The Forgotten Community Part 2: So Much More Than Running

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!