BUILDing Lives Since 1969
BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. We work to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods.
Our mission is to inspire hope and offer opportunities so youth facing systemic obstacles can achieve positive futures.
Our services reach over 2,500 youth a year helping them build hope, resilience, and a path to a promising future. Read about our innovative programs, below.
Program Update
BUILD will be virtual starting January 3 - 14, with plans to return to in-person programming at our partner sites on January 18.
In this new surge we are staying safe, checking in with each other and our partners, and reaching out individually to all our youth and families - providing resources wherever we safely can. If you need to reach any BUILDer, call us at 773-227-2880.
Watch this space for updates as all our situations evolve.
Our Programs
Intervention
We change lives by providing safe and constructive alternatives to youth who are involved with gangs, the justice system, or risky behaviors.
Prevention
We grow hope and with a wide array of school- and community-based programs that give kids a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.
Education
BUILD helps inspire youth to look beyond the barriers in their lives and re-imagine a future filled with opportunity and achievement.
Enrichment
Our Enrichment services a wide array of in-person and virtual opportunities to discover new interests: music, art, athletics, podcasting, entrepreneurship, gardening, tech, and more.
Mental Health & Wellness
Clinical team provides individual youth, group, and family support services. Case Managers help coordinate emergency housing, food or court advocacy problems services as needed.
Community Engagment
Working for a better Chicago by supporting youth to become the next generation of leaders in their communities by promoting resilience, support and health in communities.
Want to Make an Impact?
BUILD is growing and has opportunities for employment as well as projects for volunteers and placements for students seeking internships. Be part of a talented and diverse team helping young people see and work toward their best possible futures.
Lend a hand at BUILD and make an important difference to the thousands of children and families we serve each year. Please email volunteer@buildchicago.org to learn more about the many ways for individuals, organizations, and corporations can make a difference as volunteers at BUILD. We offer internships that provide valuable experience in counseling, social work, education, youth development.