WHEREAS, Back on My Feet is encouraging all employees in the City of Philadelphia to wear sneakers during the week of November 12 to 16 for a $5.00 contribution to the organization Back on My Feet; and
WHEREAS, November 12 to 16 is also National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, more than 300 companies and offices participated in Sneaker Week, and found Sneaker Week easy to implement; and
WHEREAS, Back on My Feet is a national non-profit organization that is dedicated to creating independence and self-sufficiency in the lives of those experiencing homelessness and other underserved populations by first engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength, and self-esteem; and
WHEREAS, After launching in Philadelphia in July 2007, the organization has expanded to Baltimore, Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Indianapolis, Atlanta and New York City; and
WHEREAS, Founder and CEO, Anne Mahlum has led the organization to grow to a staff of over 40 professionals with thousands of volunteers and hundreds of Members; and
WHEREAS, The organization's mission is not to create runners within the homeless population, but to create self-sufficiency in the lives of those experiencing homelessness by using running as a vehicle; and
WHEREAS, The program's success is measured by how many Members achieve independence through employment and housing; and
WHEREAS, 626 Residential Members have obtained employment and 421 Residential Members have obtained housing since September 2008; and
WHEREAS, Back on My Feet takes pride in promoting healthy lifestyles, and making a difference in the communities in which they work and serve; now therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, Recognizes the week of November 12 to 16 as Back on My Feet Sneaker Week.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Anne Mahlum and Back on My Feet as a profound expression of this Council's appreciation.
End