TESTIMONIALS
“Building Up the Youth has become an opportunity for me to share what I know with local kids and provide them with support and guidance – things many of them would not otherwise have.”
—ERNEST BROWN, Founder, Mentor, Hero, “Coach”
Kiyonna Kelly, Dedicated Volunteer and mother of BUTY members
“My kids joined Building Up The Youth in 2019. They love participating in all the activities and events that Building Up the Youth provides. My kids are learning to be with all races and keeping the community clean. They take part in the community service opportunities this organization has to offer, cleaning up neighborhoods around Sicklerville, picking trash up off the streets. They always look forward to attending Building Up The Youth programs. Furthermore, I love to volunteer with Building Up The Youth because it’s an incredible organization and it is truly special to see all the kids smiling and laughing together. Ernest Brown is a great leader for the youth in this organization. He brings so much joy to the kids.”
Lauren Coley, Dedicated Volunteer and mother of BUTY member
“My daughter came across Building Up The Youth while in her freshman year of high school in 2023 and spoke very highly of it. After speaking with Coach Ern. about his organization, I absolutely loved every aspect of what it stood for. I began volunteering for BUTY because I grew up the same situation as many of the children in this organization, I understand the challenges they’re experiencing. I am passionate about this program because Coach is amazing, my daughter loves him, and he provides her with advice especially with some things I can’t help her with. Coach truly puts his all into these kids.
I found myself gravitating towards the female youth due to going through some of the same traumas. This group helps me with my daughters and with healing myself. We are a huge family, we check on each other and lean on one another. Coach made this organization one big family and I could not be more thankful for what he does for our children and for myself.”
Youth Member
“Whenever I was having a hard time, I would turn to Coach and my sisters. They would talk to me and help me get through it and give me advice. I took the advice and I have completely changed. I’m 4 months sober from self-harm. I am 4 months sober of drugs. I am now a straight A student and graduating. 4 months ago, I wouldn’t have seen myself this far but now I can see myself reaching to achieve even more all because of Building Up The Youth. They aren’t just a group to me but my family. I’ve come so far, and I am happy to say that I am finally proud of myself. Building Up The Youth has been completely life changing.”
Juju, Youth Member
“Building Up The Youth has impacted my life because I finally have people to talk to and am able to express my feelings without being judged. I’ve learned that things can be talked about instead of holding grudges towards people. I have also become more mature and have been focusing on school and my career.”
Nani, Youth Member
“Building Up The Youth has impacted me in many ways. It helped me realize that I can do more with the help of my peers. They encourage me to do better and keep pushing, and they treat me like family. It inspired me to continue to help grow the community. Not only has Coach been a good influence on me, but to everyone else as well. He does not make anyone feel left out, he makes sure everybody feels safe and welcomed.”
Yaya, Youth Member
“Building Up The Youth has impacted my life in such a big way. It made me who I am today and am surrounded by great people that I can trust, talk to and laugh with. It also showed me that all kids need is someone to talk to and it inspires me to want to do something like this when I get older.”
Mikail, Youth Member
“Building Up The Youth has helped me open my circle and make friends. I have come to realize that not everyone is out to get me and I have learned to talk about things rather than hold them in. In this organization, you will always have a shoulder to lean on, whether it is Coach or anyone else in the organization. It’s like a family and everyone has been there since day one.”
Giana, Youth Member