May 24, 2010
Release: Boston chapter launch

Contact information:
Christopher Wink
(O) 215-772-1080 ext. 106
(M) 215-410-8904
chris [at] backonmyfeet.org

Extraordinary Stories and Great Photo/Video Opportunity

Organization that helps the Homeless through Running to Launch in Boston in May

May 24, 2010 -- Back on My Feet (BOMF), the nonprofit organization that uses running as a vehicle to promote self-sufficiency among homeless populations, is launching its fourth chapter in Boston on Monday, May 24.

Thirty inaugural members experiencing homelessness from three different Boston facilities will start the program by running their first mile at 5:45 a.m.

Download the full press release here [PDF].

"Because of the size of its running community, its location and its battle with homelessness, Boston is a natural fit to continue to expand Back on My Feet," said Anne Mahlum, founder and president of the nonprofit. "We are ready to spread our mission to New England."

Back on My Feet promotes self-sufficiency of the homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. A comprehensive program, Back on My Feet offers connections to job training, employment and housing. Members earn the opportunity to share in these benefits by maintaining a 90 percent attendance rate at morning runs three days a week.

The organization is successful in large part to the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporate partners who recognize the mission's transcendent value.

“Back on My Feet is transforming individuals for the better by providing their members with real hope and opportunity,” said Jim Boyle, president, John Hancock Financial, the title sponsor of the Inaugural John Hancock Back on My Feet Breakfast in Your Sneakers Presented by the Copley Marriott. “We are proud to support BOMF as it brings its mission to Boston.”

In 2009, BOMF helped more than 120 members find employment, enroll into job training programs and/or assist in moving members out of facilities and into independent living. Back on My Feet currently has chapters in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C. and is expanding to Chicago this fall.

"We at Marriott have been really impressed by the work that Back on My Feet is doing in Philly, Baltimore and DC, and we're proud to support this unique organization in Greater Boston now, too," said Bill Skoglund, said Area Vice President Marriott International, which is a major sponsor of Back on My Feet for event hosting, including the launch breakfast. "Back on My Feet running team members --through hard work, focus and discipline -- find comfort in their team communities, confidence in themselves, and hope for the future. We applaud Anne Mahlum's common-sense idea that is making such an impact in many communities."

Below are the details for the launch:

• Sunday, May 23 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. [PHOTO] The inaugural 30 Back on My Feet Boston members will be going to the Marathon Sports store in Boston (671 Boylston Street; Boston, MA 02116) to be fitted for running shoes, which will be donated by Marathon Sports. They will also receive their BOMF running gear.
• Monday, May 24 – 5:45 a.m. [PHOTO] BOMF will have its official first run with three teams made of members experiencing homelessness and non-residential members (or “volunteers”), all of whom will run their first mile from the following three shelters: Hope House, Boston Rescue Mission and St. Francis House. The team circle, stretch and run will begin promptly at 6 a.m. We are encouraging media interested in covering the first run to film at the Boston Common, where all three teams will convene for the first morning run. We will meet at the corner of Boylston and Tremont streets starting at 5:45 a.m. before the team circle starts at 6 a.m.
  
  Media Opportunities starting at 5:45 a.m. before 6 a.m. run or after at 6:15 a.m.:

  (1) Interview: A member who turned his life around, with the help of BOMF.
  (2) Interview: Anne Mahlum, BOMF Founder, inspired to launch the organization three years ago after running past a homeless shelter each morning on her daily run
  (3) Interview: Boston’s new members, some of whom have never run a mile before
  (4) Visual: B-roll and Photos of the first run
  

• Monday, May 24 – 8 a.m.- 9 a.m. The Inaugural John Hancock Back on My Feet Breakfast in Your Sneakers Presented by the Copley Marriott at 110 Huntington Avenue. More than 400 individuals, including many of our members, will be in attendance at this kick-off event where Anne Mahlum, founder and president, will speak as well as Jim Boyle, President of John Hancock, and Philadelphia chapter alumnus James Singletary. Additional sponsors include Comcast, Richards Barry Joyce & Partners, Bimbo Bakeries, Wells Fargo, and more.
• Monday, May 24 - all day BOMF is celebrating its launch in Boston all day long with many corporate partners participating in one of the nonprofit's signature events – Sneaker Day. Employers will allow their employees to wear sneakers to work for a $5 donation to BOMF.

Read more about Back on My Feet on the organization's Philadelphia site here.