New York City Teams
Updated: May 21, 2012
Running is the vehicle we use to build self-confidence and teach dedication with Residential Members, and it’s the foundation of our 4-6 month comprehensive Next Steps program. We are pleased to tell you that we have partnered with the following three facilities, which will soon grow into our first three NYC running teams.
The Bowery Mission | 227 Bowery
Project Renewal | 216 Fort Washington Ave
Common Ground - The Times Square | 255 West 43rd St
Camba | 59 Prince St.
The Fortune Society | 625 West 140th St.
If you are interested in running with Back on My Feet, please sign up for one of our Non-Residential (volunteer) orientations, beginning in March 2012. All team runs begin promptly at 5:30 a.m. and conclude by 6:45 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, starting with our launch run on April 10th, 2012. Saturday runs will begin in May. Distances will progress as our Residential Members gain fitness, but average between 2-4 miles per morning.
While we will not have updates on NYC Members until this spring, you can stay up to date on other Members stories, such as Patrick B's from Baltimore, by subscribing to our blog!
BoMF Team Details
Back on My Feet staff and the identified facility staff meet to determine if the program is a good fit for that particular facility based on the internal workings of the residence and the number of potential Members who meet the BoMF requirements. If both parties see a fit, the next stage is presenting the program to the residents to determine their interest level. Each facility signs a legal document giving permission for its residents to participate based on the facility’s health and background knowledge of each individual. BoMF also requires that each Member have at least 30 consistent days living at the shelter and that they have had a physical in the last 6 months.
Back on My Feet staff work closely with facility staff to ensure a collaborative approach to service delivery. Our approach is success through collaboration and we are very proud to be working with the fantastic quality organizations with whom we are partnering with in NYC.
All potential Members must attend an orientation where they sign a dedication contract and goal sheet, liability waiver and photo release form. Each Resident Member also receives a copy of the member guidelines, which goes over the expectations of being a part of the team. In addition, each individual fills out a survey that serves as the basis for evaluation at the team meetings that are held every month. We also take each individual’s weight, shoe and clothing size and require that all members have had a physical in the last six months.
Back on My Feet runs three days a week starting at 5:30am. All Residential Members are required to attend every day, unless he or she has an excused absence. Through running, we create a community of love, hope, trust, friendship, encouragement and support that allows positive decision making for all our members.
Social events are also a major part of the organization and permission is based on attendance and attitude.
Team Roles and Responsibilities
Each team has the following volunteer leadership roles: Team Leader, Team Organizer, Social Director, Coach and Volunteer Coordinator. These positions are chosen by BoMF staff and each role is clearly defined and explained. While all of these individuals are BoMF Non-Residential Members (volunteers), they are a part of one specific facility team. Teams have meetings once a month to discuss progress, gather feedback and discuss any problems of the overall well-being of the team.
