I have been volunteering with the Dallas Chapter of Back on My Feet for four years, and over that time, I’ve found that one of the most effective tools for long-term success is setting specific goals. In recovery, these may be time-based (sobriety for a month, a year, or longer) or action-based (obtaining a driver’s license, securing a job, or finding housing). I’ve repeatedly seen the power of goal-setting with our members, and I’ve been immensely proud to be part of their journeys.
Often, these goals are decided during “Next Steps” meetings, where members meet with volunteers and staff to talk through their needs, hopes, and the skills they want to develop. My own volunteering has centered on “Circle Ups”, joining members for early-morning walks and runs. There is an immense and quiet strength in these sessions. Even when we don’t deliberately name them as such, Circle Ups often serve as foundational steps.
For example, I spent a few weeks with one member, Mr. B. (name changed for privacy), who struggled to complete our routine warm-up. He had a significant smoking history, and this was his first time in a recovery center. We started by setting small goals: completing two movements of the warm-up before resting, then half of the routine, and eventually the full set. I watched his progress at each Circle Up, and as he intentionally worked to improve his fitness, he also began to reduce his cigarette use. With only slight suggestions and encouragement, he recognized on his own that he felt stronger and better when he smoked less. Rather than being instructed or scolded to change his habits, we set a goal together. Because he wanted to achieve it, he made thoughtful decisions about his habits along the way.
Across chapters, we see countless examples of members reclaiming their lives by setting purposeful goals. Another member, Mr. X., was a former high-school and college athlete. After years of hard living, he struggled to jog consistently along our morning route. We began by alternating walking and jogging. The critical step was this: each time he stopped to walk, I encouraged him to choose a specific point ahead where he would start jogging again. This allowed him to set his own goals and hold himself accountable. At first, he chose landmarks several hundred feet away. Over time, those distances grew shorter, until one morning we jogged an entire lap. From there, we shifted to longer intervals of continuous running. Eventually, Mr. X. was running the entire route and even doubling back to add extra distance.
In Dallas, our chapter celebrates these accomplishments. Our Next Steps mentors are deliberate about helping members set career goals, and at Circle Ups, we encourage members by running alongside them in their fitness journeys. Over the past two years, we’ve taken this a step further by forming a volunteer-led “Race Committee”. Historically, our members participated annually in the Dallas Marathon Weekend events, and we noticed that having a major race on the calendar consistently boosted energy and motivation at Circle Ups.
The idea was simple: more races would give members something concrete to train for. To our delight, members responded enthusiastically. What we didn’t anticipate was the sense of community these races would help create.
We began reaching out to race organizers across Dallas-Fort Worth, from small groups hosting a single annual race to larger organizations managing multiple events. While some offered discounts and others didn’t respond, one local company immediately stood out. Run Different, whose mission is to create inclusive races for participants of all fitness levels, offered multiple race entries at no cost to members. Their frequent events, from 5Ks to half-marathons, take place throughout DFW and are easily accessible.
Michael Reinoehl, Executive Director of Run Different, responded to our inquiry the same day, excitedly indicating that he “would love to work something out with [us]!” We created a sign-up form and encouraged members at Circle Ups to participate. For many, this would be their first organized race. Though these were grown adults, the excitement was unmistakable: a mix of giddiness, healthy nervousness, and pride as race approached. Each Circle Up felt more purposeful as members trained towards a shared goal. In the week leading up to the race, volunteers organized carpools and drove members to the event.
On race day, Mr. Reinoehl welcomed our group warmly and expressed his appreciation for the partnership. The energy along the course was electric, Members exchanged race plans, pacing strategies, and encouragement. More experienced runners chased personal bests, while newer runners focused on finishing strong and setting new benchmarks. We stretched together, shared a group cheer, and lined up at the start. Members and volunteers ran side by side, and regardless of distance or time, we met our goals. At the finish line, runners were greeted with cheers, high-fives, snacks, hydration, and of course, medals.
Over the past two years, Run Different races have become something our members look forward to regularly. Long-time participants are running farther, racing faster, and mentoring others. Alumni have joined as well, setting a powerful example for current members. Volunteers have found joy in the process, and the experience has fostered a strong sense of community. Most importantly, these races have supported more than physical fitness. They’ve helped members integrate into the broader community in healthy, empowering ways. They have encouraged members to set goals, take ownership of their progress, embrace new challenges, and succeed alongside others, bringing Back On My Feet’s values to life through action and community.
In life, goals are fundamental. Whether it’s a faster race time or an additional day of sobriety, progress in one area strengthens progress in another. By continuing to set both spoken and unspoken goals with our members, we take meaningful steps forward together. In doing so, members, volunteers, alumni, and community partners alike move closer to getting back on our feet.
— Benji, Back on My Feet Dallas Volunteer
