Be a BUILDer!

Chicago's youth are more vulnerable to gangs and violence than ever.

BUILD is their lifeline - help us to hold on strong.

We engage youth at every stage

Chicago's youth are more vulnerable to gangs and violence than ever.

BUILD is their lifeline - help us to hold on strong.

Fundraise For Us!

We are humbled and honored – and are here to help any way we can.

Opportunities to Thrive!

Holistic, Integrated Services for Every Child Across the Board.

Learn about our Clinical Health & Wellness program.

BUILDing Lives Since 1969

BUILD, Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development, is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, we have worked 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.

Our Programs

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Intervention

We change lives by providing safe and constructive alternatives to youth who are involved with gangs, the justice system, or risky behaviors.

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Prevention

We grow hope and with a wide array of school- and community-based programs that give kids a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.

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Education

BUILD helps inspire youth to look beyond the barriers in their lives and re-imagine a future filled with opportunity and achievement.

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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.

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Clinical & Community Wellness

Services are provided at no cost. Clinical team provides individual youth, group, and family support services. Case Managers help coordinate emergency housing, food or court advocacy services as needed.

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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.

Upcoming Events

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.

Thank you for helping BUILD stay a safe space when our youth need us the most.

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