NEW YORK, NY - Back on My Feet (BoMF), a
national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating
independence and self-sufficiency within the homeless and
other under-served populations by first engaging them in
running, will launch its ninth chapter in New York City on
April 10, 2012. That morning, Back on My Feet Residential
Members (individuals experiencing homelessness) will begin
their journey with Back on My Feet by participating in a
one-mile inaugural run that begins in Central Park and ends
in the heart of New York City's Times Square. The inaugural
run will be followed by Back on My Feet's traditional
"business attire with sneakers" Launch Breakfast, presented
by Accenture and NYC Marriott and Renaissance Hotels, at the
New York Marriott Marquis. More than 40 corporate sponsors
and 800 people are expected to be at the breakfast, which
will serve as a platform to celebrate the official launch of
the New York City chapter as well as honor some of New York
City's most supportive individuals and corporations who have
played a crucial role in bringing the national organization
to the city.
Among those being honored at the launch breakfast are Chief
Executive Officer of NASDAQ OMX, Robert Greifeld, and
President and CEO of New York Road Runners, Mary Wittenberg.
Corporate Sponsors include: Accenture, NYC Marriott and
Renaissance Hotels, AT&T, Bimbo Bakeries, Brooks Running,
Clear Channel, New York Road Runners, TD Bank, Wells Fargo
and NASDAQ OMX.
"Back on My Feet is thrilled to open its ninth chapter in
New York City, where the community is working hard to
support those who, given the chance, can run with greater
hope towards an independent life," said Anne Mahlum, Founder
and CEO of Back on My Feet, and Executive Director of Back
on My Feet New York City."We feel privileged to have the
opportunity to bring Back on My Feet's much needed program
and services to the city of New York and are grateful for
the community and corporate support."
New York City is the ninth chapter that Back on My Feet has
launched since its inception in 2007 and joins successful
chapters currently operating in Philadelphia, Chicago,
Baltimore, Boston, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Indianapolis,
Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. The Back on My Feet program
has had great success nationwide and from September 2008 to
2011:
-
An 85% increase in Members obtaining jobs from 2010 to
2011;
-
A 121% increase in Members obtaining housing from 2010
to2011;
-
And, a 79% increase in Members enrolling in education
and training from 2010 to 2011.
"We are glad to support an organization that gives those in
less-fortunate situations the opportunity to move their life
forward in a way that is meaningful and sustainable," said
Robert Greifeld, CEO of NASDAQ OMX and Co-Chair of the Back
on My Feet NYC Launch Breakfast.
"New York Road Runners celebrates the power of running and
how it can transform an individual's life. Back on My Feet's
mission made immediate sense to us and we are proud to
support the organization in its expansion to New York City,"
said Ms. Wittenberg.
Back on My Feet partners with facilities not to create
runners within the homeless population, but to create
self-sufficiency in the lives of those experiencing
homelessness by using running as a vehicle. The success of
the comprehensive four- to six-month program is measured by
how many Members achieve independence through employment and
housing. Teams are formed at these partner facilities, where
the foundation of Back on My Feet is laid through dedication
to running. All teams, including volunteers, run three
mornings each week, with longer, optional runs on Saturdays.
Additionally, Members attend monthly social events and local
races. Attendance, mileage and attitude are tracked on every
run. After 30 days in the program, each Residential Member
who maintains 90 percent attendance at the morning runs
moves to Back on My Feet's "Next Steps" phase.
In Next Steps, Residential Members meet with Back on My Feet
Program staff to assess their current situation and develop
a road map for an independent lifestyle. Members have access
to educational and job training opportunities, and through
dedication to the program, earn financial aid to help them
move toward employment and permanent housing. Members can
use financial aid to address barriers to self-sufficiency
including outstanding fines, tools for a job,
transportation, education, certifications and security
deposits. On average, 75 percent of Members are in the Next
Steps phase of the program -a true testament to the efficacy
and sustainability of the program.
Back on My Feet New York City will initially work with
five facility partners: The Bowery Mission, Project Renewal,
Common Ground, Camba and The Fortune Society.
The breakfast launch program includes:
Breakfast Co-Chairs:
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Robert Greifeld, CEO,NASDAQ OMX
-
John Rieman, General Manager,
Renaissance New York Times Square, Marriott
International; Member of the Back on My Feet NYC
Advisory Board
Breakfast Emcee:
-
Larry Solomon, COO-Human Resources,
Accenture; Chairman of the National Board, Back on My
Feet
Greetings by:
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Seth Diamond, Commissioner, New York
City Department of Homeless Services
Presentations by:
-
Anne Mahlum, Founder & CEO of Back on
My Feet; Executive Director of Back on My Feet NYC
-
LaTonya Golden, Alumna Member of Back
on My Feet
Breakfast Honorees:
-
Mary Wittenberg, President & CEO, New
York Road Runners
-
George Hirsch, Chair of New York Road
Runners and former Publisher of Runner's World
About
Back on My Feet
Back on My Feet (BoMF), which launched in Philadelphia
in 2007, is a national nonprofit organization that is
dedicated to creating independence and self-sufficiency
within the homeless and other underserved populations by
first engaging them in running as a means to build
confidence, strength and self-esteem. The organization
has chapters in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington
D.C., Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis, Dallas-Ft. Worth
and Atlanta with New York City launching April 10, 2012.
The organization has received media support, including
attention from NBC
Nightly News, ABC
World News, CNN
and The Today Show
for its ingenuity in tackling this difficult social
issue. More information can be found at
www.backonmyfeet.org .