The St. Leonard’s Back on My Feet team had another fantastic month in March. So much was accomplished in just 4 weeks in our members’ running life, social life, and personal life. In the running category, Domingo has surpassed 300 miles. Ramiro and Maurice have reached 200 miles. Three of our residential members have run their longest run to date; Issac (10 miles), Maurice (10 miles), and Raydent (5.5 miles). Michael, Domingo, and Issac participated in the St. Patty’s Day 5K/8K. True to St. Leonard’s spirit they all chose the longer distance and had some excellent finish times. Non-residential members Gavin, Alex, and Kate ran the 5K. Big thanks to Gavin and Tia for providing rides to the event. Frank and Maurice are proof of how great running is for our health. Both of them continue to lose weight and Maurice has even been able to stop taking one of his blood pressure medications! This month we welcomed two new members Matthew and Shane to our team. On the social front there have been a few opportunities for our team to come together. On March 6, led by Francis, the “Freezing Leos” (Res members Francis & Michael and non-res member David) took the Polar Plunge into Lake Michigan to benefit Special Olympics. They appreciated the support of their Back on My Feet running team even though most of us thought they were crazy. On March 9, Frank, Javier, Maurice, Tia, and Sandra had a great evening at the Chicago Cultural Center listening to ‘Jazz Jams’. On Wednesday March 16, Ramiro’s father spoke and recited his poetry at the Jane Adam’s Hull-House Museum. Ramiro invited the team to attend. Gavin, Kate, and Tia accepted the invite and enjoyed their evening.
Our team members have accomplished a lot this month in their personal lives. Javier gained full-time employment as an Order Filler in the shipping/ receiving department of a paper products company. Issac began classes at Northwestern. Maurice is now officially in truck driving school. Francis has secured an apartment and will move in very soon. Francis was selected to be interviewed for one of five job positions available for Back on My Feet members at White Lodging. He also has the opportunity to attend a Skills to Succeed session with Accenture to prepare for his interview. Jorge was voted as president for the PTA of his son’s school. Several of our members continue to attend school everyday and we have some members who are getting top grades in their programs.
Our residential member of the month is Javier. Along with bringing a positive attitude to the team, Javier often takes the time to encourage new members on our team by running with them and sharing his experience. Our non-residential member of the month is Gavin. Gavin has been very committed to the team and is known for his sense of humor and his conversation provoking Vibram Five-Fingers foot-wear.
Residential Member of the Month: Javier Rodriguez
Javier has seen nothing but success since joining the St. Leonard’s BoMF team in November of 2010. He quickly latched onto the NEXT Steps opportunities, and was accepted into the Greater Westtown Shipping/Receiving program along with fellow teammate Michael Williams. His positive attitude and inviting personality have made him a popular member of the St. Leonard’s team, and there are bright things ahead for Javier. As he would tell you:
“My experience with BoMF has been nothing but positive. I’ve had a great relationship with the volunteers and the runners. I’ve had great experiences, my health has gotten better, I’ve lost a little weight, it’s just been a great thing for me. I’m very grateful to the volunteers and to BoMF. I really really enjoy being part of the program.”
Non-residential Member of the Month: Gavin Morgan
Gavin has been a constant with the St. Leonard’s team since the moment he first stepped foot on 2100 W. Warren. His dedication and determination to the team and BoMF have been second to none, and earned him the honor of member of the month. Whether it’s helping a fellow teammate through a long training run or encouraging someone on chilly weekday morning, Gavin has made an amazing impact on the St. Leonard’s team. But as he would tell you:
“I have been inspired by all of the members of BoMF, and I am grateful to be surrounded by the enthusiasm, the concern for each other and the dedication that my teammates bring to every run. I also enjoy being a part of each new runners’ journey into the joys of this sport that I really only came to in the last five years myself. Being part of BoMF helps me understand that I have a lot further to go in my own journey and that I have fellow travelers who are willing to run there with me.”
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