Most of you know that my sister is the Communications Director for Back on My Feet in Indianapolis. While I haven’t been super involved with the program yet in D.C., I was excited to run with her group while I was home on my birthday.
What’s Back on My Feet?
A non-profit organization that works with halfway houses, homeless and rehab centers to help residents and participants get “back on their feet” through running to regain self-sufficiency in their lives.
Basically, those who want to participate must commit to running with the group at least 3x per week. If they have a 90% attendance rate at practices after 30 days in the program (which begin around 5:30 a.m.), they are able to receive financial assistance to be put toward bills, loans, schooling and more. They are eligible to receive work education classes and more. You can read more about the program and steps here.
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| My mom and I running with James, a BOMF participant. We went 20 miles together! |
More importantly, they join a warm, friendly, uplifting community of people who can re-ignite a spark of hope in their lives. As the BOMF web site says, participants join “a community that embraces equality, respect, discipline, teamwork and leadership.” Now, those are things some of these folks haven’t seen or felt in quite some time.
HUGS!
One thing I love about BOMF is the hugs. Hugging is an essential, important part of the program and there is a lot of it. There is something about that embrace, the human touch, that can reach into someone’s heart. It’s as if to say, you are loved, you are accepted.
The practice begins with everyone putting their arms around one another and saying the Serenity Prayer. Here’s the Indy team before an event:
You know how it is starting a Monday morning off sluggish and dreading the week? Running kind of kicks that to the curb. In running and physical exercise, there are endorphins, motivation, inspiration, determination and spirit. By offering the incentives to join group, BOMF offers people a chance at experiencing real life again — a chance to feel strong and hopeful and inspired and joyful.
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| The first few miles of a long 20 in Indianapolis with BOMF |
And while it may be hard to get up in the mornings, hardly anything beats a beautiful morning sunrise. To me, that is one of life’s greatest pleasures:
Thanks for running with BoMF Indy!! We love making new friends. There is not better way to start your day.
Back on My feet Indy loved have you run with us.
I am always a hiker but never a runner. Recently I am trying to run and know how hard it's for me. So I always admire runners. Most of all volunteer runner!!!!
Thanks peeps! This weekend inspired me to get involved as much as I can with the DC chapter. Even though I can't do morning weekday runs, I can do other things — and I will!
Thanks for running with BoMF Indy!! We love making new friends. There is not better way to start your day.
Back on My feet Indy loved have you run with us.
I am always a hiker but never a runner. Recently I am trying to run and know how hard it's for me. So I always admire runners. Most of all volunteer runner!!!!
Love that skyline picture!Lori
Thanks peeps! This weekend inspired me to get involved as much as I can with the DC chapter. Even though I can't do morning weekday runs, I can do other things — and I will!
What a great thing to do….you're awesome!
What a cool organization! And 20 miles! Whew… impressive! And that last picture is gorgeous!
Love that skyline picture!Lori
Hi Erica – I'm the ED for DC. Come run with us. I had no idea you were here. Your post came up on my google alert. I hope to see you out soon.
What a great thing to do….you're awesome!
What a cool organization! And 20 miles! Whew… impressive! And that last picture is gorgeous!
Hi Erica – I'm the ED for DC. Come run with us. I had no idea you were here. Your post came up on my google alert. I hope to see you out soon.
what a great organization. i've read about BOMF on a few other blogs and you've definitely inspired me to seek out a chicagoland chapter.
What a great organization! Inspiring….
What an amazing organization! Thanks for sharing!!xoSarahGet UP & Go
I want to be part of a group that gives out HUGS! That sounds so awesome! Awesome photos!
what a great organization. i've read about BOMF on a few other blogs and you've definitely inspired me to seek out a chicagoland chapter.
What a great organization! Inspiring….
What an amazing organization! Thanks for sharing!!xoSarahGet UP & Go
I want to be part of a group that gives out HUGS! That sounds so awesome! Awesome photos!
Thanks ladies! If you aren't in DC or Indy, there are BOMF's in a lot of different big cities so check out one in your area! Thanks for stopping be 🙂
Thanks ladies! If you aren't in DC or Indy, there are BOMF's in a lot of different big cities so check out one in your area! Thanks for stopping be 🙂
Wow, what an amazing, scenic run! I love that you pray the Serenity Prayer before running too. So inspiring, Ericka. God gets us through everything!Stay lovely,Heather
Wow, what an amazing, scenic run! I love that you pray the Serenity Prayer before running too. So inspiring, Ericka. God gets us through everything!Stay lovely,Heather
I just found your blog and just recently got involved with Back on My Feet here in DC. I loved this post and hope to see you on a run sometime! 🙂
I just found your blog and just recently got involved with Back on My Feet here in DC. I loved this post and hope to see you on a run sometime! 🙂