Can I run with you?
That's the question that bonded Ben and Joaquin Quintanilla with runners in the Street 2 Feet program. Ben and Joaquin are sophomores at the International School of the Americas (ISA). The magnet school's emphasis on community service pushed the twins into new territory in May when they first volunteered with Street 2 Feet.
"I think ISA's way of discovering and analyzing new perspectives is one of the reasons we sought out Street 2 Feet," said Joaquin. "To be able to hear someone else's true voice and perspective was encouraged by ISA, so it was kind of in our system to seek out an organization like that."
Street 2 Feet is a training program that's tailored for individuals experiencing homelessness in San Antonio. Ben and Joaquin run track and cross country at Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School. After spending the summer training alongside the Street 2 Feet runners, they were shocked to see members of the group show up with signs to cheer them on at an October cross country meet.
"It was really powerful to see them on the sidelines cheering us on like we cheered them on," said Ben. "Through all of this, I've learned that a listening ear can be one of the most powerful things you can offer someone. And exercise in general can completely change someone's lifestyle and habits."
"Street 2 Feet was never a chore for us," added Joaquin. "It was a big surprise because when we first started volunteering, we thought it was just going to be something we did over the summer. Seeing how strong and how hardworking these people are has been very impactful."
Street 2 Feet went from a service project to a passion project for Ben and Joaquin. They want to encourage others to put their best foot forward even on their toughest days because change happens one step at a time.
Click here to learn more about Street 2 Feet.
