How It Works
From their first morning run to Next Steps meetings with Back on My Feet employees and workshops with financial partners, our members are supported by our community on their road to self-sufficiency.
"Community to me isn't just a destination or an event we participate in. Community is a people we commit to. A people who know us and love us where we are now and while we are becoming something new."
Gino Curcuruto, Volunteer
How It Works
Back on My Feet recruits individuals at homeless or addiction and treatment facilities around the country. These individuals – known as members – commit to run three early mornings a week. Goals are set and achieved with one mile becoming two, two becoming three and so on, and after 30 days with 90%, their first milestone: they earn the opportunity to move into Next Steps.
In Next Steps, members work with Back on My Feet program staff to develop a personal road map to independence. Each member attends financial literacy classes and job skills training provided through partnerships with our corporate partners. Members can earn financial aid to remove barriers to employment and housing such as work supplies, transportation and security deposits. Members who achieve employment and housing become Alumni Members.
Why It Works
Running
Members set & achieve goals, getting mentally & physically stronger.
Community
Our community supports members - cheering them through life's hurdles.
Employment & Housing
Employment partners and housing resources complete the cycle.
Who We Serve
No matter our circumstances, Back on My Feet shows that something as seemingly simple as running can strengthen individuals, build communities and transform lives.
Our members are individuals currently experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. To join, members must be referred by one of our facility or referral partners. Members range in age from 18 to over 65. 35% of our members are veterans. 53% are African American, 31% Caucasian and 14% Hispanic. Some members have a college education, while others are working on their GED. Most of our members have families, with 60% having children, and we are proud to have Back on My Feet reunite them around something positive.
The most important thing about this program is that I got love. These people loved me until I learned to love myself again…Today, I walk with my head held higher.
Norma
Harvard Graduate & Network Leader for Union Capital Boston
It is one thing for a corporation to give money, but it is another thing to really get involved. I appreciate everything that Marriott has done for me and for Back on My Feet.
Eliyah
Marriott Employee, Marathoner & HVAC/R Certification Student
Running with people who listen, care, and cheer on has been both healing and empowering. With the help of Back on My Feet, I have grown, risen, and now I thrive.
Mirinia
Columbia University Student
I didn’t have to work because of my military injury, but I wanted to. The door was opened, and I walked through it, with the help and support of Back on My Feet.
Luis
Marriott/White Lodging Employee & Marathoner
I had nowhere to go but up … Back on My Feet showed me that if you show up and run and communicate with others, so many doors will open up for you.
Shawn
Ultra Marathoner & Working on Personal Training Certification
For me, everything came full circle. Everything that addiction took from me was restored through the transformative work of Back on My Feet.
Matt Joseph
Back on My Feet Alumni Services Coordinator
I really didn't want a job, I wanted a career. Back on My Feet helped with that. Now, instead of me needing a job, the job will need me.
Chris
Member, Welder-in-Training
I received life training, job training, financial literacy and support to help me get back on my feet. It's helped me a lot in moving my life towards success.
Trevis
Member