On My Feet’s 8-week program empowers women experiencing or at risk of homelessness—particularly those affected by domestic and family violence—through a structured, trauma-informed model that fosters mental, physical, and social wellbeing. Delivered in partnership with local shelters, the program includes two weekly walk/run sessions and a Saturday 5km parkrun followed by coffee, creating routine, community ...
On My Feet Ltd
8-Week Wellbeing & Self-Sufficiency Program to Empowering Women Experiencing Homelessness
GOAL
$10,000
Australia > National / Multi-state > Metro
Field of Interest
- Education/training and employment
- Health/wellbeing and medical research
Target Population
- People experiencing or at risk of homelessness
- Women and girls
On My Feet Ltd
On My Feet (OMF) is a registered Australian charity founded in Perth in 2015, empowering individuals at risk of, or experiencing homelessness to rebuild their lives through structured, evidence-based programs focused on physical wellbeing, social connection, and pathways to independence.
We work in collaboration with shelters and community partners to recruit participants into our welcoming, volunteer-led weekly sessions, including morning walks with coffee catchups, coached evening training, and Saturday parkruns. Participants are given OMF shirts and socks, joining a supportive network that fosters routine, self-worth, and belonging.
Participants showing strong engagement are guided into tailored running/walking events and training programs which help with goal setting and confidence. Wrap-around support includes mentorship and access to regular workshops covering life skills, employment readiness, and wellbeing. OMF also supports pathways to employment, matching participants with aligned job opportunities where possible. Many remain connected to our community post-employment for continued support and stability.
One of our flagship initiatives, and the focus of this funding proposal, is our 8-week women’s program. It specifically supports women recovering from trauma, housing insecurity, and domestic and family violence through structured exercise sessions, mentoring, health education, and community reconnection.
Our impact is driven by over 55 active volunteers, including UWA medical students, Notre Dame exercise physiology students, allied health professionals, and executives, delivering over $750,000 in volunteer time annually.
At its core, OMF uses the power of exercise, mentorship, and community to help vulnerable people rebuild their sense of self-worth and their lives, one step at a time.
Project Summary
On My Feet’s 8-week program empowers women experiencing or at risk of homelessness—particularly those affected by domestic and family violence—through a structured, trauma-informed model that fosters mental, physical, and social wellbeing.
Delivered in partnership with local shelters, the program includes two weekly walk/run sessions and a Saturday 5km parkrun followed by coffee, creating routine, community connection, and mentoring opportunities. Each participant undergoes a health screening and baseline assessment in Week 1, and again in Week 8, using validated tools such as DASS-21, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Personal Wellbeing Index. Physical metrics like BMI, resting BP/pulse, and the 12-minute Cooper’s Test are also tracked.
Women attend a six-part life skills and employment workshop series delivered by industry experts and partners like Dress for Success. Topics include goal-setting, mental health management, nutrition, and employment readiness (e.g., CV writing, interview skills, and fitting on suitable clothing for employment).
The program culminates in a 10km community event and celebration breakfast, marking each woman’s achievement. After completion, participants are invited to join OMF’s year-round community sessions or progress to advanced programs.
Results from a pilot funded by Shelter WA were compelling: 10 of 11 women completed the program, showing a 67% decrease in depression, 39% in anxiety and stress, 28% in loneliness, 31% improvement in wellbeing, and 24% fitness gain. Several participants have since gained employment or entered further education.
The program provides a measurable, supportive pathway for vulnerable women to improve their confidence, well-being and social connection, and move toward self-sufficiency.
Project Outcomes
The goal of this program is to achieve significant improvements in the mental, physical, and social wellbeing of participating women.
We aim for:
A 5-point reduction in depression and anxiety scores (DASS-21),
A 5-point improvement in loneliness (UCLA scale)
Increased physical health (improved fitness, and lower BMI and blood pressure if high)
Greater social connection and reduced isolation
Enhanced skills and readiness for employment or independent living.
Success will be assessed through pre- and post-program validated assessments, participant feedback, program retention rates, and evidence of participants moving towards employment or stable housing. Broader expected outcomes include positive ripple effects for participants’ families and communities, as well as reduced social isolation and stronger pathways to self-sufficiency for women who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $16,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fundraising by Back in Shape Initiative | $2,000 |
| Bunnings sausage sizzle | $800 |
| Luck Foundation | $3,200 |
| Funding gap | $10,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Design/Printing/Equipment | $1,152 |
| Exercise Clothing | $2,182 |
| Participant Education Workshops | $3,030 |
| Weekly Refreshments After Walk | $1,212 |
| Final Target Event (10km Race) | $1,455 |
| Travel Costs | $848 |
| Program Coach/Communicator/Coordinator & Staff Training | $4,666 |
| Evaluation | $1,455 |
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