Youth are Running to Reach Goals

Boys Town Central Florida youth are gaining endurance for running – and life - through the Stepping Onward organization.

Each Sunday, Dr. Claire Grove, founder of Stepping Onward, and fellow volunteers visit Boys Town Central Florida to talk to the youth about topics like nutrition, exercising and stretching, before going on a short run. The Stepping Onward group has also developed a training program that helps youth to track their goals and progress.

Dr. Grove founded Stepping Onward in January of 2009, and in just over a year has partnered with several other Central Florida organizations who serve at-risk individuals. Volunteers with Stepping Onward act as team mentors who motivate and encourage participants through running.

“Running is a way to inspire, encourage and empower the people that we reach out to,” said Dr. Grove, as quoted in Central Florida’s “Lake Mary Life Magazine.” “They [participants] train with us and run the races with us. We’re all in this together, stepping onward together.”

One Boys Town Central Florida young lady told a Stepping Onward member, "I'm able to run with everyone because you guys show me how to keep pushing. I'm going to reach my goals because you're right there with me to help."

“The youth have had a great time getting to know people and learning about nutrition and exercise,” said Katie Auld, Boys Town Central Florida Family-Teacher. “Most importantly, they feel like they are a part of something.”