The Need

Houston has a generous giving community and great compassion for those in need. We have emergency shelters, transitional housing, and halfway houses. The agencies offer case workers, recovery programs, and job skills training. What gets lost, and is critically needed, is helping individuals achieve the self-esteem and confidence that can come from an ongoing exercise and nutrition program.

Our Response

Bel Inizio (Beautiful Beginning in Italian) was launched to help meet this need. We work with women from many partner agencies including Santa Maria Hostel, Dress for Success, Brigid’s Hope, Star of Hope, Redeemed Ministries, and The Women’s Home. Our clients are individuals who had a variety of challenges from sexual abuse, substance and alcohol abuse and homelessness. Most are in recovery, and all are working hard to re-enter the community. With Bel Inizio many have the opportunity to succeed in a way that they never thought possible: they will set a healthy goal and achieve it.

The Impact

Bel Inizio teams train to complete a 5K, and in the process learn about commitment, fitness, and nutrition. They see healthy behaviors in action and are offered tools to help them succeed once they are out on their own. Bel Inizio shows each woman that they matter. Since 2010 we have helped over 900 women cross the finish line of their first 5K race. We help prepare them for the ultimate race — the race for a better life.