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

Baltimore Members & Alums

Ricardo's Journey to Financial Stability: From Student Loans to IT Intern

"My life was very recovery oriented but it often felt like there was still something missing. Joining Back on My Feet gave me something to look forward to that just made me feel good about myself and showed me I had potential."

— Ricardo, Back on My Feet Baltimore, Alum

Los Angeles Members & Alums

A Fractured Skull and a Wake Up Call: Jean's Story

"When you go to rehab, you feel like everyone is judging you. But the Back on My Feet volunteers always approach you as a friend."

— Jean, Back on My Feet LA, Alum

Fort Lauderdale Members & Alums

Overcoming Mistrust & Rediscovering Joy with Bobby

"Back on my Feet has given me something that no one can give me. They gave me JOY again."

— Bobby, Back on My Feet Fort Lauderdale, Alum

Los Angeles Members & Alums

Finding Love, Acceptance, and Self-Transformation: Paul's Journey of Recovery

"The highlight of my day was when volunteers would come in. They would look past my addiction and my past and have a real life conversation with me."

— Paul, Back on My Feet Los Angeles, Alum

Denver Members & Alums

From Chaos to Regaining a Life: Albert's Journey

"When you're in an addiction, you don't really care about anything. All of the skills you've learned about resumes, careers, and goals goes to the wayside. You're too busy focusing on survival. When I was homeless, I knew that wasn't me."

— Albert, Back on My Feet Denver, Alum

Dallas / Fort Worth Members & Alums

The Power of Dignity & Found Family: Jaime's Story

"People from Back on My Feet text me all the time to see how I’m doing. It’s real family."

— Jaime, Back on My Feet Dallas, Alum

Dallas / Fort Worth Members & Alums

Fortino's Journey to Redemption: How a 4th Chance Sparked Transformation and Hope

“The person suffering from addiction is the person I knew. The person I’ve grown to be is new to me. The drive I have today is overwhelming in the best way.” — Fortino, Back on My Feet Dallas, Alum

Featured Members & Alums New York City

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

Featured Members & Alums New York City

From Sleeping on the Subway to Attending Law School: Tyrena's Story

“Although it takes time, the key is persistence. The key is to keep going. I think I’ve taken that resilience from walking to running and learned to implement that in other areas of life.”

— Tyrena, BoMFNYC Alum

Members & Alums San Francisco

How Small Steps and Community Support Transformed Nicole's Life

"Back on My Feet has been amazing in helping me restore my life." — Nicole, San Francisco, Alum

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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.

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

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

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