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Here for the long run
Helping the homeless get back on their feet, for the long run.
Our Goal
Helping the homeless get back on their feet, for the long run.
Founded by Keegan Crage in November 2014 and incorporated in March 2015, On My Feet’s goal is to be Australia’s most cost effective and successful Shelter to Self-sufficiency program provider for those at risk or experiencing homelessness.
In 2021 alone, On My Feet’s passionate team of over 100 volunteers, led by Chairman, Keegan Crage, Non-Executive Directors John Worsfold and John Inverarity and CEO Kathleen (Kath) Mc Quaide, will deliver over 45,000 volunteer hours to the Australian community, positively impact over 100 lives and families, and create an estimated $20million in value for the Australian community.
Our mission
Our mission is to transition vulnerable Australian’s from shelter to self-sufficiency by providing a hand up rather than a hand out. We do this through our unique, world first, 6 month Footsteps Program which combines employment, education and exercise.
The Problem. The Solution.
The Problem – costs $30,000 per year, every year
Homelessness in Australia costs the government and community nearly $3.5 billion a year. The average Australian is only 6 weeks away from being homeless, the average life expectancy of a person who has experienced homelessness is 47 and there are enough homeless people in Australia to more than fill the MCG.
The Solution – costs $7,500 per graduate, once
Transition vulnerable people from homelessness to being able to support themselves. Self-sufficient On My Feet Graduates are job ready and employed, financially stable, have longer term housing, are physically active and healthier, have improved mental wellbeing, have greater self-confidence, self-belief and self-worth and are set up for long term success.
Sponsorship Partners
On My Feet is incredibly grateful for the tremendous support it continues to receive from dozens of Australian organisations, large and small, whose support makes it possible for On My Feet to create self-sufficiency for some of Australia’s most vulnerable.
Service Partners
On My Feet’s success is only possible due to the terrific partnerships it has formed with many great organisations within the homelessness support sector.
Testimonials - Partners
On My Feet has encouraged some of our guys up, out the building and into the fresh air to get some exercise. Not only that, but they have received runners, t-shirts and made friends along the way. Social interaction and inclusion is a struggle for many staying with us here at St Barts and On My Feet has really helped participants feel involved in the local community.
Anna Da Silva
Coordinator, St Bartholomew’s House
On My Feet is a remarkable project – your programs are vital in supporting homeless and marginalised people in our community. The OMF team are proof that our guiding principles of respect, empowerment, compassion, inclusivity and non-judgement can change lives! You do it all year round!
Marija Jelavic
Project Manager at Homeless Connect Perth
This walking group has proved to be a very positive motivator for the clients that attend. It’s been great for their mental health and it’s also inspired them to achieve other tasks. One client commented about the exercise being a ‘natural drug’ to them, helping them to feel alive and enjoy being clean. At the last walk one client was able to complete a load of things in that one day because she felt energised and proactive.
Nicole Davis
Case Worker, Beacon – The Salvation Army
We have worked very closely with St Patrick’s since our first exercise Chapter in Fremantle in 2014. Since then we have further collaborated on walking groups and initiatives such as gifting St Pat’s clients with On My Feet gift boxes containing OMF uniforms to encourage improved physical and mental wellbeing.
St Patrick’s Community Centre
The Footsteps Program
On My Feet operates 3 programs across Perth and Melbourne which has supported hundreds of participants since the On My Feet concept was conceived in November 2014.
The Footsteps Program is a unique, world first, 6 month self-development program for select people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Participants undertake weekly educational workshops and physical training sessions to become self-sufficient and achieve the following outcomes:
- Employed and job ready
- Independent living ready
- Physically and mentally healthier
The Program has 3 focus areas which cover the following:
Self-Development & Wellness
- Goal setting
- Healthy lifestyle habits
- Cooking classes
- Mindfulness
- Nutrition
- Positive emotions Strength assessments
- Mindfulness drawing
- Financial budgeting
- Mental Health First Aid
- Mentor support
Job Readiness & Employment
- Strength identification
- Workplace culture
- Job interview training
- Dressing for success
- Preparing job applications
- LinkedIn profiles and resumes
- Pathways with corporate partners to employment Individual job performance management
- Meeting CEOs and executives
- Mentor support
Physically & Mentally Healthier
- Heath assessments
- Goal setting
- Individual training programs
- Regular activity
- Positive socialisation Strength training
- Creating Belonging
- Connecting with communities
- Physio support
- Regular fitness testing
- Mentor support
Exercise Groups
Our Exercise Groups aim to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of participants while creating an environment to socialise with volunteers. With a greater emphasis on improving physical fitness we encourage participants to represent On My Feet in local running events from 5km up to marathon distance. Applicable participants may be referred to apply for The Footsteps Program.
Walking Groups
Our Walking Groups operate in cooperation with homeless support centres to provide residents with regular exercise and socialisation. Each session concludes with perhaps the most powerful component: A coffee or drink as a group at a local café. Walkers are encouraged to join our local Exercise Groups and where appropriate, apply for The Footsteps Program.
Case Studies
Meet Ian
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Meet Tara
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Meet Heath
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Meet Dave
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Testimonials
It has given me a sense of community, a sense of belonging and something to strive towards. It has helped me bond more with my kids… I get emotional thinking about representing OMF and what they’ve done for me.
Kyle
I was one of the first participants when OMF started… I returned this year and I have lost a heap of weight and improved my fitness. I have gone from hardly running to finish a half marathon – something I never thought I would do.
Jacinta
The program has given structure to my life… a positive and health routine that keeps me accountable and helps me achieve my goals.
Darian
This program has inspired me to regain my health and fitness. I now have more self-belief and sense of self-worth to go make things happen for myself.