Neighbor News
Running for a Cause: I can do this. I'm a winner.
Atlanta organization with a unique approach to homelessness is both a participant and beneficiary of Downtown 5K on September 11th
As one of the oldest and continuous workplace-based fitness and 5K events in the country, the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program (KPCRW) believes in sharing its success by donating race proceeds to local community organizations with a critical cause. One of the newest beneficiaries of the KPCRW is Back on My Feet (BoMF).
BoMF is a national for-purpose 501(c)3 organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change the way they see themselves so they can make real change in their lives resulting in employment and independent living. They use the benefits of running to help set the agenda for change. Running teaches us to take things one step at a time; that you can’t cheat life - you have to run miles one through nine to get to 10; when facing an uphill challenge you can persevere or take the easy way and turn around. Running allows you to keep moving forward. And, even if you arrive some place different you arrive stronger and often a better version.
This week a 20-member team of residents, volunteers and alumni members – runners and walkers – will participate in the KPCRW. They have been training several days a week in preparation for the September 11th 5K, including residents who are brand new to running and walking and are part of BoMF’s “Couch to 5K” program.
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“We have realized that group training is our best motivator,” explains Mandy Putnam, KP Corporate Run/Walk Co-Captain and Director of Communications and Corporate Relations at BoMF. “Our teams have been infectiously high energy because we share and celebrate in each other’s success.”
“When I run, the voice in my head says, ‘go, I can do this. I’m a winner.” This is a quote from Miko, a female resident at Salvation Army who has been with Back on My Feet for almost two months and will be joining Team BoMF this week at the 32nd year of the KP Corporate Run/Walk at Atlanta’s Turner Field.
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In addition to Salvation Army, BoMF partners with City of Refuge, Gateway Center and Trinity House.
For those interested in becoming involved by running, walking and motivating BoMF residents, visit the website for more information or visit their information booth at Turner Field on race day. Regular morning group runs are scheduled from several downtown Atlanta locations.
