Thursday, November 10, 2011
Events Why I'll be jogging with homeless people at 5:30am
Posted by Eric Celeste on Thu, Nov 10, 2011 at 5:18 PM
- Joeff Davis
- Aaron Weatherly tries on a new pair of shoes at Phidippides at Ainsley Mall during the inaugural shoe fitting for Back On My Feet Atlanta.
About six months ago, when I was still living in Dallas, my girlfriend told me she'd decided to join something called Back On My Feet, "a nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of people experiencing homelessness by engaging them in running." My response was not unlike Homer's when Bart asked to go the park to get some fresh air:
Homer: Do I have to sit up?
Bart: No.
Homer: Knock yourself out.
Because, we're both thinking the same thing, right? How can a jogging program help the homeless?
Well, Back on My Feet Atlanta kicks off tomorrow with a 5:30 am run at at St Luke's Episcopal Church on Peachtree Street NE, and I'll be there. Because I've seen first-hand how much this uplifting, structured program helps give folks a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Fact is, I nearly cried every time she came home and told me how her homeless friends would cheer and encourage her when she was tiring at the end of a run, or how one of her running partners was no longer there because he'd finally gotten a job and was moving into his own place. And every one of the participants credited BOMF with helping them achieve these goals.
The folks pictured, who got their shoe fittings this morning, are already acknowledging how much a program like this can help. Aaron Weatherly, pictured at right, has been homeless for two years, and he is excited to be part of BOMF. "It gives me motivation to get up in the morning and to think positive and achieve my goals. My goal is to achieve independent living and to get married and to have a family."
So you want to make a difference? Represent. I'll see you in the morning at St. Luke's. Deets here in the press release after the jump:
Comments (5)
Showing 1-5 of 5
like
dislikeGreat article! I run with Megan at team Bridge and it's awesome. Good luck in Atlanta!
'Bout 120 or so showed. Great turnout. Lots of excited folks. If anyone wants details on how to join, email me at eric.celeste@creativeloafing.com.
Sub-note: I am not in great shape.
Are you only going to cover homeless issues?
Where is the best place to take my real estate friends in downtown to watch college football? Answer the question!
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