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)

We work hard, log hundreds of miles each month, and have a lot to celebrate. This year we rallied the troops together a wonderful holiday party, full of food, awards & our very own rendition of the 12 days of Christmas Running!

Our BoMF DC crew is something to be proud of, and we had a great time passing out certificates, singing, picture-snapping & eating all of the seasonal goodies. Thank you to all who came, supplied food, ate, belted out Stephanie & Jaime’s lyrics, and supported our amazing team!

This month launched into the winter running season! We have been spoiled with unusually warm December weather, and the usually-busy holiday weeks. Our members maintained their weekly mileage, enjoyed celebrations & new achievements, and are ready to carry us into the new year!

The following runners deserve an extra spotlight for their BoMF dedication:

Clean & Sober Streets

Erica C., Non-residential member: Social coordinator, who planned both our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners!

Alvin B., Res-member: Amazing effort, dedication, and positive attitude.

Emery

Wayne D., Non-residential member: Wearing the Coach hat, carrying us through the morning miles!

Marque, Res-member: who earned his spot as the Team Captain this month.

Blair House

Lymor & Grant, Non-residential members: selected by fellow team members to share this months M.O.M. honor because “they’re so cute together!” and have shown extra commitment by running with res-member Antoine in the evenings.

David G., Res-member: ran his first 5-mile race this month, i.e. “a marathon!“, and has consistently kept up with the group!

La Casa

Kait F., Non-residential member: As one of our new volunteers, she has already bonded with all the res-members & proven to have top-notch baking skills.

John B., Res-member: He ran over 150 miles, showed up for the workout even when feeling under-the-weather & always has a great attitude!

As always, a huge Thank You goes to these selected members of the BoMF DC crew that showed their support & love! In a sneak-peak photo from our BoMF DC holiday party, the group shows their appreciation for all:

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!

For the 10th year running, the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club hosted and directed the Potomac Heritage Trail Run. The run is 50 km (approx. 31.1 miles) long, taking participants along the Potomac River and across the DC, Maryland and Virginia state lines.

This year, Back on My Feet DC was represented at the event!

We’ve had many members run full & half marathons – but BoMF doesn’t stop there! On Sunday, November 13, Chris H., Walter B., Marvin O. & Lewis S. completed the Potomac Heritage Trail 50K! We now have 4 members who have completed an ultra marathon!

They all displayed a new level of determination and heart, leaving it all out there on the trails. We’re so excited for the runners, and can’t wait to see what they continue to accomplish!

On the palindrome day of 11/11/11 (also Veteran’s Day!), Accenture employees teamed up with Back on My Feet DC for their second annual Day of Service. We had volunteers join for the morning runs, and then provided a breakfast for our Resident members & runners! Following this, Accenture employees presented a professionalism seminar, titled “Skills to Succeed”.  It was definitely a successful morning; we loved having the extra hands on deck!

To wrap things up, Accenture invited us to their annual member meeting. Resident member, Thornell M. from team CSS, spoke to the crowd! His success is inspiring, and his words of wisdom are aplenty! Check out the video (link below) to hear his take on the Back on My Feet effect.

BoMF at Accenture Day of Service, Thornell Speech

“I went online, and I googled Endorphins….it came up, “running high”. It really works!…When I show up in school {now}, I’m able to grasp what’s being taught to me – I blame that on running.

I’ve always wanted to be healthy, and go to school. Now, I’m doing both of those things.”

Thank You to Accenture, from the BoMF DC members and volunteers! Your support helps to keep us going! We hope you enjoyed this Day of Service as much as we did.

Out of the dorms and onto the streets, students from SEED’s School of Washington experienced first-hand the trials and tribulations of a homeless life. For 45 hours total, they had no place to live or call “home”. They spent their days carrying around belongings, showering in sinks & trying to find places where they felt welcomed, or even accepted. At night, they slept through a cool autumn evening and found a new appreciation for the simple comfort of a bed.

Students learned a lot of lessons over the course of their “Slumber Party”, realizing what little things make our daily lives easier, convenient and comfortable. Through their reflections, they shared new-found respect for what individuals experiencing homelessness go through every day. Some students found a new gratitude for their education, finding a new source of motivation to continue through college and make a life for themselves. Others realized how many little things they often take for granted – technology, showers, a place to leave your belongings every day – and discovered a new sympathy and respect for people around them who don’t always have these luxuries.

We were honored and humbled to work with the SEED School of Washington’s students & staff, and inspired by their reflections! Read below to learn more about how the participants fared, and how their outlook on the issue of Homelesness has shifted:

What did you learn from being homeless for three days?

“I learned that college is more important than I thought. Homeless is unfair.” Devin Rainey

“I learned that most homeless people have a really hard time finding sleeping space in various weathers…they are not necessarily welcomed everywhere.” Larreanna Williams

“You also can’t be addicted to material things you need other things to do to stimulate your mind.” Carin Carter

“I learned that people who are homeless have to carry a heavy load (literally). I learned that homelessness occurs because of more reasons than finances. Being homeless doesn’t mean that you have less education or less worth than anyone else.” Aliaih Peterson

Do you think participating in the “Back on My Feet Slumber Party”changed your point of view about being homeless?

“Yes, because my value on life changed. I learned not to take the smallest things for granted.” Clifton Drummond

“Yes, because I thought homelessness was the person fault. I realized it is sometimes the situation you’ve been placed in.” Devin Rainey

“Yes, I think it did change my point of view because I got to see how they handle hard situations and how they have to overcome them.” Keyana Matthews

To the SEED School of Washington, students & staff: Thank you for taking on this challenge, and letting Back on My Feet DC be a part of it!

Our teams had quite the month! We had first-time half and full marathoners complete their goal races, and our members had their shining moments across the Finish lines. We had some great Fall morning runs, and checked off some milestones for our DC chapter!

To add to the glory, we want to highlight our October Members of the Month – individuals who are nominated by teammates, to be recognized for their inspiring participation, successes & accomplishments!

La Casa: Mikelle D. and Alfonzo T.

Emery: Wayne D. and Marque E.

Blair House: Andrea C. and Kermit “Porkchop” W.

Clean & Sober Streets: Silas and Thornell.

N Street Village: Sharon (Res.) – happy 50th birthday! – and Jorge (non-Res).

You all keep us going strong! Thank you for your dedication to Back on My Feet DC!