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!

This weekend ended with another race-day success! The Back on My Feet DC chapter teamed up and headed to the Baltimore Running Festival.  We were well represented by our veteran racers, with a few first-time marathoners in the mix!

This was the first marathon for our resident members Smiley, Marque E., Marvin O. and Dave W. Chris & Walter – both ultra marathon runners, who recently ran as part of our Ragnar Relay team – were our veteran marathoners. Our volunteers & members had a great day cheering on our runners, along with the 5,000 other racers tackling the longest distance of the day!

All of our racers crossed the finish line in under 5 1/2 hours – Walter even came away with a new marathon PR. A huge congrats goes out to all who participated!

Click here for more photos from the weekend.

The Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon is still one month away, but the some students are already taking action and doing their part. DC’s Eastern High School hosted their own Mini-walk today, with excellent attendance and spirited walkers!

Anyone can host a “Mini-walk“, and they are a great way to get the community around you involved in the Help the Homeless program. These walks are “a group of people coming together to walk in support of one of the Help the Homeless nonprofit service providers“ - such as Back on My Feet. A mini-walk can be hosted by any group, or community, such as athletic teams, neighborhoods, university/college clubs, schools, etc.

We’re honored that the students and faculty at Eastern High School organized this event! We’re looking forward to more mini-walks, as we all gear up for the big Walkathon on the National Mall, held on November 19, 2011.

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!

On Sunday, October 2, the Back on My Feet DC teams participated in the Woodrow Wilson Half Marathon race. The runners completed 13.1 miles starting in Alexandria, VA and traveling to the finish line in National Harbor, MD.

This race was part of the Pacers Events 2011 Race Series, and benefited Back on My Feet.

Resident member runners Dave W., David C, Thornell M. and Marvin O. ran strong and hard representing the Clean & Sober Streets team.  The Emery House team was represented by Marque E., Chris H. and Scotty W. crossing the finish line. From Blair House, we had Tyrone D. & Shon K..

Congrats to all of our half-marathon finishers, who had a great race day and even some Personal Records out there on the course! We had a great time running with you, cheering you on and watching accomplish another goal.

September was a busy month for the Back on My Feet DC team! We got in our miles, raced new distances, welcomed new members and finally got some cooler Fall temperatures. Our second annual “All Feet On Deck” race was another success; this year we created our own fun-run 5K for all BoMF DC supporters and members.

At the end of the month, we tackled the Ragnar Relay Series with all the energy, strength and support we needed to complete the 196 mile journey! Our teams did an amazing job, persevering through their miles and traveling from Cumberland, MD back down to DC.

When they weren’t running, our members were working on moving forward by attending events such as Skills to Succeed, the monthly Next Steps meeting and supporting the Recovery Rally.

In gratitude to our members of the month, who are nominated by their teammates, we’d like to recognize the following people for their leadership and commitment to BoMF:

Emery House: Resident James (congratulations on completing 25 miles so quickly!) & Non-resident MJ.

Clean & Sober Streets: Resident Alvin & Non-resident (and new coach!) Silas.

N Street Village: Resident member Sharon & Non-resident Kaitlin.

Blaire House: Resident member Fred & Non-resident Amanda.

La Casa: Resident member James   & Non-resident  Katie.

Congrats to all of our Members of the Month!