Since 1969 BUILD has worked in some of Chicago's  toughest neighborhoods giving at-risk youth alternatives  to the violence that takes away their positive potential.  BUILD's mission is to help redirect the behavior of gang-  affiliated youth and potential recruits to gangs in order to  improve their chances of leading fulfilling lives and to increase the  stability and safety of the communities in which they reside.

 We have helped more than 77,000 young people lead more productive,  happier lives – results which have been documented by numerous outside  studies. In fact, many former program participants who have gone on to  successful careers as attorneys, educators, policemen, firemen, and  government employees identify BUILD programming as a key source of their  success.

 BUILD has been highly effective in offering alternatives to gangs because  our programs address the causes of the problem, not just gang activity  itself. We are working to further our success with a re-emphasis on  leadership development, helping youth develop positive life plans.

 Our top priority is to help at-risk youth realize the full extent of their  educational and career potential so that they can give back to the  communities in which they live.