Anne Mahlum & Back on My Feet

This story dates back to 2007 when Anne Mahlum founded Back on My Feet in Philadelphia, but I saw it highlighted recently on a network news program. A runner since she was 16, Anne developed a rapport with some of the people at a homeless shelter she ran past every morning. After a while, she thought,

Why am I just running past them and leaving them there? Maybe running could make these guys feel as good as it makes me feel."

She lined up some donations for running shoes and founded Philly's first homeless running club. Since then it has expanded to eight other cities and includes a Next Steps program to help those who maintain 90% attendance running receive education, job training and financial assistance to help them find jobs and permanent housing. More than 600 program participants have found jobs and more than 400 have found housing since 2008.

This is an illustration of how something you enjoy can grow into something that can change lives. In addition, this brief bio of Anne explains that her running began as a reaction to problems at home. The story can also be used to illustrate how problems can have positive outcomes.