Calling out Stout In Action

Restoring Dignity One (Running) Step At A Time

Stout caught up with Locals Who Lead Honoree Ingrid Vanderveldt to talk about her connection with Back On My Feet, a program that engages homeless and under served populations in running communities to help them build a path to independence and self-sufficiency.

Back on My Feet uses running and community to motivate and support individuals every step of the way from homelessness to independence.

Mission To Run

Operating in 12 major cities coast-to-coast (including Stout’s hometown of Austin), Back on My Feet uses running and community to motivate and support individuals every step of the way from homelessness to independence. Our success is measured not only by the health impact of miles run, but also by how many individuals obtain education, employment and housing.

Back on My Feet provides a community that embraces equality, respect, discipline, teamwork and leadership. There are no labels, no stigmas and no stereotypes. At Back on My Feet, all members regardless of race, education or socioeconomic status join together to move their own lives forward, as well as the lives of their teammates.

Back on my Feet restores dignity and ignites a fire to see and strive for what’s possible. It’s so much more than a pair of shoes.
— Ingrid Vanderveldt (IV), Chairman & CEO of Empowering a Billion Women by 2020

Ingrid Vanderveld, Chairman and CEO of Empowering a Billion Women by 2020 , emcee-ing at the Back On My Feet Austin Gala

A Personal Connection

Ingrid Vanderveldt (IV), Chairman and CEO of Empowering a Billion Women by 2020 (EBW2020) and MintHER™ and recent Stout Locals Who Lead honoree, was the Emcee at the recent fundraising gala for the Austin chapter of Back On My Feet and shared the very personal experience that made her jump at the chance to help out.

“Having gone through some low points in my own life (years ago, after some tough start up lessons, I found myself broke and homeless – in my my car), I experienced first hand the transformative power of having others support and believe in you. My friend, Alexis Ferguson did this for me, so I jumped at the chance when asked to help others get Back on Their Feet. And, this program does just that, it restores dignity and shows those who “step up” and participate, a pathway out.”

It was running and the support of my friend that “kept me going”. This is what Back on my Feet provides….support, a schedule, health, fitness, hope and a pathway forward.
— Ingrid Vanderveldt (IV), Chairman & CEO of Empowering a Billion Women by 2020

Awards, auctions and stirring speeches celebrated milestones at the Back on my Feet gala in Austin.

Milestones and More

The Austin Back on my Feet chapter was celebrating seven years of transforming lives in the Capital of Texas at the fundraising Gala Ingrid emceed. Back on My Feet Austin’s milestones were celebrated with an inspiring speech by the Member of the Year, silent and live auctions.

And in the words of the chapter chair: “The 2019 Austin Gala was unforgettable thanks to our incredible supporters, sponsors, members, volunteers and donors. We made a goal to raise $50,000 to further our mission and with the help of our community, far surpassed that. Thank you for being a part of Back on your Feet!” 👣

Want even more inspiration?

Take a look at some past StoutSHOUTS to help you #BringOutYourStout.