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St. Patrick's Day 8K Charity Partner
Charitable Partners
The official charitable partner for the 22nd Annual St. Patrick's Day 8K is Special Olympics DC. This organization strives to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for all children and adults with developmental disabilities. The goal is to bring all individuals with mental retardation into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected, and given the opportunity to become happy and productive citizens.
Special Olympics is founded on the belief that through successful experiences in sport, Special Olympics athletes gain confidence and build a positive self-image which carries over into the classroom, the home, the job, and the community.
Over the years, the race has donated almost $50,000 to the Special Olympics.
For more information about the programs, please see the Special Olympics DC Web site or call (202) 408-2640.
Back on My Feet is a nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of the homeless population by engaging them in running to build strength, confidence, and self-esteem. The organization started in Philadelphia in July of 2007 and has developed into 6-9 month program that begins with running and leads to so much more. 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 gain access to job training, employment, and housing opportunities.
In just two years, the organization has grown to more than 170 members and 750 volunteers. BOMF has helped more than 50 members find employment, 35 enroll into job training programs, and has assisted 40 individuals in moving from a shelter to independent living. BOMF has received incredible media support, including attention from NBC Nightly News, ABC World News, and CNN, for its ingenuity in tackling this difficult social issue. BOMF has chapters in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and will launch in Washington, DC in March, Boston in May, and one additional city in late 2010.
More information can be found at www.backonmyfeet.org
