NEW YORK, NY, Apr 9, 2012 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Back on My Feet (BoMF), a national nonprofit organizationdedicated to creating independence and self-sufficiency within thehomeless and other underserved populations by first engaging themin running, will launch its ninth chapter in New York City on April10, 2012.That morning, Back on My Feet Residential Members(individuals experiencing homelessness) will begin their journeywith Back on My Feet by participating in a one-mile inaugural runthat begins in Central Park and ends in the heart of New YorkCity's Times Square.The inaugural run will be followed byBack on My Feet's traditional "business attire with sneakers"Launch Breakfast, presented by Accenture and NYC Marriott andRenaissance Hotels, at the New York Marriott Marquis.Morethan 40 corporate sponsors and 700 people are expected to be at thebreakfast, which will serve as a platform to celebrate the officiallaunch of the New York City chapter as well as honor some of NewYork City's most supportive individuals and corporations who haveplayed a crucial role in bringing the national organization to thecity.

Among those being honored at the launch breakfast are ChiefExecutive Officer of NASDAQ OMX, Robert Greifeld, and President andCEO of New York Road Runners, Mary Wittenberg.CorporateSponsors include: Accenture, NYC Marriott and Renaissance Hotels,AT&T, Bimbo Bakeries, Brooks Running, Clear Channel, New YorkRoad Runners, TD Bank, Wells Fargo and NASDAQ OMX.

"Back on My Feet is thrilled to open its ninth chapter in NewYork City, where the community is working hard to support thosewho, given the chance, can run with greater hope towards anindependent life," said Anne Mahlum, Founder and CEO of Back on MyFeet, and Executive Director of Back on My Feet New YorkCity. "We feel privileged to have the opportunity to bringBack on My Feet's much needed program and services to the city ofNew York and are grateful for the community and corporatesupport."

New York City is the ninth chapter that Back on My Feet haslaunched since its inception in 2007 and joins successful chapterscurrently operating in Philadelphia, Chicago, Baltimore, Boston,Dallas-Ft. Worth, Indianapolis, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. The Back on My Feet program has had great success nationwide andfrom September 2008 to 2011:

        
          -- An 85% increase in Members obtaining jobs from 2010 to2011;
          -- A 121% increase in Members obtaining housing from 2010to2011;
          -- And, a 79% increase in Members enrolling in education andtraining from
             2010 to 2011.

"We are glad to support an organization that gives those inless-fortunate situations the opportunity to move their lifeforward in a way that is meaningful and sustainable," said RobertGreifeld, CEO of NASDAQ OMX and Co-Chair of the Back on My Feet NYCLaunch Breakfast.

Mary Wittenberg, President and CEO of New York Road Runners andBack on My Feet NYC Launch Breakfast Honoree said, "New York RoadRunners celebrates the power of running and how it can transform anindividual's life.Back on My Feet's mission made immediatesense to us and we are proud to support the organization in itsexpansion to New York City."

Back on My Feet partners with facilities not to create runnerswithin the homeless population, but to create self-sufficiency inthe lives of those experiencing homelessness by using running as avehicle. The success of the comprehensive four- to six-monthprogram is measured by how many Members achieve independencethrough employment and housing.Teams are formed at thesepartner facilities, where the foundation of Back on My Feet is laidthrough dedication to running. All teams, including volunteers, runthree mornings each week, with longer, optional runs on Saturdays.Additionally, Members attend monthly social events and local races.Attendance, mileage and attitude are tracked on every run. After 30days in the program, each Residential Member who maintains 90percent attendance at the morning runs moves to Back on My Feet's"Next Steps" phase.

In Next Steps, Residential Members meet with Back on My FeetProgram staff to assess their current situation and develop a roadmap for an independent lifestyle. Members have access toeducational and job training opportunities, and through dedicationto the program, earn financial aid to help them move towardemployment and permanent housing. Members can use financial aid toaddress barriers to self-sufficiency including outstanding fines,tools for a job, transportation, education, certifications andsecurity deposits. On average, 75 percent of Members are in theNext Steps phase of the program -a true testament to the efficacyand sustainability of the program.

Back on My Feet New York City will initially work with fivefacility partners: The Bowery Mission, Project Renewal, CommonGround, Camba and The Fortune Society.

The breakfast launch program includes:

Breakfast Co-Chairs:

        
          -- Robert Greifeld, CEO, NASDAQ OMX
          -- John Rieman, General Manager, Renaissance NewYork Times Square, Marriott
             International; Advisory Board Member,Back on My Feet NYC

Breakfast Emcee:

        
          -- Larry Solomon, COO-Human Resources, Accenture;Chairman of the National
             Board, Back on My Feet
  

Greetings by:

        
          -- Seth Diamond, Commissioner, New York CityDepartment of Homeless Services

Presentations by:

        
          -- Anne Mahlum, Founder & CEO of Back on MyFeet; Executive Director of
             Back on My Feet NYC
          -- LaTonya Golden, Alumna Member of Back on MyFeet

Breakfast Honorees:

        
          -- Mary Wittenberg, President & CEO, New YorkRoad Runners
          -- George Hirsch, Chair of New York Road Runnersand former Publisher of
             Runner's World

About Back on My Feet

Back on My Feet (BoMF), which launched in Philadelphia in 2007,is a national nonprofit organization that is dedicated to creatingindependence and self-sufficiency within the homeless and otherunderserved populations by first engaging them in running as ameans to build confidence, strength and self-esteem.Theorganization has chapters in Philadelphia, Baltimore, WashingtonD.C., Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis, Dallas-Ft. Worth and Atlantawith New York City launching April 10, 2012. The organization hasreceived media support, including attention from NBC NightlyNews, ABC World News, CNN and TheToday Show for its ingenuity in tackling this difficult socialissue. More information can be found at backonmyfeet.org.