Michael’s journey with Back on My Feet is a story of resilience, belonging, and rediscovering hope after years of struggle. For much of his life, Michael faced addiction, poverty, and incarceration. After hitting rock bottom, he made the decision that his life had to change. Following his release from jail, he entered Georgia Works, a residential program for homeless men, and quickly joined Back on My Feet—unsure of what the future held, but ready to try something different.
Michael had never considered himself a runner. What drew him in wasn’t the miles, but the chance to step outside the facility, experience normalcy, and build genuine friendships. Those early mornings became more than runs—they became moments of connection, accountability, and healing. On the days he least wanted to show up, Michael pushed himself anyway, and those days often became his best. Through Back on My Feet, he found a space where he didn’t have to be “tough” or guarded just to survive; he could simply be himself and feel welcomed back into life.
Like many returning citizens, Michael’s past made finding a job incredibly difficult. He faced rejection after rejection. With support from Back on My Feet, he learned how to share his story honestly and humbly, focusing on the work he had done to change his life. Back on My Feet stood beside him, providing references and belief when others hesitated. In November, Michael achieved a major milestone—securing permanent employment as an Ambassador with the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, a role he takes great pride in and sees as a chance to give back to the community.
Now approaching two years of sobriety in January 2026, Michael is preparing for his next chapter: moving into a shared apartment and continuing to build stability and purpose. Back on My Feet has become more than a program—it’s a lifelong community. As Michael says, he loves the people, the mission, the connection, and the friendships he has made, and he plans to stay connected forever. His journey is a powerful reminder that with support, accountability, and belief, transformation is not only possible—it’s sustainable.
