In my previous blog, the main goal was to give a general
overview of what I've learned about homelessness and a tidbit of how “running works” here
in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, it is what takes place in Charlotte
seven days a week that allows for the pieces of our RunningWorks puzzle to be shed
in full light. Seeing is truly believing, and if you or someone you know
live in and around the Charlotte area please realize that you always have an open
invitation to come run with us at one of our weekly programs outlined at www.runningworks.org. Hopefully, now I can give you even further details regarding the true nature of why RunningWorks
was created and why it has been dubbed Charlotte’s “mobile emergency
unit”.
The mission of RunningWorks is to empower
individuals and families to break the cycles of abuse, neglect, poverty and
homelessness one stride at a time. Our main goal in challenging these issues is to instill and share life with each of our program participants so that
they can learn to accrue many of the values running has taught all of us:
discipline, confidence, teamwork and self-respect to name a few. In doing so,
RunningWorks has given many individuals hope by providing familial
support—just like the one many of us had the privilege to grow up with every single day. The
family atmosphere created at our programs and beyond is what defines the jobs
of our Executive Director, three full-time staff members and myself each week. Sure, we have five programs here in Charlotte, two in Salisbury and two in Rock
Hill going on Monday through Friday with 15-20 races taking place each weekend
throughout the year, but many of our efforts reach far beyond the realm of our
three plus mile runs (and walks) in addition to 45-minute post-run life-skill sessions. Sometimes, we even call it "WalkingWorks" when attempting to inspire a new participant that he or she is capable of more than anyone ever gave them credit for.
RunningWorks touches the lives of more than 75
individuals ages 4-60 plus each week. The goal of working with this wide a spectrum
is to combat the cycle of homelessness we see in our programs. Many of our
adult neighbors were in the government system for much of their lives growing
up. Many of our teenagers are approaching the termination of their foster care
resources and many of our children do not currently live in a home with their
parents. Sharing life through running has created an atmosphere where we can form
relationships with this wide age range because every one can learn to love to
run (or walk as I did for several months post surgery last Fall). The
endorphins released through running has allowed opportunities for our
participants to tell their stories and share their deepest needs in life with every volunteer and fellow program member. This is
why we run. This is why RunningWorks succeeds. Our neighbors’
stories are the backbone of this organization and running has been the catalyst
for change with the homeless and marginalized populations here in the Charlotte
area since its inception in the spring of 2012. People want to be loved. People
want someone to listen to them. People need someone to have their back in life.
Running has allowed a love like I have never experienced to spread from one
program at the Urban Ministry Center that met on Tuesdays and Fridays with our Executive Director, Meredith Dolhare, manning the ship solo for the first two
and a half years (alongside incredible volunteer support)--to five programs across the Charlotte area meeting Monday
through Friday. Gratefully, more growth is expected in 2016 with our partner Hope Haven in Charlotte and Transitions in Columbia, South Carolina.
RunningWorks has helped fund a roller
coaster of life events for our neighbors. Here is a list of some major life
needs met by RunningWorks that I have witnessed since I came aboard in April of
2015:
- Total Funeral Cost paid for a deceased RW team
member
- Immigration Status achieved for a team member
from Liberia
- Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly transportation for
75% of adult program participants
- Child care (personally) for days and weeks at a
time
- Mental health and hospital visits
- Monthly rent paid in full
- Continuing education courses
- Substance abuse counseling classes
- Emergent housing on need basis
- Job connections for short and long term
employment
- Job readiness skills and clothing for work
- Court and lawyer fees paid in full
- Prescription costs covered
- Range of medical support (physical therapy,
chiropractic care, dental care)
- Even animal care for one of our participant's dogs
Also, standard at all our programs, each participant is outfitted in RW athletic shirts and given a new pair of socks as well as gently worn or
brand new running shoes for the run. Multiple meals are also provided each week
after programs and group meals are provided before and after each race. RW provides water and granola bars daily at each program as well as laundry service for many of our
participants.
It would be impossible to describe the “mobile emergency
unit” that RunningWorks has become in a few blogs, but my hope is that you will
see the vast nature of what this organization takes on each and every day of
the week. I have never witnessed or been a part of anything like it and would
be remiss to say that RW is one of its kind here in the United States. Please
be on the lookout for one of our upcoming races, particularly our next event in Charlotte, Saturday, April 30 at 8am—2016 Charlotte Skyline Run--a 5k in uptown. Come out and
support us, and if you are compelled, please give of your time and treasure seven
days a week, 365 days a year. Onwards and Upwards!
