A nonprofit in Dallas has set up a running club to help people recovering from issues like addiction and homelessness. The Men of Nehemiah is a Christian organization that says it has helped 1,400 men since its founding in 2010.
The nine month program is modeled after a similar organization in New Orleans.
"We get them ready to go back out into the world and be productive members of society," says Men of Nehemiah's Rand Carlson. "We help them with job skill training, leadership training. A lot of these people do have families, so restoration of the family. What does it mean to be a father?"
Carlson says the program is built around structure, therapy and Christian connections.
"It's discipleship, one-on-one mentoring, the 12 steps," he says. "It all kind of works together to give a man the tools he needs to succeed.
Carlson overcame addiction himself seven years ago. During his recovery, he says he started struggling with the amount of free time he had. He says a mentor suggested they start training for a half-marathon.
"It was just really cool to set a goal and then achieve it," he says. "It just became a part of my recovery grid, the things we do throughout the week to support our recovery."
The Run4Bibles race takes place Saturday at Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve in Dallas and include a one mile route, 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon. Men of Nehemiah say others can join with a donation to the organization.
Fees range from $25 to $100 depending on the race. People can register at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=123602.
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