Back on My Feet is a non-profit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of the homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength, and self-esteem.

Back on My Feet does not provide food nor does it provide shelter, but instead provides a community that embraces equality, respect, discipline, teamwork and leadership. There are no labels, no stigmas and no stereotypes. At Back on My Feet, all members- regardless of race, education or socioeconomic status- join together to move either own lives forward as well as the lives of their teammates. Back on My Feet is much more than just running- it is a comprehensive program that offers connections to job training, educational scholarships and housing assistance. The benefits of Back on My Feet are earned through the currency of attitude, commitment, teamwork, respect, dedication and leadership.

Back on My Feet envisions a community where all members have the support and motivation required to move towards self-sufficiency. Every major city has a homeless problem and while providing food and shelter are very important basic needs, something is missing. We work to rebuild, revive and re-energize individuals. It is only when we have the self-respect, self-confidence that we are truly able to move forward. Back on My feet focuses on helping our members find a road of happiness, hope and opportunity, which includes a stable job and a place to live. This is our goal and we will get there one step at a time.

Homeless men and women who currently reside in homeless shelters in the Philadelphia and Baltimore areas.

Back on My Feet runs three days a week starting between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM, depending on the facility's schedule in the morning. All members are required to attend every day, unless he or she has an excused absence. Our runs are about a community of teamwork, positive attitude, friendship, hope, trust and encouragement. Through running, we create a community of love, hope, trust, friendship, encouragement and support that allows positive decision making for all our members.

After two months of participation in BOMF where the member has demonstrated hard work, perseverance, respect, leadership and teamwork, BOMF works with each member to help determine the Next Step in their life. We assist our members with job training programs, educational scholarships and housing.

Back on My Feet promotes partnerships and collaborations with individuals and organizations already working diligently to solve the many problems associated with homelessness. Our program is just one part of a formula to rebuild lives. The structure and support our runners receive from the staff and volunteers who work at the shelters and rescue missions is crucial to truly getting people back on their feet.

The 2009 Back on My Feet 20in24 Relay Challenge, Lone Ranger Ultra-Marathon, Midnight Madness Run and Pajama Loop, Presented by Nike
July 18th-July 19th 2009
www.20in24.com - Registration now OPEN!

Jonathan Shur, Senior Marketing Manager, Penn State Sports Properties, BOMF Chairman

Anne Mahlum, Founder and President, Back on My Feet, BOMF President

Shelia Hess, Manager, Social Missions Programs, Independence Blue Cross, BOMF Vice President

Colleen Furey, Senior Associate, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, LLP, BOMF Treasurer

Adrian Castelli, Owner, Julian Krinsky Camps and Programs

Michael Colleran, Former President and GM, CBS 3

Howard Eskin, Sports Personality, Sports radio 610WIP and NBC10

Michael Frattone, Esq., Partner, Business Development, Kleinbard, Bell & Brecker, LLP

Melanie Johnson, City Representative, City of Philadelphia

Christine Keates, General Manager, Independence Visitor Center Corp.

Kent Krabbe, Chief Executive Officer, Maryland Auto Insurance Fund

Paula McDermott, Vice President, Marketing 6ABC – WPVI TV

Jill Michal, President and CEO, United Way of Southeastern PA

Damien O’Doherty, Partner, Kearney O’Doherty Public Affiars, LLC

Gerald W. Peden, MD, MA, Senior Medical Director, Claim Payment Policy, Independence Blue Cross

Lara Price, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, Philadelphia 76ers

Joanne Ryder, Senior Vice President, Marketing, The Beneficial Bank

Jonathan A. Saidel, Esq., Associate Lawyer, Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C.

Larry Solomon, COO, Public Service Operating Group, Accenture

Sandra Stein, Partner, KPMG

Jo Anne Wilder, Director Press & Community, NBC 10

Matt Wolf, Association Athletic Director, Community YMCA of Delaware County

Bart Yasso, Chief Running Officer, Runner’s World

Nike, Inc.
Beneficial Bank
Philadelphia Insurance Companies
Whole Foods Market
Independence Blue Cross
JG Wentworth
Lantium
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP
Booth and Tucker, LLP
SEI Investments, Inc.
Kleinbard Bell & Brecker LLP
o3World
PernaFrederick Commercial Real Estate
Price Waterhouse Coopers
CN8, The Comcast Network
Domus, Inc.
Fernwood Hotel & Resort
The Shipon Group
Philadelphia Runner

The Barra Foundation
The Becket Foundation
The Comcast Foundation
The Connelly Foundation
The Douty Foundation
The Drumcliff Foundation
The Edna G. Kynett Memorial Foundation
The H. Chase and Ana Maria Lenfest Foundation, Inc.
The Margaret Evans Foundation
The Nike Foundation - Let Me Play Campaign
The Ohnell Family Foundation
The Patricia Kind Foundation
The Philadelphia Foundation
The Wachovia Foundation

To solve any problem you have to get at its core. We have all been on rocky roads in life and some people have unfortunately found themselves on a road without a home. BOMF does not provide food for the homeless nor does it provide shelter. While those are very important basic needs that all human beings deserve, we provide a program that teaches people to believe in themselves because it doesn't matter if you have 20 homes or 0 homes; if you don't have confidence in yourself it's very difficult to move forward.

We use running as a vehicle to show individuals they are capable accomplishing goals...but it's not going to happen overnight - it takes hard work, dedication and perseverance. BOMF focuses heavily on teamwork - when we run, we run as a family and we support, encourage and motivate each other every step of the way. No one ever runs by themselves because life is a lot harder when you go through it alone.

June 19th, 2009:

* Founded in July 2007
* Chapters in Philadelphia and Baltimore that consist of 9 teams with 139 male and female members
* 600 Volunteers
* 75 members have completed a competitive race
* 15 members have completed a half-marathon
* 5 members have completed a full-marathon
* 23 members have obtained housing
* 39 members have secured jobs
* 25 members have enrolled in job training programs or schooling
* 65 members have attended one of the three required financial literacy classes hosted by Beneficial Bank
* 84% Improved self-esteem
* 95% Feel more motivated to live a healthy lifestyle
* 89% Improved self-confidence