BUILD the Future Viewbook

BU IL DIN G T H E F UT UR E WE AR E BU IL DERS

WHY WE ARE BUILDING: WHO WE ARE:

Since 1969, BUILD has helped tens of thousands of Chicago’s vulnerable youth escape gangs, resist violence, and become positive community leaders. Both virtually and in person, we engage young people facing obstacles and traumatic environments, surrounding them them with the care and opportunity they need to succeed.

WHAT WE DO:

Our work begins in three core areas: violence prevention, intervention, and educational support. We then surround BUILD’s young people with mental health care and creative activities to build healthy minds and bodies, uncover new interests, and nurture potential.

In response to the increasing demand for our services, we have launched BUILD The Future:

A bold $23 million campaign to invest in our most vulnerable youth, strengthening them and the neighborhoods we serve. BUILD’s 51,000 square feet of new and renovated space, located on our very own city block and surrounded by green playfields and gardens, will offer a welcoming, supportive, safe environment for thousands of young people and community members, dramatically increasing our outreach, programming, and capacity.

In Winter 2022, we will open our doors to offer an expanded array of our comprehensive, wrap-around services with extended day and weekend hours. A 30% increase in staff will allow us to increase our broad and deep efforts to reduce youth violence, improve physical and emotional health, provide outlets for artistic expression, and support academic success.

This ambitious plan is so much more than a brick-and-mortar project. It is a direct investment in community infrastructure that has implications and effects far beyond BUILD. Our unique campus will serve as a gateway to South Austin, helping to reinvigorate this long-neglected West Side community, providing an economic boost and amplifying the impact of BUILD’s many partners.

Expanded capacity from 100 youth at the current site, to 2,000 at the new campus

The Soul: Mental Health Center with expanded services to youth and their families

The Makers Lab Woodshop, and Tech Center with new workforce programs

The Play Field and outdoor event spaces

The fully-equipped Music and Media Center, Art Studio, Performance Room, and galleries

Expanded hours and days for all.

The Learning and Community Garden, Training Kitchen and Café

Youth lounges and areas for collaboration and study

Full-sized, climate controlled Gym, Track, and Fitness Center

H OW BU IL D ’S N EW CAM PU S WIL L G R OW OPPO RT UN ITIES FO R O UR YO UTH & CO MMUN IT Y

THE STEAM EDUCATION CENTER

BUILD’s existing 11,000 square-foot former headquarters will be remodeled into The STEAM Education Center the home of our most unique and vivid programming, bringing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math together to inspire young people and open doors to creative interests and career paths. Connecting with the ground floor of the new three-story building, our most specialized facilities will be housed here. A cultural and creative hub for youth and community voices too often ignored, the STEAM Education Center will be a hands-on, working environment designed to ignite new talents, introduce creative vocations, and unlock the extraordinary potential energy of West Side youth and emerging adults alike.

PHASE II:

THIRD

e 6,300 sq feet o and workspace, available to community partners and BUILD i providers. This addition

with additional, protected, open-air courtyards.

COMMUNITY WORK SPACES, NORTH AND SOUTH: Two open-plan workspaces running along the full length the north and south

Supported by three smaller conference rooms, all available for short or long term reservations.

COMMUNITY LOUNGE AND KITCHEN:

A central, shared space that bridges the East and West halves, this lounge and warming kitchen space invites partners to take breaks and share meals together, require catering and food.

LARGE TRAINING ROOM

An elegant, large meeting room suitable for mid-size and large meetings, training sessions, open houses, and showcases.

$2M+ $500,000-2M

“BUILDers BUILD” Employee Campaign

We are proud that over 100 former and current Campaign - 90% participation and counting, as we continue to hire and grow!

For people who already give their hearts and souls to incredibly inspiring.