Have you ever walked by a homeless person on the street and thought, "I wish there was more I could give than just these coins in my pocket?" What if you could give them a new lease on life? Well, that's what Anne Mahlum is doing. This 27 year old marketing consultant/marathoner used to run by the men on the street, now they run ahead of her.

It's called "Back on My Feet," and it all began one morning last July when an inspiring woman lead nine shelter residents on a simple one mile run. Since that day, "Back on My Feet" has evolved into a legitimate running club sporting over 50 homeless members and 250 volunteers across the city of Philadelphia. To this day, they have run over 5,000 miles.

For many of these members, this has been an important first step in their rehabilitation. Participants must be clean and sober for at least thirty days, promoting a culture of progression and motivation to get... "back on their feet." Thus far, it's working.

More than a running club, it has evolved into a community. Friendships are made, goals are set, and new skills are learned. They even set up a career center for those individuals who have, or will, use this as an opportunity to turn their lives around. Computer and interview training has lead to employment for three men, with another three currently available for interview and hire.

The most exciting part of it all is the amazing growth opportunity. The group is growing in the Philadelphia area and its organizers have plans to expand to other cities in 2009.

I am especially thrilled by the idea because, hey, is there anywhere you can't run?