SOS Builds provides a safe space for students of our community to invest in themselves after school. We see students grow in community, trade skills, and personal vision as they prepare for life after graduation.
SOS Builds is an after school program for middle and high school students in the our partner neighborhoods of Binghampton, Orange Mound, and the Heights.
Each year Builders (SOS Builds students) have the opportunity to learn and grow as individuals in trades skills, spiritual development, and job preparation/financial literacy. Builders are lead by our full time staff who have more than a decade of youth work experience and 4 decades of construction experience combined.
Builders are exposed to a variety of disciplines during the year, including: creativity, teamwork, math, problem solving, construction, and spiritual development. Builders gain great practical skills and insight into the trades industry, while developing as leaders.
There are opportunities to help us grow these students and invest in them even if you don’t have a student. If you would like to sponsor a meal or get in touch with us we would love to hear from you.
Want to learn more about SOS Builds? Do you have a project request for SOS Builds? Are you a Lester Prep middle school student ready to become a Builder? Email Jordan.
Some of the Builders’ work from the years..
2014-15: The Clubhouse
SOS Builds launched with a team of ten participants. SOS Builders were responsible for the design, construction, and installation of The Clubhouse, a wooden play structure on the property of the Carpenter Art Garden in Binghampton. Many thanks to the Carpenter Art Garden and the Binghampton Development Corporation for the opportunity and ongoing partnership.
2016-17: Picnic Tables
SOS Builds launched a pilot high school program tasked with the creation of a picnic table design and assembly method. Middle School Builders used the design and assembly method to create 28 picnic tables, given as gifts to SOS Summer Camp’s Homeowner Partners of 2017 in Binghampton and Orange Mound.
2022-23: Neighborhood restoration
SOS Builds students had the oppportunity to help a local homeowner restore their property. Student demolished a dilapidated shed, removed fallen limbs, and rebuilt a back deck for a homeowner in need. Students were able to learn many skills they can transfer to their own homes in the future. The homeowner gladly received a picnic table set built by builders for her new back deck as well.
2015-16: The Pavilion
SOS Builds was responsible for the design, construction, and installation of The Pavilion, a large shade structure at The Hamp Football Field in Binghampton which is home to the Memphis Gridiron Ministries and their junior league teams. SOS Builds received invaluable program support from Fleming Architects and Linkous Construction.
2017-18: Putt-Putt Holes + Picnic Tables
The SOS Builds High School cohort grew to 5 Builders. Along with skill based projects, the Builders earned a contract from Grizzlies Prep Charter School to design and construct five unique full scale putt-putt holes. Middle School Builders continued the picnic table project for a second year, again producing 30 picnic tables for 2018 Homeowner Partners of SOS’s Summer Camp.
Lester Prep Social Club 2022-Present
SOS has operated as a social club at Lester Prep and partner of Lester Prep school in Binghampton since 2022 where student get exposure to carpentry and building as they dream of and create projects to showcase on a semester basis. Student who participate in SOS clubs at LP get priority on high school Builds registration.