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Five Homeless Men to Run in the Marine Corps 10K
On October 25th, thousands of runners will flood the streets of Washington, DC for the annual Marine Corps Marathon and the Marine Corps 10K. Among them will be five members of Back on My Feet (BOMF), the nationally recognized organization that uses running to build strength, confidence, and self-esteem within the homeless population.
“I’m really excited to head down to DC for the 10K," said Darryl Bradley, a member of BOMF in Baltimore. “Back on My Feet has been such a positive influence in my life and I feel honored to be a part of the launch of this organization in another city."
Founded in Philadelphia 2007, BOMF has chapters in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and will be launching in Washington, DC in March 2010. The pre-launch period has already begun, with a 10-person advisory board, including individuals such as Fred Graffam, Senior Vice President of Comcast for the Beltway Region, and Jerry Briggs, the Managing Director of Accenture’s U.S. Federal Business.
“"I'm proud to be part of an organization that helps make a positive difference in others' lives by providing hope, encouragement, and inspiration to those in need," said Graffam, Comcast Regional Senior Vice President. "I look forward to working with Back on My Feet as it expands its impact across the Washington, DC region."
BOMF is a six to nine month program that is built upon running. All members must run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings and maintain a 90 percent attendance rating in order to move forward in the program and get access to job training, employment, and housing opportunities. To date, the organization has helped more than 50 people find and keep employment, 30 members enroll into job training, and assisted 40 people in moving out of a shelter to independent living.
“Everyone is searching for their place in the world,“ said Anne Mahlum,  the organization’s Founder and President. “We’ve built a community that our members voluntarily want to be a part of and when you do that, extraordinary things start to happen."
For more information about Back on My Feet, please visit www.backonmyfeet.org. Please contact Lauren Williams for more details, lauren@baconmyfeet.org