about back on my feet
Operating in 12 major cities coast-to-coast, Back on My Feet uses running and community to motivate and support individuals every step of the way from homelessness to independence. [Their] success is measured not only by the health impact of miles run, but also by how many individuals obtain education, employment and housing.
Back on My Feet recruits members (individuals experiencing homelessness) at homeless and residential facilities around the country and begins with a commitment to run three days a week in the early morning. After 30 days in the program, members with 90% attendance earn the opportunity to move into the second phase of the program called Next Steps, which provides educational support, job training programs, employment partnership referrals and housing resources. Almost 80% of individuals who start the program move into Next Steps.
about penn north
Penn North offers an integrated, community-based addiction treatment and wellness program. Acupuncture, outpatient counseling, job readiness and training, and a variety of healing modalities are available to assist individuals seeking to recover their lives by better understanding their relationships with addictive substances.
Many clients are referred directly from prison or an inpatient facility, and others are experiencing homelessness and coming in off the street. To provide a continuum of services and ensure that clients are supported through treatment, Penn North provides a supportive housing program for qualified adults.
Penn North serves both men and women. There are eight community homes off campus, currently with 158 beds, sleeping 60% male and 40% female. Residents can stay for as long as they need; generally, 18-24 months.
get involved: team penn north
CITY CHURCH has run for Back on My Feet (BOMF), but are you interested in lacing up weekly and running with Back on My Feet?
City Church is helping BOMF get their new team started in the Penn North/Sandtown-Winchester neighborhoods, a Baltimore community that has experienced unbelievable unemployment rates (21% vs. 4.3% national average), poverty (30.9% vs. 14.5% national average), homelessness (1/3 of homes are vacant), and incarceration (3,074 per 100,000 persons vs. 455 national average).
Whether you're a regular runner or haven't run a day in your life, team up with other CITY CHURCH members as we run (or walk) with BOMF members of this running-based model that aims to restore member's confidence, strength, and self-esteem to better equip them to tackle the road ahead and move toward jobs, homes, and new lives.
Volunteers meet in the early morning, 5:30 AM, in Penn North and run between one and four miles with the members. Back on My Feet sees different physical abilities among members so all runners, joggers, and walkers can become a part of this growing community. They run every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but the desired volunteer commitment is once a week. Fallen in love with this team? Volunteer as often as you'd like!
Interested? Email Kelsey at kelsey@citychurchbaltimore.org.
other opportunities
- Wednesday, March 21 – Volunteer Orientation. CLICK HERE to register!
- Friday, August 3rd – Sneaks Come Out at Night Race. Stay tuned!