About BUILD THEM UP CLUB

     In 2019 two brothers (Aaron Smith, Reginald Murphy) and a group of friends banded together to create changes in their community. The small town of South Bend, Indiana was facing many economic struggles that still remain a significant challenge. Teen gun violence, a declining population, high poverty rate, limited access to education, chronic health habits, low wages and job insecurity, is just a few of the concerning matters. The community was due for a morale boost, thus Build Them Up was born!

At BUILD THEM UP, we create a safe space for our young people and members. We have meaningful community involvement and have clear communication with families and youth. We present opportunities to build positive relationships while we focus on developing our young members strengths through positive youth development principles. Creating an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to help contribute to their communities.

We had helped over 500 youth and 50 families in our first calendar year. By partnering with several community organizations with a similar vision, each year we see a graduating rise in students, which confirms the need for our program. Our staff and team of coaches/trainers are passionate about the communities we serve, helping them achieve their goals and creating positive relations. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every session. We are committed to keeping you motivated and engaged, not only in our program but also in the community.

Our mission is to positively impact our communities by empowering kids and adults who are committed to bettering themselves. Through self-defense, nutrition, and exercise, we advocate for personal growth, resilience, and a healthier lifestyle.