What began as a daily jog past a homeless shelter has blossomed into an organization that has helped a lot of people in downtown Philadelphia. Anne Mahlum realized how much she could help the people she ran by through teaching them the discipline and perseverance in running. She contacted some local businesses back in May of 2007, and held the first group run on July 3rd.
Billed as Philadelphia’s first homeless running club, Back on my Feet teaches discipline, leadership, and goal setting skills in an effort to help the homeless empower themselves to improve their lives.
The program begins with a 3 to 4 month period to help the individuals at each shelter to get into shape through a mandatory training program. After that time, each individual should have had ample opportunity to exhibit and experience hard work, teamwork, and perseverance, which are all skills that are necessary with the next phase of the program which involves job training and educational grants.
There are currently 6 shelters that are participating in the program. If you would like more information about Back on my Feet, are interested in supporting them, or would like to get involved with a similar program in your own community, you can read all about them at their website: http://backonmyfeet.org
.
Ann, yes you can make a difference, you have you are not
naiive, here is another story on the power of believing
and how that empowered me in running …..and many
others in my program RUN AMERICA RUN….
Best wishes, Lynn Petronella
My name is glynis and I have been homeless for the last few years due to drug abuse. I need help Im tired and I just want a ordinary life again. Can you help me? Ive been clean for 2years just trying to get back on my feet. It’s hard when you mess so much up and dont have any help/
Congrads, Anne mahlum
I just saw the CNN special on Hero’s I can only say yes yes yes … to your comment … about treating someone with respect … your my hero …I am a recoverying addict with I have been clean for 6 yrs and i run a recovery home out of my own house…BUT NOW I have ..a huge dream … I work for the christian boxing and sport apperal company named …Team Savior….I too want to start a program for the at rick kids in our inter-city .Jacksonville Florida .I know some one like yourself is busy .. but I know if you could find it in your time and heart to contact me I could grow from your help ..what I need to do ..this is all a dream and I have the backing ..I just want the ideas of love to come from a vision of my heart … and your heart has already done it in such a short period of time ….Please know I really know I am going to make it I just need to feel what it had to of felt in your heart as your dreams came to pass …..
May God Bless you and Keep you in his perfect peace and May His Will shine upon your path so you may never find darkness in your dreams ……
Be Blessed
Jeffrey M Browne
904.697.7841
wow ur a good person to want to help the homeless and u have courage because not many people will stand and do something like u did and its people like u that make the world alot better place to help the people among u and we all thank you for that Harmony Magnet Accadmey high school