Success Stories

Back on My Feet starts with a run, but builds to so much more. The community supports members as they enter into the core of our program, Next Steps, where they can achieve training, education, employment and housing.

Community stories

Rising from Adversity: Dexter’s Journey from Guyana to Freedom, Success, and Advocacy in the U.S.

“My journey was really hard, but worth it. I’ve been able to help so many people. Five years ago, I came to Back on My Feet. and still I have a real team behind me all the time. It’s a real family.”

— Dexter, Back on My Feet New York, Alum

From Addiction to Empowerment: Jose’s Journey of Recovery and Community with Back on My Feet

"My whole life I was looking for community and I either couldn’t fit in or it was a community that seemed good but then led me astray. I really feel like I found Back on My Feet for a reason and now that I have the right community I can keep giving back and helping others."

— Jose, Back on My Feet San Francisco, Alum

From Addiction and Despair to Ultramarathon Glory: The Inspiring Journey of US Army Veteran Shawn

"Back on My Feet not only gave me the community and physical activity I so desperately needed, but I stand taller now, and I have more hope for my future because of the support they continue to give me."

— Shawn, Back on My Feet Austin, Alum

Boston Dallas / Fort Worth Members & Alums Volunteers

From Homelessness in Dallas to Paying it Forward in Boston

“The people in life that glow are the people that are always helping someone else. You can see how special they are. I'm trying to be that. But it's not about me being better than anyone else. It's about the people who need the help now that I needed then.”

— Tim, Back on My Feet Alum

Los Angeles Members & Alums

CJ's Transformation Through the Power of Compassion, and Connection

"The schooling to become a counselor taught me that the opposite of addiction is connection."

— CJ, Back on My Feet LA, Alum

Circle Up Los Angeles Members & Alums Volunteers

Overcoming Addiction Through Healthy Living

"I am diving into healthy living, meaning good sleep, good eating, exercise, volunteer work. I am contributing to the stream of life, where I used to be taking."

— Kevin, Back on My Feet LA, Alum & Volunteer

Indianapolis Members & Alums

Resilience Redefined: Aaron's Journey

"When life gets tough, I don't self-destruct anymore. I keep moving, keep pushing forward."

— Aaron, Back on My Feet Indy, Alum

Atlanta Chicago Marathon FundRacers Members & Alums

From Unhoused Veteran to Marathon FundRacer: Eli's Journey

"I want to help as many people as possible through drug and alcohol recovery. As many as I can possibly help. Inspire other people to become the best possible people they can become in the field they're in."

— Eli, Back on My Feet Atlanta, Alum and FundRacer

Houston Members & Alums

How Running and Community Helped Martin Turn His Life Around

"Before, I didn't have anything to look forward to, but being with Back on My Feet gave me a better start to my morning."

— Martin, Back on My Feet Houston, Alum

Denver Members & Alums

Phil's Inspiring Story of Hope and Redemption

Phil's accomplishments are remarkable, including running a half marathon and convincing the program to do a 14er (a hike reaching 14,000 feet above sea level). Reflecting on the experience, Phil said, "Those are memories that will last forever. We've changed the perspectives of lives of many people of things they can do and achieve."

— Phil, Back on My Feet Denver, Alum

Denver Members & Alums

From Extradition to State-Certified Clinician: Shane's Story of Recovery

"Stay consistent, trust the process, and your hard work will pay off. Back on My Feet can give support in many, many different paths to what you want to do."

— Shane, Back on My Feet Denver Alum

Back on My Feet New York alum Saxon with his dog

Members & Alums New York City

Saxon's Inspirational Journey: From Homelessness and Addiction to Hope, Recovery, and Helping Others

"Hang in there long enough for the momentum of Back on My Feet to take hold."

— Saxon, Back on My Feet New York, Alum

Members & Alums San Francisco

From Addiction to Empowerment: Jose's Journey of Recovery and Community

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A Place to Belong: Michael’s Story of Recovery, Community, and Hope

“I love being a part of the Back on My Feet team. I love the people involved in it. I love the why. I love the connection, the inclusion and the friendships.”

— Michael, Back on My Feet Atlanta, Alum

Lafayette’s Story – From Jail to Greatness: My Back on My Feet Journey

“I didn’t hesitate. I was ready to take advantage of every opportunity to become better.”

— Lafayette, Back on My Feet Atlanta, Alum

Running for Renewal: Jabari’s Story of Recovery and Resilience

“I look at where I started and where I am now... I got back on my feet. I am back on my feet.”

— Jabari, Back on My Feet Chicago, Alum

Beyond the Darkest Point: Melvin's Story of Perseverance

“The strong foundation and good training from Back on My Feet helped me open more doors than I ever knew I could.”

—Melvin, Back on My Feet Houston, Alumni

Running Toward a Brighter Future: Bradley's Inspiring Transformation

“I hope that day never comes that I’m not with Back on My Feet.”

— Bradley, Back on My Feet Philadelphia, Alum

From Homeless to Providing Hope: Mike's Story

"I don't live in anger anymore. I'm more service oriented. I get my rewards for helping other people, whether it's volunteering at the water station, going to Circle Ups as an alumni, and giving back."

— Mike, Back on My Feet Indianapolis, Alum

From Unmotivated to Aspiring Registered Nurse

"I got a job working at a hospital as a dietary aide helping everyone from new babies to people getting intubated. My job is so rewarding, I'm actually sad when I'm not working."

— Kris, Back on My Feet Boston, Alum

How Emery Discovered Community and Purpose

"I feel like that's not even a job for me. It's just a way to give back to what was given to me freely."

— Emery, Back on My Feet San Francisco, Alum

From Isolation to Accomplishment: Jamie's Inspiring Journey

"I've recently applied and am interviewing with the Salvation Army shelter as a shelter monitor. I think it's important to give back. The homelessness situation here is very prevalent and perhaps my lived experience of having been in their situation will be inspiring."

— Jamie, Back on My Feet Seattle, Alum

Be Like Water & Continue to Flow: Artemas' Journey

"The workshops were tremendous. I was computer illiterate. I didn't know anything. What they taught me at the workshop prepared me to take classes online while I go to school."

— Artemas, Back on My Feet Dallas, Alum

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Ways to Get Involved

Help us bridge the gap between emergency services and re-entering society by providing the resources our members need to regain control of their lives, one step at a time.

Donate

Directly support our mission to transform lives one mile at a time.

Volunteer

Create ongoing impact in the lives of our members and alumni.

FundRace

Get guaranteed entry into your favorite or sold-out races all over the world while running for a good cause.

Attend Events

By attending or sponsoring events, you help us spread awareness and raise critical funding for our mission.

Partner with Us

Support our members' success through financial or programmatic support, workforce development, employee engagement and so much more!