Wow! It’s been one whole year since we launched the Back on My Feet program in Dallas and we couldn’t have done it without some incredible people along the way! This month, let’s celebrate love, by hugging and high fiving our friends that have taken the next step to self-sufficiency or helped a friend along the way.

Megan Sanders, Non-Residential Member, Dallas LIFE “Back on My Feet is a message of hope, for everyone involved, and has given me a sense of purpose. I am excited every day to spend time with my Dallas LIFE family, sharing stories and being a part of each others’ lives. The lack of judgment and welcoming environment is what drew me in; hugs, prayers, and friendships are what keep me coming back. I am so happy to be able to continue celebrating every milestone that each member makes along the way.”

Sheila W., Residential Member, Dallas LIFE Sheila, a victim of abuse, came to Dallas LIFE in December 2011 and began running with Back on My Feet in January 2012. Sheila inspired others with her performance at the Hot Chocolate 15K and is training for the Rock n Roll Half Marathon in March 2012.

Elizabeth Bauman, Non-Residential Member, Salvation Army “I like Back on my Feet because it gives me the opportunity to share my love of running with others who might not have ever enjoyed the sport before. Not only do I get to run with them, but I get to share my life and learn about their lives as well. All this and the end result encourages Residential Members and myself to become better runners as well as better people.”

Bobby R., Residential Member, Salvation Army Bobby, a U.S. veteran, joined Back on My Feet in June 2011. Bobby has recently moved out of the Salvation Army shelter and continues to run with the team on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. What a teammate!

Catherine O’Neill, Non-Residential Member, The Bridge. “I’ve been a member of Team Bridge for about 6 months.  I love the camaraderie and watching new runners find strength through running!  And most of all I love the fun.  When training for a race, it’s easy to get wrapped up in training plans, mileage, and target pace, but when I run with Back on My Feet, it’s about people, not numbers.  Thanks Team Bridge for making my morning runs full of smiles, support, and fun!”

Terry J., Residential Member, The Bridge Terry joined the Back on My Feet team at The Bridge in December 2011. He completed his first 5K at the Hotcake Hustle in Addison, Texas. Terry recently accepted a position with the Omni Convention Center. Go Terry!

Baltimore Station’s Members of the Month:  Daniel and Ben

Daniel  B. joined BSTAT in November and has already accumulated 90 miles. He loves being part of the team and running in the rain. He notes that the biggest challenge he faces running is building up his endurance and stamina. Through the program, Daniel is working toward his overarching goal of being a responsible and positive person. His advice for a new runner is to “take your time, take it easy, and keep it moving forward.” His first race with Back on My Feet will be Nikia’s Nippy Nor’easter Half Marathon – his first half! His favorite post-race meal varies, but after Nikia, he’s looking forward to digging into steak and potatoes.

Says Daniel’s team leader, Sarah C.:  “When Daniel isn’t in the morning circle, I instantly notice. He brings not just his exuberant greetings and his camouflage print pants to BSTAT, but a spirit and determination from which every person on the team draws energy. A great way to describe Daniel’s outlook comes from a few words he said to me recently on a particularly tough run. ‘Arghh I just hate hills!’ I complained. He replied wisely, “But keep going…they make you stronger.” Daniel quietly embraces every hill, mile, and race as a new challenge, and as he works to succeed, he inspires everyone around him.”

Ben F. joined BSTAT as a non-residential member in August, and his favorite moment so far was dressing up to run on Halloween morning. While running, Ben says, “Sometimes I think about song lyrics, sometimes I solve the problems of the day I am facing, sometimes I engage in prayer.” Ben’s last race was the Catonsville High School YMCA 5k on Thanksgiving, and he has a busy race schedule ahead of him: the D.C. Marathon in March, the Pittsburgh Marathon in May, the Wheeling WV Half Marathon on Memorial Day weekend, a 4^th of July race, the Baltimore Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, and hopefully a couple triathlons. Whew! In the midst of that race schedule, Ben is excited to do a good job in his new role of Social Coordinator for BSTAT.

His favorite workout is running the BWI airport loop, and his advice for a new runner is: “You never know the places running will take you. You don’t have to be fast to enjoy it. Embrace your inner child and run!” And his running mantra is: “No matter how many miles you do, you are miles ahead of those that never get off the couch.”

Says Sarah C.: “Being a new member of a team is never easy, and when that team only meets in the dark, sleepy, pre-dawn hours, it makes it even harder to become familiar with new faces. Ben, who says he has trouble with names, does an incredible job of remembering and welcoming new people to the team. Whether it be by recalling someone’s college major, or pro football team preference, or first half marathon story, he makes up for the fact we only see each other in the dark, and pays attention to a thing far more important than someone’s face: he listens to each team member’s story.  Ben is an enthusiastic, energetic force, day in and day out, and our team is lucky to have him!”

Christopher’s Place’s Members of the Month:  Robert and Hillary

Robert and Hillary

Robert C. joined Team Christopher’s Place in November and has already accumulated more than 45 miles. His best moment so far was watching the 5 mile race. “Even though I couldn’t participate, getting to watch and be a cheerleader was great.” Robert is focused on his main goal for the next three months – finding employment. As he works toward that, he is enjoying what running brings to his life. He notes that his biggest running challenge is hills, but while running he tries to relax. “If I have a scripture, I think about that, otherwise I just focus on relaxing and breathing.” His advice for a new runner is, “Go for it!” Robert is working toward the Valentine’s Day 5k.

Robert’s team leader says, “Robert has been a wonderful addition to our team. His enthusiasm, spirit and kindness are infectious and he makes sure to support everyone. He has been recovering from an injury, but always shows up for his teammates even when he can’t run himself.”

Hillary G. joined CP as a non-residential member in November. She says her best moment was: “Before Snowlympics started with the D.C. teams, a group of us from Baltimore cheered on runners as they passed by us on the National Mall, complete with a tambourine and cow bell.  It was completely spontaneous, but so much fun!” When asked what she thinks about while running, Hillary says, “Running is a time when I clear my head.  If I am worried or anxious about anything, getting out with the team or on my own helps me put things into perspective.” Her advice for a brand new runner? “Just take it one mile at a time – that’s the only way.”

Hillary’s last race was the Frozen Finger 5-miler. She says, “I’m not quite sure what my time was, but it was my first non-road race, which kept things interesting for sure.” Her next race with Back on My Feet is the Valentine’s Day 5k. About Back on My Feet, Hillary says: “This experience has been incredibly life-giving.  It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are, it’s just amazing to see what can happen when team members come together in such a unique way to support each other.”

Says her team leader: “Hillary has been an incredible addition to our team since she started. She is always smiling and takes the time to get to know everyone on our team. From the very beginning, she has shown up to all our events and helps out with driving.”

MCVET’s Members of the Month:  Link and Shannon

Link and Bert (aka Joe Flacco)

Walter “Link” L. joined Team MCVET in December; he is off to a great start and is getting a lot out of being part of the team. Link says he used to train as a boxer: “It was very independent and I never considered myself very good with people so this camaraderie is a new experience for me and I am really enjoying it.”

Link’s goal for the next three months is to get stronger and start setting his sights on completing a marathon. When he runs, Link says he just “takes in the scenery and the companionship of the people I’m running with. I used to train with music all the time so it’s neat plugging into all the other sounds instead.”

Link’s next race and first race with the team is the Valentine’s Day 5k. Says Peter, Team MCVET team leader:  “Link surprised all of us when after completing his first mile with the team, he jumped in with the pack that was going out to get in a few extra miles. We learned later that day, that as a former boxer, Link never backs down from a challenge. He also never ceases to make runs that much more enjoyable, sharing his good humored spirit and outlook with his teammates as they pound the pavement together. Since his first day, he’s been racking up plenty of miles and recently set his sights on a 26.2 round heavyweight bout with the best hills our city can throw at him at next fall’s Baltimore Running Festival. We’re looking forward to getting to run alongside him as he prepares for this race and any other challenges that come up along the way.”

Shannon

Shannon W. joined Team MCVET as a non-residential member in March 2011. She jokes about her size 11 feet, “Feel free to call me “Big Foot” from now on – or as my high school swim team members dubbed me, “Flipper.”

Shannon says her best moment with Back on My Feet to date was completing her first race ever at the MCVET 10k in May with other first time resident racers and then setting a goal to complete her first half marathon this October. “I never would have done either without the encouragement of our wonderful team. When running the half marathon, I heard Greg’s voice telling me to keep my head down and pass people on the hills. It worked!”

Next up for Shannon: volunteering at the Nikia Half Marathon. Her goal for the next three months is to stay well and hopefully get back to running.

Says Peter, team leader: “For months, John told us about how he hoped to lure his wife out to join us one morning for a run, and we are so grateful that he succeeded! Since coming out for her first morning with the team, Shannon has become one of our most dedicated and supportive non-residential members.  For almost a year now, it’s been a real pleasure for every one of our members to get to know her and spend the mornings with Shannon.  She always has the best interest of the team and its members in mind and is eager to lend a hand to whoever needs it. She’s been known to push the pace at the front of the pack some mornings, but also to walk and listen with anyone as well. She welcomes our newest residential and non-residential members alike and has even graced us with her delicious baked (healthy!) treats for members’ birthdays.  We can’t say enough about how much we appreciate having Shannon as part of Team MCVET!”

Team Helping Up Mission’s Members of the Month:  Bryant and Rachel

Bryant

Bryant J. joined Back on My Feet as a residential member in September, and though he says his biggest challenge is waking up early and getting out there to get started, he has already run more than 100 miles! His best moment so far was participating in the Baltimore Running Festival, and his goal for the next three months is to complete his first half marathon. His next race is the Valentine’s Day 5k.

When asked what he thinks about while running, Bryant says, “There are a of things that go through my mind, but mostly I think about getting things back on track in my life and doing well.”

Says Rob Carfagno, team leader: “Bryant has such a great attitude and has done a lot to jump in and make new friends on the team. He’s always smiling and goes out of his way to come up to me and say hello each morning when he reaches the circle. He’s increased his mileage recently and is working toward his first half marathon. He’s enthusiastic about his running and it seems like everything he has going on…he’s definitely great to be around. I’m excited to see all of the great things Bryant will accomplish in the coming months, both in running and in life!”

Rachel and Honey Dip

Rachel S. joined Team THUMB as a non-residential member in July 2011. Her best moment so far?  “Running AND finishing the 2011 Baltimore Half Marathon with Steve, Bonnie, Julie and Erica, also known as Steven’s Crew. We ran the whole race together and really stuck by each other. I remember I was struggling at the beginning, but then there was Steven, running backwards with encouraging words getting me up the hills. We ran into the finish line holding hands. I was so proud of my teammate, it’s quite an accomplishment to complete a half marathon and we did it.” Now, Rachel is gearing up for the Nikia Half Marathon at the end of March.

Rachel often brings her sweet dog, Honey Dip, to the morning runs, much to the delight of her teammates. Rachel says, “Some of the things I think about when running are:  Why won’t Honey Dip (HD) slow down? 2. Please please please don’t come across a chicken bone, HD will eat anything not nailed down (and some stuff that is nailed down), chicken bones are not good for dogs. 3. If I wasn’t running with Back on My Feet, I’d definitely have stopped to walk by now. 4. How many blocks until the end of the run? Some of the things I assume Honey Dip is thinking about when running are: 1. Hope we run by chicken bones. 2. Mom, can you run faster? 3. Can’t wait to finish so I can see my friends, they love me and pet me. 4. WOOF!

Says team leader, Rob Carfagno: “Our team is lucky to have Rachel (and Honey Dip!) as our teammate!  Rachel is always so enthusiastic and you will often hear her say how important Back on My Feet is to her. She really loves to be part of the team and she goes out of her way to make those around her feel comfortable. Rachel and Honey Dip bring smiles to lots of our teammates early in the morning. Rachel helps to make a real difference to those around her and it is clear just how much the team means to her!”

Jeffrey and Tom (sporting a dead squirrel) get ready to volunteer for Hearts and Hands of Indiana, a not-for-profit that rehabs houses in the Haughville area near downtown Indianapolis.

Running Shoe Size: 9

Home Town/Family: Brooklyn, Indiana, two daughters

Fave Athlete: Peyton Manning

Fave Music:  Classic Rock

In what branch of the military did you serve? Navy

Most memorable BoMF memory? I’d have to say the Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving morning. It was my first run with BoMF and I opted to do the longer, four mile route.  Although I had my bus pass just in case I had to find my way back to Warman, there was Brian waiting for me at the finish line.

Why did you come out for the BoMF team?  Honestly?  I want to work.  I’d like to find a job.

What races have you run in with BoMF? Which one was your fave? I’ve done the Drumstick Dash, the Santa Hustle and the New Year’s 5K Masquerace and I’d have to say the Santa Hustle was my favorite. Everyone was so upbeat. Well heck, it was Christmas!

What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to read a lot, especially mysteries. Back in the day I had a rose garden.  I can fix anything in a house (or on it, the roof, etc.) I’m really good with tools, working with my hands and figuring out how to fix things.

Jeffrey’s BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals): (These are things you can’t do on your own, but need God’s help.)

I’d like to get a job and someday own another house.

We give a runner’s salute to Jeffrey for his
consistent attendance and humoring us with
his witty “Jeffreyisms”. You know how
to give us a good chuckle when
we need it.

Jeffrey crosses the finish line in the 5K MasqueRACE the morning of New Years' Eve.

Walking up to Clean and Sober Streets (CSS) at 5:43am, I hug everyone in greeting and we all huddle close to try and fend off the cold.  Across the street though, one of our teammates is already warmed-up and eager for the run to begin.  Rodan Hollins is shadowboxing, tall and intent on crushing his imaginary foe.

As we cross the street to join him, he doesn’t stop immediately, but continues his routine until a teammate gently tells him it’s time to circle up.  “Alright, where am I going?”  He’ll ask the nearest neighbor who will help guide him into the group.  After warm-ups, it’s time to hit the road and Rodan keeps close to his guide, Silas Brown.  Rodan relies on Silas to lead him through the dark streets of Washington, DC without hitting poles or getting hit by cars because in addition to his passion for staying fit, Rodan is visually impaired.

“I have glaucoma.  I thought the world would close me out,” he tells me during the interview for DC’s Chapter Member of the Month.  “All my running mates encourage me.”  But there’s something more encouraging about witnessing the teamwork, the partnership, which has been created between these two men.  To passersby, they may appear like any running duo, but for Rodan, being able to run represents something greater than just staying fit.  “I treasure each morning,” he says, “it’s a spiritual gift.”

Rodan is grateful for the gift running gives him each day because it has helped him maintain his recovery from drugs.  “Working out was essential to my recovery and Back on My Feet helped me realize my addiction.”  Rodan’s addiction had broken up his family and when he came to CSS he needed the tools to repair the damage.  When he joined Back on My Feet he was just beginning to rediscover himself and the team gave him that opportunity by opening the door.

“Running is a better high than drugs,” he says with delight.  “Running helps me reach goals and being a part of a team brings me joy.  My team is a family; they’ve really opened their hearts to me.”

Rodan is determined to stay on the path he’s started traveling down, as he continually states how much running has helped him move forward.  When I ask him about his future, he exhales and his face brightens: “My future? God, my future looks wide open!”

We look forward to chasing that future with you, Rodan.  Keep running!

We’re already looking at the end of 2012′s first month, and our January has been the best kind of winter! We’re thankful for warmer-than-usual temperatures on most days, snow-free sidewalks and a team that just keeps running! The votes are in, and DC’s January Members of the Month are:

Clean & Sober Streets (CSS)

Resident Member: David C. -

And, congrats to Gary D. for his newly-elected Captain status!

Non-Res. Member: Linday M.

NSV 

Resident member: LaJuana C -showing strong leadership from the start, and she’s already motivating new team members!

Non-Res. member: Sarah B – a smile that can brighten everyone’s morning, a good attitude and consistent attendance to our morning adventures!

La Casa

Resident member: Michael “Heavy” H – doing wonderfully at his new job, and now officially moved into his own apartment! Heavy continues to show tremendous dedication to his BoMF team, still joining for weekly morning runs.

Non-Res. Member: Sandra – shows up rain, shine or sub-freezing temps, with her cheerful and motivating attitude!

Emery

Resident Member: Duane W. (see picture below)

Non-Res. Member: Kyle R (see picture below)

MCVET’s Members of the Month:  Terrell and Sean  

Terrell's BOMF Ink

Terrell has been a member since day one, and in all of the time he has spent with BoMF, he says that “it’s not about one moment for me that stands out, it’s about all the moments and the genuine friendships built from those moments. Special shout out to Jenn, Maggie and Geoff – all of them have been so good to me.” He says that his biggest challenge is overcoming his shortcomings.  Being injured and having to make the hard call to stop a run or pull out of a race is one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do.  Terrell became an alumni in 2011 when began taking classed and moved into his own place.  His goal for the next three months is to focus on settling into his apartment making it cozy, and of course, finish the Frozen Finger 5 Miler. 

Somewhere along that 5 Miler course, Terrell claims he’ll be thinking about “Where I am in life at the moment and all the steps I’ve taken along the way. Most of the time that gets me thinking about how much BoMF played a role in those steps.” 

“Terrell S. has been a member of been a member of Team MCVET since Back on My Feet first circled up in March of 2009 and despite  moving on from MCVET, becoming an alumni, and starting school and work, his commitment to this team and its members, both old and new has never wavered.  He literally wears his commitment on his sleeve! Terrell’s support for his teammates has been on full display on numerous notable occasions these past few months. At the Baltimore Running Festival, Terrell was forced to drop out of his own half-marathon race as a result of a calf injury, but rather than call it a day or let his disappointment get the best of him, he instead hobbled straight back to the finish line where he stood out as the most enthusiastic and loudest spectator, cheering each of his BoMF teammates in. Then again at last week’s Celtic Solstice, Terrell wasn’t registered for the race, but somehow managed to show up on course to accompany Sean for his return to racing after his accident last summer. Terrell truly is an incredible friend, supporter and teammate to all of us on Team MCVET.” – Peter, MCVET Team Leader 

Sean and Team

“Sean, a member of Team MCVET since the Baltimore chapter first launched, has always given himself to Back on My Feet’s mission and members, whether serving as a race coordinator, refereeing Wipe Out, capturing the crowd’s attention with his “Shoutin’” or being there for a teammate when they needed it. Over the course of the past two plus years, he’s become a true friend to everyone who has laced up their sneakers to run with BoMF Baltimore. Sean had planned to run his second marathon this past fall at the Marine Corps Marathon, but in July, these training plans and his life were tragically altered when he was struck by a car while out on training run one evening.

This accident left him hospitalized for months and facing a long and arduous road to recovery that entailed multiple surgeries and extensive physical rehabilitation. “There was major trauma and damage to my left leg, thoracic vertebrae (near my spinal column), and left shoulder,” Sean recalls. “I could not walk, use my left arm, was wearing a spinal brace and was not fully cognizant for a period of time.  Mentally and physically, I was damaged. The outpouring not only from  MCVET but the rest of the teams has moved me to tears many times. For me, at that point, being “Back On My Feet” was a literal goal as my left leg had suffered enough damage that I could not walk for a significant period of time and knowing that I had the whole BOMF Baltimore community behind me was a huge help and and an enormous comfort to me. Just the chance to look around my hospital room and see the cards (SO many cards), the food, the photographs, and the little gifts, all of which reassured me and gave me the strength to know I could make it and succeed, to one day go back to running, that there was large group rooting for me and encouraging me.” Several teammates even used their own races to fundraise on his behalf.

Continuing with his physical therapy and light-impact cross training, Sean plans to continue furthering his recovery and moving closer to resuming to run. Sean says his goals is to be able to participate in the MCVET 5k or 10k in May. Continuing to be optimistic, Sean says, “If I manage to exceed my physical therapist’s expectations I may be able to do the Bruckenthal 5k.  I hope to attend the Valentine’s run and I will be at the Nippy Nikia as part of the race committee.”

Despite the seriousness of his injuries, Sean remained committed to running again and although I never doubted his strength or resolve, I have to admit I had reservations when he told me that he planned to take the starting line at the Celtic Solstice 5 Miler in December. Sure enough though, on the morning of December 17^th, not even six months after his accident, Sean circled up before the race with the rest of his Back on My Feet teammates who were running the race. Joined on course by his girlfriend and a growing contingent of Back on My Feet teammates, Sean [speed!] walked his way through the hilly five miles and crossed the finish line. The strength and perseverance Sean demonstrated through his recovery has been truly inspiring to each and every one of us who knows him and we look forward to lining up at more and more races beside him in 2012.” – Peter, MCVET Team Leader 

Team Helping Up Mission’s Members of the Month:  Stefan and Misha 

Stefan and Misha

Stefan B., who joined BoMF in July 2011 and has logged more than 100 miles, says his best moment so far was “being a part of the Baltimore Running Festival. It was a great run.” While his biggest challenge is dealing with injury/pain in his foot, Stefan is ready to lace up his shoes for the Frozen Finger 5-Miler on January 7. His goal for the next three months is to complete his GED, and while running, Stefan says, “I think about the future.  I want to stay open, humble and focused.” 

Says Rob Carfagno, team leader: “Stefan likes to come out and have fun with his teammates.  You can usually find him joking around with the team and keeping the mood light.  Seeing him dance and have fun at the BASH was one of the highlights of the night!  He has battled through some foot pain in recent months, but still does what he needs to in order to improve his running and better himself in many ways.” 

Misha, who joined BoMF as a non-residential member in September 2011, says that her best moment “reoccurs every time my teammates subtly remind me with their actions that before I ran with them, I had no idea what I was missing by not being part of a team. From the hugs my very first morning, to being at the mile 22 water stop during BRF and screaming for BoMF, from dancing with my posse at the BASH, to every time a teammate runs at a slower pace for me, from my first morning run after nursing a sprained ankle, to being escorted in for my timed mile even though I was last to finish, from hearing about every time a teammate gets a PR, to the high fives after finishing, from being pushed to further distances, to being the one holding everyone’s stuff.  There are so many awesome moments, that unfortunately for them, any time someone asks me how my running is going, they are treated to a 15 minute rave about Team HUM.” 

Misha traveled to Australia to visit family for the holiday and while she was planning to attempt the Frozen Finger, she won’t be back in time.  She says, “Team HUM is going to have to settle for a regular Wednesday run as my next race! I hope they remember who I am!” 

Says Rob Carfagno, team leader: “Misha has made a big impact on our team in the short time since she joined!  She has supported at a few races and is one of the most enthusiastic people out there!  Misha enjoys joking around with teammates and she can usually be found in the middle of a circle of laughter each morning (and her voice can usually be heard above everyone else!).  In addition to making people laugh, she also shows great compassion and friendship to her teammates and is one of those people who you know you can count on for anything. Misha understands the true meaning of Back on My Feet and has been a great addition to our team.” 

Christopher’s Place’s Members of the Month:  Jerome and Sadie 

Jerome

Jerome E., who joined Team Christopher’s Place in September 2011, has already logged more than 180 miles and says that his best moment to date was winning the 5k race. He was very surprised and felt very proud to have accomplished the win. While he finds Baltimore hill running challenging, Jerome likes to take risks and meet challenges head-on. One of Jerome’s goals for the next few months is to complete a half, or possibly a full, marathon. While running, Jerome thinks about, “my mother and my child, they are my inspirations right now.” 

Jerome’s last race was the Celtic Solstice. “It was great. I felt better at the end than at my previous race.” He is currently gearing up for the Frozen Finger 5 Miler. 

Sadie

Sadie S. joined Back on My Feet in August 2010 and says, “It is really hard to pick just one favorite moment. I loved our birthday run last year because there was this huge snake of people running through the harbor and I thought how amazing it was to be part of something so grand.  Tons of people from different backgrounds and places doing different things from 9-5, but all focused on one goal at 5:30 a.m.” 

When asked to say something that most people don’t know about her, Sadie says, “I’m really afraid of the dark.” So, it’s good that she has lots of teammates to protect her on those dark, early morning runs. “Johnathan R. made me practice running and talking at the same time, so I’m a chatterbox.” 

Sadie’s last race was the Baltimore Running Festival half marathon. “I didn’t make the time I wanted, but I finished. I still haven’t gotten that ‘itch’ to do another, or to do a full.  Sorry to disappoint all you nutty runners!” Sadie’s next run with the BoMF crew will likely be the Nikia relay. 

When asked what she would tell someone considering joining Team Christopher’s Place, Sadie says, “You will undoubtedly change someone’s life, but joining will undoubtedly change yours too.” And, her advice for a brand new runner? “Starting is the hardest part. It gets better and easier and more fun.”

Happy Holidays! Let’s celebrate some people that represent the spirit of Back on My Feet this season. Our incredible Non-Residential dedication is exemplified through Kristy Ladner, Bill Borowski and Betsy Orton. Way to go guys! And our Residential Members of the month are some of our newest teammates. Lenard B., James F., Larry S. Larry S. has been with Team Bridge since July 2011 and is as reliable as a clock for Back on My Feet runs. You go guys!

	Bill Borowski, Non-Residential Member, Dallas LIFE “I feel a sense of family and looking out for each other when I attend. The non-judgmental environment is very special as I know it is for the residents. We all face challenges and hard times-it’s great that there is an organization like Back on My Feet that gives people that second chance and sense of hope.”
	Lenard B., Residential Member, Dallas LIFE Lenard is a new Residential Member addition to the Dallas LIFE team and enjoys the morning runs, attends all program courses and looks forward to running his first 5K in January.
	Betsy Orton, Non-Residential Member, Salvation Army “The people are my favorite part of running with Back on My Feet. There are few things I’ll get up that early for, but I gladly do it to get up and run with Team Salvation Army. Those are my favorite days of the week! I get to spend time 3-4 times a week with a fantastic group of friends I might not have met any other way. Seeing the Residential Members achieve goals, get jobs, move out of the shelter, and literally get back on their feet is amazing and something that is great to even be a small part of.”
	James F., Residential Member, Salvation Army James recently celebrated three months sober with his Salvation Army team in December and looks forward to running his first 5K in January. Way to go James!
	Kristy Ladner, Non-Residential Member, Team Bridge “I love starting my day with lots of hugs and saying the serenity prayer … it’s really impossible to have a bad day after such a positive start and a good reminder as to what is truly important! I have enjoyed seeing the residential members setting goals and being motivated to make significant changes in their situations. So many of them have a clear plan for what they want and how they are going to get it that it has been an inspiration for me to do the same in my life.”
	Larry S., Residential Member, Team Bridge Larry, a dedicated Residential Member with Team Bridge, has shown a commitment to the program very rarely seen, he has maintained more than 90% attendance. Keep up the great work Larry!

As the holiday season came into full-swing, our teams stayed on top of their running, racing  and celebrating! We have a few rock-stars to shine the spotlight on today for our November Members of the Month!

Emery House

Resident member: James S. interviewed for a promotion at his job, and made plans to start training for the DC Rock ‘n’ Roll half-marathon March 2012!

Non-resident member: Bina S. acts as social coordinator and running buddy! She’s always there, always positive, and helped out a lot with the Thanksgiving day dinner.

*****

Blair House

Resident member: Tyron D. has been consistent with our Blair house team, trekking into the runs on his bike every morning!

Non-resident member: Mary H. wins this month for her dedication. Shes been running regularly  in the evenings with Antione AND at the regular morning runs. And she just finished her first marathon. Congrats, Mary!

*****

Clean & Sober Streets (CSS)

Resident member: Rachelle J. has made significant progress with her running. She completed her first 5-K with sub-8-minute miles – Congrats, Rachelle! She has a great attitude and has been helpful in motivating newer members as well. She’s truly taking a leadership role, after only being in the program for a few months.

Non-resident member: Maggie F. joined us at  CSS from the Georgetown University running club, and has been a great motivator for the team!

Thanks to all of our members, runners and team leaders!

Sharon Davis marched determinedly into my office exclaiming, “Alright, Stephanie, what are we talking about today?”  It’s a trait I admire about Sharon: straight-forward.  She has a plan, she will achieve it, so there’s no room for small talk or maneuvering around uncomfortable conversation topics.

“According to my notes,” I matched her let’s-get-down-to-business attitude, “We need to finalize your resume, follow-up about the jobs you applied to recently, and discuss how we’re going to continue your job search.”  But everything was done, done, done!  Sharon’s can-do spirit not only marched herself into my office, but had carried her around town to different programs and job openings, so that everything on our agenda was completed before she had set foot through my door.

That left us with plenty of time to talk about her past and experience with Back on My Feet’s N Street Village Team.  “My history,” she began, “I’m a substance abuse user and I used for many years, over 30 years.”  Sharon was able to control her addiction for 5 years, but ultimately, the demands of work, school, and raising 6 kids on her own overwhelmed her and she returned to the habit.

But, she admitted matter-of-factly, “I eventually tired of myself.”

She used that to motivate her to find help.  “I addressed my past and went to jail for a few months.”  When she was released, she wanted to continue her recovery and developing her spirituality, since she was wary of the path where her addiction led.  Eventually she connected with N Street Village:  “Since being there, 4 months total, it hasn’t been bad.  Doing meetings and groups has helped me sit still and take a look at myself.”

As soon as she became eligible to join the Back on My Feet running team, she signed up!  “Back on My Feet has given me back my confidence and self-worth.  Even in the shelter those things were lost and long forgotten.  Had I not gone through recovery I probably wouldn’t have discovered those things.”

Sharon’s confidence is immediately evident when you meet her.  She stands tall, meets your gaze, and engages in honest conversation without fear.  The determination she has demonstrated to me in the time I’ve known her makes me convinced that she will meet her goals.  After all, how many people can walk into a meeting with the agenda already completed and ready to tackle the next challenge?  Sharon truly takes her life in her own hands and is working to achieve something greater for herself daily.  “I have goals that I’m going to meet.  I plan on going to school and becoming employable again.”

Before she leaves my office to attend the next meeting, apply for the next job, or seek out a new program, she says,   “Thank you for pretty much getting me ‘back on my feet.’”  Keep going, Sharon!  We’re right behind you!