It was a hot and steamy evening on May 29th, but that didn’t stop Back on My Feet D.C. chapter members from participating in their second race.

Eighteen runners completed their first 8K, which is just under 5 miles.  The race began, as usual, with a HUGE warm-up circle, some words of encouragement from program director Wylie Belasik, and the loudest team cheer this side of the Potomac!

At the starting line an announcement was made for a volunteer willing to lead the crowd in singing the national anthem. Our very own Eric B. from Emery House raised his hand and took to the podium to lead us in song, right below the Francis Scott Key Bridge, whose namesake wrote the anthem.

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Back on My Feet can impact people whether they are part of our organization or not. We hope to share testimonials from anyone who has a story to tell about their experience with our organization. Contact us if you have one to share!

Employees and non-residential volunteers of Back On My Feet can talk your ear off about our programs, but it’s the residential members who capture it best.  After running with BOMF’s Team Emery House for only a month and half, Sam S. was compelled to share his experience not only with us at BOMF, but with the program director at Emery House.

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Senior Program Director Wylie Belasik stands at center with St. John's team member Abby Coburn and Ridge Avenue team member Kenneth H. on May 2, 2010.

Senior Program Director Wylie Belasik, who relocated in February to oversee our Washington D.C. expansion, was back in Philadelphia over the weekend to run the 2010 Broad Street Run, in which more than 100 Back on My Feet members and supporters ran.

After finishing the 10-mile run in a tidy 56 minutes flat, he caught up with an old friend, Ridge Avenue shelter team member Kenneth H.. Below, watch some video of the two.

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Back on My Feet and Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia are very excited to announce a new partnership. For more than 60 years, Goodwill has enhanced the dignity and quality of life for individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.

“Goodwill is pleased to collaborate with Back on My Feet, an organization with a mission statement so closely aligned with its own,” said Mark B. Boyd, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ & Philadelphia. “Meaningful work is powerful. It builds self-esteem and independence while strengthening individuals and families one job at a time.”

In the matter of a few short weeks, one member has already begun to work at Goodwill and three more are interviewing for available opportunities in the near future. Back on My Feet would like to thank Mark Boyd, President & CEO of Goodwill of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia for his tremendous support of this partnership.

“We’re thrilled to work with Goodwill. Back on My Feet firmly believes in the great potential of our members to get back into the workforce and subsequently into their own homes. Having Goodwill employ BOMF members is such a perfect fit” said Back on My Feet Philadelphia Program Director Wylie Belasik.

On Saturday, December 19th Back on My Feet members will be reading, serving meals and singing carols with the elderly residents at the Rittenhouse Care Center for the elderly from 9:30am to noon at 1526 Lombard Street. Back on My Feet members are excited to participate in this event and to test our their caroling chops.

“The holiday season is all about giving back and getting involved in your community and for many of our members, the chance to do so to those who are home-bound is going to be an incredible experience” said Back on My Feet Program Director Wylie Belasik.

We would love to have you join us! If interested, please contact Program Coordinator, Austin Gee at Austin@backonmyfeet.org

Happy Holidays!

Back on My Feet rang in the Holiday season last weekend at the Reindeer Run, hosted by the Lansdowne YMCA. YMCA Director Matt Wolf stepped up and offered complimentary entries to the over 50 residential Back on My Feet members who ran in the event. A huge thank you goes out to Matt Wolf and Matt Student for making BOMF participation in this event possible.

Runners at the start were greeted by snowflakes which only added to the festive feel of the race. With jingle bells on their shoes laces and final race instructions from Santa himself, the race was under-way with BOMF non-resident Peter Churchman leading the pack. The course covered a small trail section and wove it’s way through the streets of Lansdowne.

“It’s always nice to get a little ways outside the city to run” said BOMF Program Director Wylie Belasik. “Last night was our third annual Bash, however with all the excitement out here, you wouldn’t know many of us are going on little sleep!”.

In the end BOMF runners finished strongly on the 5k course, happy with another strong effort. BOMF will cool their heels for the rest of December, but look for us at the Pickle Run in January!

CLICK HERE to see pictures from the event!

Photo courtesy of Flickr user tilaneseven

On Friday, June 5th Bridgette Mayer Gallery celebrated their 8th anniversary with a benefit exhibition to support Back on My Feet. 77 artists were featured on 100 panels, including Back on My Feet’s own Mike S., Tyrone M., and Wylie B.!

The event was a tremendous success with over 200 attendees and nearly 50% of the paintings sold!

Visit Bridgette Mayer Gallery to view and purchase this amazing artwork!