The Break › Cast › Host: Anne Mahlum

Anne Mahlum is a passionate and well-known advocate within the homeless community. She has provided guidance to thousands of people experiencing homelessness, helping them find the confidence needed to build new lives. Everyday, Anne, Founder and President of Back on My Feet, would pass by a homeless shelter on her morning run and began to develop a rapport with the men outside. One day, she got the idea to engage the homeless in running as a means to build strength and self-esteem. From this Anne built the multi-city non-profit organization, Back on My Feet in 2007. BOMF teaches critical work and life skills, such as discipline, leadership and goal setting. The organization's comprehensive program includes connections to BOMF's job training and workforce development partners and offers assistance with education and housing expenses. Anne's model helps those who are homeless change their lives, if they're willing to do the work.

Anne's inspiration to start BOMF came from the struggles she faced growing up with a father addicted to drugs, alcohol and gambling. BOMF is Anne's way of helping a struggling community and giving back in a way she couldn't with her father when she was growing up.

Anne has been nationally recognized and honored for her work with Back on My Feet. In December 2007, she was named the ABC World News Person of the Week and in November 2008, she was named one of CNN's Top 10 Heroes of the Year. In 2009, Anne was chosen as one of Philadelphia's 101 Young Connectors by Leadership Philadelphia and was nominated the tri-state of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware's Citizen of the Year.

Anne regularly speaks to corporations, universities, high schools, and church groups on an array of topics from finding your path in life to successfully building a sustainable non-profit. She is known for her straightforward advice and her ability to connect with nearly everyone she meets.