Jabari first came to Back on My Feet while fighting for his sobriety. In those early morning circle-ups, he kept his guard high, assuming the worst of people. But as he got to know the volunteers and members, he realized he’d found something rare—a community rooted in compassion. They taught him that needing help is human, and that no one succeeds alone.
With the support of Back on My Feet, Jabari began pursuing employment, gaining confidence and discovering opportunities he never knew existed. The encouragement he received on the runs mirrored the encouragement he felt in rebuilding his life.
Sobriety became the cornerstone of who Jabari is today. Proud of how far he’s come, he celebrates the many wins along the way: a stable full-time career, repaired relationships, and a strong network of people who believe in him. One standout moment was earning his first medal at the Soldier Field 10K. As he ran past the Chicago skyline for the first time, he felt a spark—a childlike excitement for the possibilities ahead.
That spark carried him through the Bank of America distance series, from the Shamrock Shuffle to the Chicago Half Marathon, and ultimately to finishing the Chicago Marathon in October. Training was one of the hardest things he’s ever done, but it taught him a lesson about perseverance, to trust the process and keep going, even when the path got tough.
Now, Jabari aims to be a source of inspiration for others who are on the path to sobriety. He knows he can’t change the world, but he can be an example of the good that exists within it. “Do good because that’s what’s within you,” he says. “That’s what compassion is—doing the next right thing.”
To Jabari, Back on My Feet represents restoration. “I look at where I started and where I am now,” he says. “I got back on my feet. I am back on my feet.”
