Help Maria fuel MiMS Transformation!

Hi friends and families! Thank you for visiting my Mile in My Shoes (MiMS) fundraising page!

Would YOU help me fuel MiMS to continue its amazing work in building and healing communities across the Twin Cities?

What is MiMS? And Why MiMS?

I would have asked the same question five years ago. I never imagined being part of this transformative movement (pun intended). MiMS partners with residents in shelters, re-entry centers, and recovery programs, bringing together these Resident Members and volunteer Run Mentors (like me!) to run side by side. By connecting people from diverse backgrounds, our Members and Mentors not only find common ground but also learn from and support one another. MiMS believes that as we transform ourselves, we transform each other and our communities. I’ve witnessed this firsthand during my time with this amazing organization.

Mile in My Shoes views running as a tool for both personal and collective transformation. How? MiMS Members are folks experiencing homelessness, in recovery, or re-entering the community after incarceration and military service. While navigating some of the most challenging transitions of their lives, our Members show up week after week for runs/walks—sometimes EARLY in the morning (6 a.m.! Yes, that’s tough for many of us!)—working towards goals that once seemed impossible. Running becomes a means of connection that fosters accountability for healthy habits. Although the runs may be a small part of our Members' journeys, we, as a community including Run Mentors, are enriched by sharing both the challenges and triumphs through practices and races.

I am transformed because of MiMS, too. I am continuously reminded of the safety nets and cheerleaders I’ve had in my life that allowed me to get to where I am today. I also recognize my own stereotypes and fears about those who are incarcerated, addicted, or homeless. However, witnessing our Members who have had such epxeriences work so diligently to change their life around challenges my perceptions and highlights the systemic barriers that keep marginalized individuals from fully integrating into society. This four-year journey has shown me the power of MiMS's vision firsthand: to connect communities, disrupt oppressive systems, and contribute to a more just and equitable world.

Ambitious? Yes.

A solid start to a worthy cause? Absolutely!

What’s special about donating now?

The MiMS season with partner organizations runs from mid-April to Thanksgiving. As we approach the end of the 2025 season, I want us to finish strong and continue building momentum into 2026 and beyond. Now is the perfect time to set us up for future success! To support this effort, I'm participating in the Tour de MiMS fundraising, which includes a run challenge on November 15, 2025.

My ask to you: Would you please make a donation in support of Mile in My Shoes?

Thank you for considering! Please know that donations of ANY amount go directly toward providing running gear, race entries, workshops, and community-building events for MiMS Members. Yes, I appreciate any amount. 

Here are some suggestions:

• $35 - Sponsors a Resident Member in a 5K race. 
  Races are usually the highlight of the MiMS experience!

• $50 - Provides a pair of running shoes for a Member.
  While running itself is technically free, shoes can be expensive!

• $100 - Covers all milestones for one Member (10-run blue shirt, 20-run Alumni shirt + GPS watch, 30-run long-sleeve, 50-run hoodie). 
  These incentives are powerful motivators for Members to achieve their goals!

• $202 - Sponsors a Member's gear kit for a season (socks, shoes, gloves, shirt, shorts, and sports bra). 
  Gear is something I take for granted, but it can be a significant barrier for those with limited means. This helps tremendously.

• $300 - Covers all gear + distance race entry. 
  You make a Member’s entire season experience possible. You rock!

Can't help with fundraising but want to get involved? 
I would LOVE to talk with you. Text or call me at 612-314-5193. Not a runner? No problem. There are ways you can get involved with MiMS without running. Truly - this will be fun and no, it's not a bother. I can't stop talking about how we can do this transformative work together and I would love more people be involved. It's truly amazing!

With gratitude,

Maria