In The News

BUILD Chicago helping CPS find alternative method to police in schools

By Daniel Perez | February 9, 2021

Juan Villalobos of BUILD Chicago talks about what they’re doing to integrate alternative methods of policing in Chicago Public Schools. See the interview here:

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BUILD Joins Partner Organizations to Design Safety Alternatives for CPS

By Daniel Perez | January 31, 2021

BUILD has always been about helping young people feel safe in schools. We are proud to be working alongside The ARK of St. Sabina, Mikva Challenge, Voices of Youth in Chicago Education (VOYCE) and Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) on finding better solutions for all Chicago Public Schools kids.…

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Comcast Selects BUILD As One Of Five Initial “Lift Zone” Chicago Partners

By Daniel Perez | September 25, 2020

BUILD is proud to join Comcast and other community partners throughout the city to create safe places where youth can connect, learn and get the chance to succeed in school. Comcast announced BUILD this month as one of the initial 5 sites to establish WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” in Chicago. The telecomm company plans to provide robust…

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The Austin Peace Ride puts “eyes and feet on the street” to promote safety and positivity—StreetsBlog Chicago

By Daniel Perez | September 24, 2020

By Sharon Hoyer StreetsBlog Chicago There’s a growing movement in Chicago towards large group bike rides in Black neighborhoods on the South and West sides with the goal of promoting public safety, wellness, and community unity. The Austin Peace Ride, which took place on Saturday morning in gorgeous weather, was a great example of…

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BUILD’s Rosa Rios recognized by the Chicago Blackhawks “Community Heroes” Spotlight Series

By Daniel Perez | September 16, 2020

The Blackhawks and Mesirow Financial salute Rosa Rios for her commitment to helping youth and families suffering from gang-related crises.

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BUILD’s 2020 SUMMER SHOWCASE

By Daniel Perez | August 26, 2020

This summer, in collaboration with One Summer Chicago and After School Matters, BUILD hired over 200 teens into good-paying, virtual summer jobs. Youth were engaged in programs covering civic engagement, gardening, cooking, jewelry-making and entrepreneurship, performing arts, digital media, and journalism. We may not have been allowed to come together…

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West Side group hosts summer camp, offers kids safe space—AustinTalks, Austin Weekly News

By Daniel Perez | August 26, 2020

By Zach Cunning AustinTalks BUILD Chicago has been hosting a summer camp in Austin for youth from kindergarten to 8th with enrichment activities, peace circles, basketball and volleyball – and a small farm with some very friendly chickens. Daniel Brown, a middle schooler who’s been participating in BUILD programs for…

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Young Aspiring Chicago Filmmakers Organize Worldscene Virtual Film Festival – ABC7

By Daniel Perez | June 2, 2020

By Hosea Sanders ABC7 Chicago CHICAGO (WLS) — Young filmmakers from around the world are sharing their work through a virtual film festival. The event has been put together by some local kids who are, themselves, aspiring filmmakers from inner-city Chicago. Worldscene Film Festival will feature eight films from five…

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WorldScene Film Festival Features Free Short Films From Around The World — And It Was Curated By West Side Teens

By Daniel Perez | June 2, 2020

By Pascal Sabino Block Club Chicago AUSTIN — A virtual film festival developed by young people on the West Side will showcase eight short films from around the world, including one film written and produced by the local teens. The jury and creators of the WorldScene Film Festival are participants…

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BUILD’s Virtual Film Festival featured on WGN Morning News

By Daniel Perez | June 2, 2020

Thank you Larry Potash, WGN TV, Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and our partners at International Children’s Media Center for supporting such an inspiring series of films. Watch the spot at: https://www.facebook.com/LarryPotash/videos/549592485929767/

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A DIY Mother’s Day Gift is The Most Thoughtful Way to Say “I Love You”

By Daniel Perez | May 14, 2020

This year’s Mother’s Day was quite different for all of us. BUILD’s Intervention Specialist and Restoring Individuals through Supportive Environments (R.I.S.E.) mentor Pablo Galvez thought long and hard about how to keep the Mother’s day tradition that he and his group would host for moms every year. See the video here! What Pablo…

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BUILD Is Still Working Hard to Uplift High-Risk Youth In Chicago During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Daniel Perez | April 29, 2020

BUILD has been lifting up youth in Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods since 1969. It started with street violence intervention and gang detachments, but has now expanded to after-school programs; academic and college counseling; art, music, and sports leagues; community outreach; and mental health care. BUILD youth were teens and tweens growing up…

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

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