BUILD Inc., a Chicago-based agency that works with at-risk youths in schools and on the streets, has received a $5,000 grant from the Illinois Bar Foundation.

The grant supports Project BUILD, a 12-year-old rehabilitation program at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center that is designed to reduce recidivism.

The project serves more than 400 youths with community re-entry training, after-school recreational services, and personalized post-release follow-up through case management programs of Core Groups and Life Plans.

The agency’s mission is to intervene in the cycle of violence, drugs, gangs and detention so vulnerable youths of ages 10 to 16 can become productive adults with access to college and career opportunities.

Pre-adjudicated juveniles who are charged with drug crimes, gang activity, theft and domestic violence may be detained for more than a year because of overcrowded courts and inadequate legal services.

BUILD Inc., an acronym for Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development, was established in 1969 by two individuals whose street-gang work at the West Town YMCA ended when government funding was terminated.

Its staff and volunteers provide services in nine Chicago communities. Technical assistance is received from the Loyola University Criminal Justice Department and the Illinois Center for Domestic Prevention.

For more information, call executive director Alfredo Calixto at (773) 227-2880 or access http://www.buildchicago.org.