Everything Under The Sun: Putting Lives Back Together, One Step At A Time

Raising money for a good cause - BOMFB members and staff.

Many of us have probably used the expression "back on my feet" at least a few times in our lives. We are meaning to say that We're back on track after a setback or have gotten up out of our sick bed and started to move forward again. For those without permanent homes, it may mean a large life turn-around, depending on the issues an individual or family is facing, whether it is drug dependency, sudden job loss, loss of pay, even not being able to afford the water bill.

Back on My Feet, the organization, started in Philadelphia in 2007; BACK ON MY FEET BALTIMORE (BOMFB)started in 2012. Participants are those who are already homeless, or who risk becoming homeless. They must be referred to the program by a referral partner. Once referred, members are expected to run on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. In addition, they receive a wide variety of services, including job training, employment resources, community support, assistance in transitioning from shelter living to a permanent home. Most important is the emotional support, which helps to boost self-esteem, confidence, and inner strength to meet the challenges ahead. As CEO Katy Sherrott said, "Our members are an inspiration, they work incredibly hard in the Back on My Feet program and with our support transform their lives one mile at a time."

Baltimorean Tony Randolph made that commitment to BOMFB for 30 days; showing up at 5:30 AM for the designated 3 days each week. He discussed his decision, "I was at the end of my rope - using drugs at my Mom's house, on the verge of homelessness, feeling suicidal, just tired of myself. My nephew told me about the HELPING UP MISSION...It's a spiritually based program that helps with recovery for people who are broken. I was working in the kitchen, and some co-workers came in looking happy and joyous, and I decided I wanted some of that!"

Once he started the program, Mr. Randolph appreciated all of the support provided by other participants and staff, "[N]obody ever walks or runs alone, everyone starts and stops with you. From the first day, staff showed me they cared even though they don't know me...Running regularly at 5:30 AM gets you into [a] mindset of getting up and going to work, and repetition is good."

Cigna Foundation, one of BOMFB's partners, would go to Tony's residence with Helping Up and do blood pressure checks and other testing for both Mr. Randolph and the other residents. Tony started developing a new mindset about his health, causing him to "commit to my health and pay more attention to my heart, my head, and my feet - they're all connected."

And now, Mr. Randolph has moved along from the Mission. He now has a permanent residence and has his own landscaping business. He had some help from BOMFB in getting his driver's license and assistance to purchase his own riding mower.

Because of his hard work and commitment to his health, his continued participation in the running group, he has received an all-expense paid vacation to Disney World in Orlando. He was planning to participate in the Disney World 5K at the beginning of this month.

Members and other Baltimore runners ready to start a 5:30 AM run.

Mr. Randolph remains grateful for his chance to reclaim his life, "Life is great! Back on My Feet showed me I can do anything., and they gave me the confidence to do it...The confidence BOMFB has given me makes me a much better man and father, and I've gone from being someone you didn't want around to now being the Fred Sanford of the family - whatever you need, call Tony and he'll help you out." Really, what's better than reconstructing a life?