This month’s recognized Members are not only great runners, but just have great attitudes!! These Members always have a smile on their face and a hug to offer a teammate. Encourage these Members through the month of May and we look forward to seeing them grow!

Jessica Killough, Non-Residential Member, Dallas LIFE “The best running buddy is someone that encourages me to keep going and not stop. I enjoy being able to run with all my different teammates, as each of us add something unique to the team. I love the camaraderie and community that Back on My Feet provides. For me, BoMF is about sharing life together. I’ve made a new family and feel a fulfilled by them.”

Dovie, Residential Member, Dallas LIFE Dovie, always smiling and determined to run a little bit more, never ran before joining Back on My Feet and completed her first 5K on March 31st at the Jog with the Frog race in Fair Park. Dovie is known for her positive outlook on life, her willingness to help others and has attended all the required classes for Next Steps. Keep up the hard work Dovie!

Elana Carter, Non-Residential Member, Salvation Army “I imagine homelessness to be an overwhelming experience. The Residential Members continue to get up and move forward. They show up day after day, week after week. That provides context and perspective for the issues that I’m managing in my own life. I certainly like keeping up with James and Mary Ann. They embody the spirit of many of the Residential Members – a quiet commitment to show up, a willingness to show themselves and bring their A game.”

Mari Ann, Residential Member, Salvation Army Mari Ann, a resident at the Salvation Army shelter, regularly assists Back on My Feet staff by not only helping instructors at monthly computer literacy classes, but even takes the time to instructs others! She has a great attitude, always up for more and brings a great attitude to any situation. Way to go Mari Ann!

Robert Sherburn, Non-Residential Member, The Bridge “Aside from running, the Back on My Feet program to me simply represents an opportunity to be a part of something much bigger than ourselves as individuals. It’s difficult to articulate what I get out of the program really, because it’s not a thing, it’s a feeling, more of a sense of being. It’s a two way street of sorts, it’s mutual respect, it’s shared wisdom, it’s love, it’s kindness, friendships and relationships. It’s all the things that matter, and none of the things that don’t. So I try to put in as much as I can!  Show up, get involved, make a contribution, and see for yourself!”

Sonja, Residential Member, The Bridge Sonja, a reserved Member of Team Bridge, ran her first 5K at The Man Run on May 2nd on the Katy Trail. While soft spoken at times, Sonja’s determination and dedication to Back on My Feet has not gone unrecognized. Sonja has an amazing attitude and attends as many Back on My Feet events as possible to show her support.

“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.”

The following teammates are not only helping themselves but also helping others learn about the power of running. Let’s congratulate them with a few high fives!

Natalie Roffino, Non-Residential Member, Dallas LIFE “I can’t imagine my life without Back on My Feet. The fact that I get to wake up in the wee hours of the morning and be welcomed with smiles and hugs warms my heart. Seeing the joy of the Residential Members as they progress in the program and see the benefits of health, fitness and a new found positive self esteem is priceless. Not only does Back on My Feet change the Residential Members for the better it changes the Non-Residential Members too, and for that I am ever grateful.

Rickie M., Residential Member, Dallas LIFE Rickie, a Dallas LIFE Residential Member, runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday maintaining 93% attendance. Rickie also makes it a point to tell others in the shelter how important it is to stay positive. He is an inspiration to those that have weathered a tough past, having been held at gunpoint and almost shot, Rickie looks forward to a more positive environment and independence.

Will Maddox, Non-Residential Member, Salvation Army “Back on My Feet combines several of my passions. Loving our neighbor as ourselves, building relationships, and running. It is an amazing way to serve the community and help those in need with their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Just as Jesus walked through life with those around him, Back on My Feet gives me a chance to “run” through life with others and help them get their lives back where they want them to be.”

Rudie W., Residential Member, Salvation Army Rudie, a Salvation Army Residential Member, made a living by working as a plumber (journeyman) and freely admits that his struggle with addiction caused him to lose his job and ultimately arrive at the Salvation Army shelter. Truly working to try and better himself, Rudy never thought at this time in his life he would be so active.

Megan Wright, Non-Residential Member, The Bridge. “I joined Back on My Feet because I wanted to run, and it sounded like a nice thing to do. I quickly realized that it’s so much more than that. I’ve stayed with it because of my teammates. I love being a part of Team Bridge Elite! The amazing part of Back on My Feet is whether you’re a Residential Member or a Non-Residential Member – we ALL encourage and support each other. I get just as much back from my teammates as I hope I give.”

Selina K., Residential Member, The Bridge Selina, a Residential Member with Team Bridge, had this to say about her experience with the Back on My Feet team, “You’re going to love it. They show you REAL love there. None of this fake love, real love.”

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!

David R., a single father of two, came to the Dallas LIFE shelter in January 2011 after losing his job with Bank of America. David ran his first mile with Back on My Feet in February 2011. Today, he is self-sufficient with a job, a home, a car and renewed self-confidence.

After David began the Back on My Feet program in February 2011, he maintained 90% attendance, raced in local 5K and 15Ks, and attended all Back on My Feet courses provided. David enjoyed “Financial Literacy: Intro to Banking,” “Financial Literacy: Understanding your Credit” (both instructed by ACE Cash Express) and the “Skills to Succeed” resume building workshop from Accenture.

Using his resume, revamped from the “Skills to Succeed” workshop, David interviewed with the Marriott Suites Market Center in July 2011 and was offered a position in room service. After accepting the position, he began to save his money due to the instruction provided by ACE Cash Express.

In November 2011, David and his children, Whitney and David Jr., moved out of the Dallas LIFE shelter into a home of their own. Removed from the shelter and his teammates, David continued to run. Using running as a stress reliever, David could “leave it all on the pavement.”

In January 2012, David paid cash for a used car because he knew interest rates were not for him (thanks ACE Cash Express!) And he is now cross-trained at the Marriott in room service, banquets and restaurant service positions. He continues to be a rising star for the Marriott and will be recognized for his accomplishments at the Back on My Feet Dallas-Fort Worth Birthday Bash as Residential Member of the Year – Dallas LIFE on February 13,2012.

While David’s accomplishments over the past year are remarkable, it is his leadership and heart that will be recognized on February 13th. During the 2011 holidays, David took time to babysit, feed and care for a family during a teammate’s relapse.  Proving once again, that Back on My Feet not only teaches “the skills to succeed” but instills in those experiencing homelessness the motivation and confidence to become valued members of our community.

Let’s start 2012 with a great run of outstanding individuals fighting the perception of homelessness one step at a time! Ryan Harms, Tom Boone and Elysa Nelson (also Non-Residential Member of the year!) have been recognized as Non-Residential Members of the month for January. Check out all of our Members of the Month below! And remember… double hugs are no joke!

Ryan Harms, Non-Residential Member, Dallas LIFE “It may be only for three hours a week, and it may not always give us a full picture of our Residential Members lives, but we at least get a peek in the window of their lives, and have the privilege of sharing in part of their story. I can’t tell you all how many times I hear how thankful our Residential Members are for the love and community we show them in the morning.  I think sometimes I forget how wonderful a listening ear can be… but they do not.”

Ricky R., Residential Member, Dallas LIFE Ricky has been an integral member of the Dallas LIFE team since October 2011. Having lost more than 50 pounds in a few short months, Ricky walks to be a part of the team and to improve his health.

Tom Boone, Non-Residential Member, Salvation Army “It’s a great way to start the day! My favorite part of running with Back on My Feet is the camaraderie.”

James T., Residential Member, Salvation Army James, a Vietnam veteran, joined Back on My Feet in November 2011. James worked as a Greyhound bus driver for more than 20 years but now enjoys the challenge of running with his teammates. James completed the Hotcake Hustle on January 14, 2012.

Elysa Nelson, Non-Residential Member, The Bridge “Back on My Feet has taught me how much room my heart still has left to love others. When I joined BoMF, I was worried I was over committing and that I wouldn’t be able to make as much time for the organization as I wanted. But I quickly learned that my heart had plenty of room for the amazing Residential and Non-Residential Members, and the friendships I have gained are incredible.”

Patrick R., Residential Member, The Bridge Patrick joined the Back on My Feet team at The Bridge in December 2011. He completed his first 5K at the Hotcake Hustle on January 14, 2012. “Back on My Feet means being a productive person.”

How to prevent burning out or fading away as a Back on My Feet volunteer

You volunteer because you are motivated, you want to make a difference, and frankly because it feels good.  Helping others is a good thing right?  But just like in the case of food or exercise, too much of a good thing can become a bad thing.  Time spent volunteering can became a stressor when we are feeling overwhelmed and unable to meet the constant demands placed on us at work, home or even in our training.

How then can we be that superstar volunteer when life is busy?  Author James Robbins suggests 4 steps to maintain harmony and balance.

1. Reconnect with your purpose.  As a team member of Back on My Feet, you are helping to provide a safe and positive environment for all team members.  Just by showing up you are enhancing leadership skills, encouraging and motivating others and modeling responsibility and dedication.  Our team members trust you, and they appreciate that you are there for them.
2. Beware of emotionally draining situations.  Volunteering can have tremendous payback in terms of making a difference, but sometimes it is emotionally draining.  It’s important that you have a friend to talk to when you find yourself in these situations.  “We all need a help sometimes with perspective” Robbins states, “even if it’s just a reminder of our boundaries or acknowledgement of the difficulty of the situation.”
3. Think for the long term, and take a break.  It’s ok to take a few days, a week or even a month off from your role as a volunteer.  We want you to stick around for the long run, and a few weeks off may be just what you need to come back into your role feeling refreshed.  We’ll be happy to see you when you come back!
4.  Know that we appreciate YOU!  Your smiles, hugs and energy breathe life into the team.  You make a difference each week just by being you and for that we thank you, from the bottom of our heart.

Life is a balancing act. Juggling work and play, friends and family, heart and soul, and mind and body can be challenging. We’re so glad that being a member of Back on My Feet is a part of your repertoire.

- Jennifer Kimble, jennifer@backonmyfeet.org

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!

On November 6th, three Residential Members raced the DRC Half Marathon, Matthew D., Melvin G. and Charles S. finished with 2:10, 2:15 and 2:30 respectively. We could not be prouder of these three gentlemen in their race to self-sufficiency.

Matthew D., a Residential Member with Salvation Army, maintained his training while working full time at the Marriott Suites Market Center. His hiring was a direct result of the job partnership Marriott retains with Back on My Feet Dallas-Fort Worth. A veteran, Matthew also raced on Veteran’s Day to bring awareness of veteran’s affairs.

Melvin G., a Residential Member with Dallas LIFE, overcame injuries and a packed schedule to train for his first half marathon. Melvin accepted a position two weeks prior to the DRC Half but ran the race with a smile. Melvin looks forward to moving out of Dallas LIFE and continuing his running.

Charles S., a Residential Member with Salvation Army, surprised his teammates by maintaining 90 percent attendance after leaving Salvation Army and finding his own apartment. His dedication to his team was apparent during his first half marathon. Charles ran the entire 13.1 miles with two Non-Residential members that have seen him grow as a runner and an individual

“I have observed Charles really push himself many times beyond what he thought he was capable of and never give up. I am so proud of what he has accomplished both in his running and now getting his own apartment. He gets up at 3:00 a.m. so he can catch the bus and DART to be at our morning runs. That is discipline and commitment that will serve him well in any facet of life. He is so kind, so motivated and simply a wonderful human being.” - Char McEwen, Non-Residential Member, Salvation Army

Of course, none of these stories would be possible with out the support of the Dallas Running Club! DRC offered complimentary entries for our Residential Members. It was a day they will never forget!

October has been a busy, busy month for our Back on My Feet staff and we couldn’t have done it without some of our favorite Non-Residential Members helping us. A huge shout out goes to Terry Mullins, Colleen Doyle and Char McEwen. Thank you for all that you do! And on the other hand, let’s recognize some Residential Members that are kicking butt! Way to go guys!

	Terry Mullins, Non-Residential Member, Dallas LIFE “My favorite part of running with Back on My Feet is making new wonderful friends on a weekly basis who authentically support, encourage, and care for one another!  Eric Liddell once wrote “I run because I feel the pleasure of God” – I would paraphrase his sentiment by saying ” I run with Back on My Feet because I feel God’s pleasure in it.” The early morning hugs, greetings, cheering for each another, and circling up together is a contagious joy – I know it must bring Him great delight!”
	Ronnie P., Residential Member, Dallas LIFE Has been a member of the Dallas LIFE team since June 2011 and recently accepted a position with the Marriott Suites Market Center, joining eight other Back on My Feet teammates.
	Char McEwen, Non-Residential Member, Salvation Army “Charles S. recently completed his first 15k race in a great time.  I have observed Charles really push himself many times beyond what he thought he was capable of and never give up.  I am so proud of what he has accomplished both in his running and now getting his own apartment. He gets up at 3:00 a.m. so he can catch the bus and DART to be at our morning runs. That is discipline and commitment that will serve him well in any facet of life. He is so kind, so motivated and simply a wonderful human being. Which, of course, I could parrot when talking about Matthew and Donald and Cornelius and Bob and Tony and Jill and Ms. Polk…”
	Charles M., Residential Member, Salvation Army Charles joined Back on My Feet in August 2011 and recently moved into his own apartment from the Salvation Army facility. He continues to stay in touch with his teammates and raced in the DRC Loop 5K with Back on My Feet.
	Colleen Doyle, Non-Residential Member, The Bridge “I love the energy and camaraderie of Team Bridge! There has never been a morning that I’ve gotten up to run with Back on My Feet when I have thought ‘I wish I slept in this morning.’  The hugs and positive, upbeat energy that are waiting for me each morning are more than enough to wake me up and put me in a good mood for the day and it’s so nice to see a group of people who are so supportive of one another.”
	John H., Residential Member, The Bridge John joined Team Bridge in July 2011 and has been running with the team ever since. An overcomer, John is blind in one eye and suffers from cataracts in another. He often trips during morning runs and sometimes even falls. But he always gets back up.