January but has already taken to the early mornings and running the neighborhood with the team well.  Despite how much she’s already enjoyed the program, Deborah is quite happy to see the warmer temperatures come rolling in! Carol S., Rhonda A. and Shirley F. participated in the Skills to Succeed Seminar which includes resume prep and a mock interview workshop hosted by our Next Steps partner, Accenture.  Also, Mary Virginia A. attended the Wachovia/Wells Fargo Financial Literacy class hosted by Mark. E.: Understanding Your Credit and Carol S. attended the introductory Financial Literacy Class. All of these classes are mandatory elements of the Next Steps phase of the BoMF program. Shirley F. got a job working for the the Washington Nationals!  No, she’s not filling in for Steven Stasburg in case he hasn’t healed up in time for the season, she’ll be working with guests to help them enjoy their time at the park.  Jackie W. graduated from Cataada House and is doing great in her recovery! On February 13^th, three of our NSV members, Mary Virginia A., Carol S., and Rhonda A. were feeling the love with the other BoMF teams by completing the Valentine’s Day-themed Love the Run You’re With 5K hosted by our good friends at Pacers!  This was the first race for Carol S.!  Deborah L. and Carol U. were there with handmade signs to cheer on their fellow teammates!

Philly Chapter Bowling Night!

Thanks to all those who came out for the Philly Chapter Bowling Night at North Bowl on March 14^th!  A big thank you to North Bowl for hosting us, providing us with awesome food and to Homeslice in Northern Liberties for the great pizza! Thank you to the many non res who brought delicious desserts. Check out pictures on our facebook page or on our website.