Luray lost her job as a CTA Bus Operator and Line Instructor after an unfortunate accident left her unable to work. Struggling to pay mounting medical bills, she moved into the YMCA Lawson House to cut costs. Faced with an uncertain future, Luray joined the Back on My Feet YMCA Lawson House team in October 2011 hoping to make friends and participate in a positive environment. She quickly became a fixture on the team, known for her contagious smile and warm personality.

In only four short months, Luray has participated in three 5k races and has attended three Back on My Feet courses – Accenture’s Skills to Succeed, Harris Bank’s Financial Literacy-Basic Banking and Harris Bank’s Financial Literacy-Credit Counseling . She has maintained 100% attendance at morning runs while accruing over 100 miles. She recently enrolled in computer training at Howard Area Employment Center and plans to pursue further education in the future. Back on My Feet has helped Luray get back on track, and she is grateful for the support she has received. As Luray would tell you:

“When I first met my teammates I learned that some people stick with you no matter what. Denis always sticks with me no matter how slow I go. If I go slowly, he’ll be slow right with me! That’s a team leader!”

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!

Osie had a difficult childhood, and spent most of his teenage and young adult life in prison. When he got out, he was determined to make better choices. He moved into St. Leonard’s, and Back on My Feet immediately caught his attention. It had been years since he had been able to run freely outside, and given his energetic personality, he naturally developed a passion for it. Even more importantly, he gained the support of his Back on My Feet team members. It was this support that gave Osie the confidence to begin searching for permanent employment. The St. Leonard’s team has also helped him get through some difficult times. Knowing that his teammates will always be there for him has given him both solace and hope.

Through Back on My Feet, Osie has gained important knowledge in employment preparation and life skills. Since joining the team seven months ago, he has accrued over 200 miles, participated in four races, and attended Harris Bank Financial Literacy and Accenture Skills to Succeed courses. He also worked at the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and obtained employment. Though his work schedule keeps him on the job until 1am most nights, he still maintains 95% attendance!

Osie’s determination and self-discipline have made him an important part of the St. Leonard’s Back on My Feet Team. We are confident that Osie will meet whatever goals he sets for himself and we hope to remain a part of his plans!

As Osie can tell you, his experience with Back on My Feet has been:

“Rejuvenating! Back on My Feet has introduced me to a whole new way of life, with emphasis on self-sufficiency and great health. This organization consists of many wonderful individuals who have been great motivating factors in the uplifting and advancement of my current situation. Back on My Feet has not only rejuvenated my body and mind, it has completely renewed my optimistic views on life.”

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!

Carmelo reluctantly joined the Back on My Feet Lake View YMCA team in June 2011, shortly after the team’s launch. From the start, Carmelo did not hide his loathe of running, and made it clear that he intended to walk through each morning route. Despite his adamant stance, Carmelo found himself running on his very first day with the team, and he hasn’t looked back since. Though he still claims to hate running, Carmelo continues to show up every morning, and has even begun to run on Saturday’s. Through his participation with the Lake View YMCA team, Carmelo has improved his endurance, strength and overall health. He has also noticed something he did not expect – he is happier! Carmelo attributes his newfound positivity to the teammates that support him every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Carmelo is a frequent attendee of Back on My Feet Chicago’s educational courses, and has successfully completed Harris Bank Financial Literacy and Accenture Skills to Succeed classes. At Back on My Feet Chicago’s November Orientation 2.0 event, Carmelo served as a guest speaker, and discussed how his participation with the Lake View YMCA team had helped him overcome some of life’s greatest obstacles. Carmelo has also made great strides in his running ability. At Back on My Feet’s Pilgrim Kids Care October 5k race, Carmelo posted a personal record time of 24:42, nearly eleven minutes faster than his previous 5k mark. More recently, Carmelo has begun training for the January’s F^3 Lake Half Marathon. Carmelo was motivated to train for the half marathon after cheering on runners at the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Carmelo’s determination motivates his teammates to run further and faster, and his positive disposition brings joy to the team runs. It has been a pleasure to watch Carmelo grow as a runner and as a Back on My Feet team member. As Carmelo would tell you:

“At first I didn’t think much about running, but now it’s something I look forward to. I feel a void when I’m not running and when I am running, I never want it to end! It’s becoming fun! I’ll look back on these mornings in ten to fifteen years and think about all the camaraderie and how fun it was!”

Despite joining Back on My Feet’s team REST only two short months ago, Robin has already made a profound impact on his team members. Robin’s smile in the morning is contageous, and his dedication to running and self-improvement is admireable. Since joining the REST team on September 3rd, Robin has participated in two Back on My Feet races - the Outdoor Track Meet and the Pilgrim Kids Care 5k! He has also attended an Accenture Skills to Succeed course on Time Management and Performance Feedback. Most impressively, Robin has yet to miss a single morning run. 

In addition to his participation with Back on My Feet, Robin recently began an internship as a chef at Inspiration Corporation’s Cafe Too. Robin has always loved cooking, and the culinary training program at Inspiration Corporation has provided him with the opportunity to work independently and learn some delicious new recipes! Robin is actively looking for housing and is taking advantage of all the programming that the REST facility and Back on My Feet program have to offer. Robin feels like a new person because of his participation with Back on My Feet. As he would tell you:

“I’ve been given great support from everyone on the team. I feel so much better now. At first, I didn’t feel like running, but now I’m jogging! The events are great-apple picking and the marathon were so much fun! This program means a lot to me. It’s about the love and support that I get from each member and the volunteers. It lets me know that I can accomplish anything if I put my mind into it!”

Akbar came to St. Leonard’s Ministries after serving 15 months in prison. He was excited to start the St. Leonard’s program and take advantage of the many services offered to help him get back on track. Shortly after arriving at St. Leonard’s, Akbar heard about Back on My Feet and thought he would give it a try. He was looking for a new challenge and a way to get out of his normal routine. He quickly found out that Back on My Feet was much more than he had expected.

When he first joined the team, Akbar’s running goal was to reach 2 miles without stopping, something he had never been able to do before. Within the first week, Akbar quickly learned that he would need to set new goals:

“Believe it or not, I ran 2 miles the first week I joined the team! Now I’m at 3.5 miles and I’m looking forward to running in the half marathon in January!”

Akbar also learned that Back on My Feet could help him achieve his personal and professional goals. He now calls his Back on My Feet team ”my life coach.” Akbar is hoping to get a permanent job and his own apartment. He has a background in remodeling and renovations and his long-term goal is to own and operate apartment buildings.

Akbar brings a great attitude to his Back on My Feet team with his kind heart and gentle nature. He has maintained 100 percent attendance during his 2.5 months on the team. He has shown his dedication in other ways as well; he spent one long, cold and rainy Sunday morning volunteering at the CARA Ready to Run 20 Miler and showed his teamwork at the Back on My Feet Outdoor Track Meet. Akbar can tell you how much he loves being a part of the St. Leonard’s Back on My Feet Team:

“I think the team is fantastic, just wonderful. The volunteers especially have good spirits and are warm, friendly, and willing to help. And the group as a whole is very encouraging. The group is like a life coach for me, helping me move forward with my life. The team’s birthday bash for me was one of the best birthday parties of my life. It was so touching. I really appreciate what the group does for me.”

Competing and finishing the 2011 Ragnar Relay on September 24^th exemplifies what Marvin O. loves to do best: Run!  “I love to run, I have a passion for running,” Marvin repeated throughout his meeting with me as September’s DC Member of the Month.

Marvin is on the Clean and Sober Streets (CSS) team in DC and has been an active participant since March 2011.  Sober for 8 months and counting, Marvin entered CSS with the knowledge that using drugs and alcohol was not allowing him to love himself.  His passion for running motivated his enrollment on the Back on My Feet CSS team not just for his health, but to help him gain a “different state of mind.”  Running, Marvin explains with a matter-of-fact attitude, gives him the “energy to strive harder each day” to reach his goals.

And what is his “Goal, goal, goal?!”  He perks up eager to share and enticing me with his enthusiasm.  “I want to run a marathon in all 50 states!”  Before accomplishing that, he hopes to qualify for Boston and run the New York City Marathon.  He will get the chance to try for the coveted spots in both races when he competes in the upcoming Baltimore Marathon on October 15^th.

But Marvin knows he will not accomplish his goals alone.  “Shannyn and Smiley have been a great inspiration,” Marvin states in a lower tone that is thick with the obvious care and respect he has for the CSS Team Leader and his teammate.  “As well as Amy,” Marvin continues.  “She helped me stay at CSS.”  He pauses to reflect on the experience, then adds, “I was on my way out the door, but she told me to give it a chance.  Gretchen encourages me too and gives me the hope that I can improve my running.”  Volunteers, teammates, and staff alike have become his family.  “And I have to give a shout-out to Marque,” a former CSS teammate now running with Emery House.  “He kept encouraging me to move forward by saying, ‘Marvin, you got it in you!  Just do it, just do it.’”

To DC BoMF Staff it appears Marvin has lived up to his friends challenge, for Marvin has maintained a consistent presence at his team’s morning runs and is always signing up for races.  He’s even become an inspiration for others.  Marvin explained that education is very important to him and he’s been able to speak to his peers and let them know that in order to succeed, “You have to get it for yourself.  A quiet mouth doesn’t get things done, if you don’t know how to do something, ask!”

There certainly isn’t anything quiet about Marvin because when I asked him if he had any words of wisdom for his team, he shared: “Always remember we’re a team, to get back on our feet, and to maintain a positive attitude.  Attendance,” Marvin emphasized as he listed the qualities he expected from his team, but also from himself.  “Don’t do what you can’t do, do what you can.”

It’s this final thought that has truly made Marvin our Member of the Month.  At Back on My Feet, we remind all our members that it’s important to take each day as it comes, move forward one step at a time.  Marvin has certainly been conscious of the path he has traveled and the destiny he’s running towards.  We’re excited to be a part of his journey and feed off his passion.  Keep running, Marvin!

Kenny’s road to Back on My Feet was one wrought with hardship and life lessons. Stemming from the tragedy of 9/11, Kenny lost a well-paying IT job, went through a tough divorce and suffered some financial difficulties. Trying to get back on track, he found a program for people wanting to rebuild their lives. It was through this program that he came to the YMCA Lawson House and joined Back on My Feet. Kenny had always wanted to get into shape and had even fantasized in the past about becoming a bodybuilder. While he knew running with Back on My Feet wouldn’t transform him into the next Arnold Schwarzenegger, he was excited to give running a try. Kenny knew that having the support of a team would help keep him motivated. Now, Kenny says, “Ironically, I look forward to running.” He feels like he’s accomplishing something great when he runs without frequent stops and is able to keep up with the rest of the group! Through his involvement with Back on My Feet, not only has Kenny met his physical goal of getting into better shape, but his self-esteem has increased as well! He enjoys his teammates and likes being a part of the organization. Back on My Feet has helped him get to know more YMCA Lawson House residents and he enjoys socializing and hearing others’ stories. Likewise, his teammates appreciate everything that Kenny brings to the team. Kenny’s cheerful demeanor has been a constant on the team since day one. He is sure to boost anyone’s spirits at 5:45am! And his teammates are impressed with Kenny’s running improvements. Despite his chronically sore knees, Kenny continues to show up every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning to put in miles without complaint!

As an exemplary Back on My Feet member, Kenny’s drive to succeed is not only shown in his running; he works hard to better his life professionally as well! Back on My Feet resonates with Kenny as a name and a way of life, “It should be a mantra for those who have fallen,” he says. “The program is perfect because it gives tangible things. They help you with credit and give job training right from the very beginning.” And Kenny would know because he eagerly takes advantage of all the programming opportunities that Back on My Feet has available! He was one of the first in Chicago to attend Bank of America and Money Management International’s Financial Literacy Course and he has also attended Accenture Skills to Succeed. You can hear first-hand how Kenny feels about Back on My Feet:

“I have made wrong decisions in my life and now it’s time for me to make some right ones. There’s a quote from Ice T that goes, “You need to seize the moment and seize every opportunity that comes your way.” That’s what I’m doing with the Back on My Feet program. That’s why when there are seminars I try to sign up. Those are opportunities that you don’t get every day. It’s a shame if any of us don’t take advantage of that. I like the team. The focus of the team is running, of course, but the team and staff are genuinely concerned. They aren’t just in it for tax write-offs! I truly believe that they care about us. They ask about us and think about us and just the fact that they get up early and have to travel to get here proves that. This is something that we should cherish and embrace with joy and excitement!”

Prior to joining BoMF, Frank Williams had spent most of his life in and out of the prison system. After being sentenced to six years for aggravated robbery, he decided it was time to do things differently. While serving his sentence, Frank began taking classes to prepare for re-entry into society. He completed courses in anger management, parenting, substance abuse and mind power, but he wasn’t ready for his transformation to end. With 90 days until his release from prison, Frank heard about St. Leonard’s Ministries and applied for the program. Unfortunately, Frank was unable to start immediately upon his release. However, he remained persistent and one month later, on April 20th, 2011, Frank was accepted into the St. Leonard’s program. Frank began taking classes at St. Leonard’s and became involved in many of their program activities. He even began speaking to 7th and 8th grade students about making healthy life choices and staying out of trouble.

It was here at St. Leonard’s that Frank saw a bulletin board advertising “BoMF.” He was intrigued! He immediately signed up to attend the next Back on My Feet orientation and joined the Back on My Feet team in May 2011! Frank says that Back on My Feet has been a “tremendous experience” for him and has helped him gain a lot of insight. He enjoys participating in BoMF functions like social events and volunteer opportunities.

Frank recently graduated from Inspiration Corporation’s Employment Preparation Training class and is currently enrolled in a Building Maintenance Course, which he will complete in September. He looks forward to finding a job, and plans to continue taking classes and making use of the Back on My Feet services, such the Financial Literacy course he attended in June.

The St. Leonard’s Back on My Feet team has experienced so much cheer and laughter thanks to Frank!  He is always the first to congratulate the other runners as they come in and his positive attitude is contagious! Despite battling shin splints, he has maintained 100% attendance at morning runs!  As Frank would tell you:

“My name is Frank Williams. I am a resident at St. Leonard’s Ministries in Chicago which is a transitional home for the homeless as well as for me who are released from prison. As I entered into their basement, I noticed a sheet of paper that read BoMF on the top of it. As my curiosity overwhelmed me at that moment, I continued to read the sheet. I found that the information given about this BoMF program drew my interest even more. BoMF stands for Back On My Feet. This particular group is an organization of men who run to keep themselves healthy on and off the field in order to rebuild themselves for future endeavors. I signed up quickly to start my new strive of getting Back on My Feet. Now, 3 months later, I am extremely appreciative of the many challenges I had to go through within the group to help me become a better person. I have been introduced to various outside events such as business and legal sessions as well as job trainings and much more. This experience has helped me stay in shape, make better life choices, change eating habits, and continue to remain healthy both within and outside my body. I love being a part of Back on My Feet because this group has definitely helped me to personally remain on my own two feet.”