Mario Antonio Almonte Center

We are pleased to share that since the Mario Antonio Almonte Community Center opened its doors in September of 2021 during the height of the pandemic, over 500 students have actively engaged in English classes and there are no more students on the waiting list since we finished construction of the second floor! Three board members were blessed to participate in the official grand opening in November of 2021. The excitement from the community was palpable back then as we listened to students singing, watched them participate in English classes, and celebrated as they checked-out books from the library. The success of the English classes led to construction of a second floor with a second school blessing. We are holding our first class on the second floor during the Fall semester of 2025 so the excitement continues!

As you know, the mission of Building Up is to empower community members educationally, financially and spiritually by providing opportunities to learn English, generate income for their families, and attend Bible studies and basketball sports ministry. We are delighted to be seeing the fruit of our investment in Los Cocos as three of our young adults, who previously received scholarships to attend English academies in Santiago, have taught at our Center. In addition, Building Up just celebrated its 5th graduation in July of 2025! Thanks so very much for being a part of our story of God's faithfulness and provision! Please enjoy these photos of the second floor and from the grand opening and blessing of the building! Gloria a Dios!!

BUILDING UP HAS COMPLETED THE BUILDING UP PHASE!!

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Cistern

As they say in Los Cocos, "Water is Life!" We had such an awesome response to our English classes that the water tanks on the roof of the building were not sufficient to meet the needs of the Center. On Giving Tuesday, in December of 2021 we posted our need of funds to complete a Cistern that would ensure sufficient water. We are thanking God and praising Him for providing a donor to fund the project! These aren't the most exciting photos of the Cistern being built but they provide testimony to John 7:37 which says, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." Gloria Dios!

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Phase III, IV & V are complete!
Phase VI in under way.

After the first 3 years of classes, the Mario Antonio Almonte Community Center was operating at full capacity and we had many students on the waiting list! To meet the demand for additional classes, Building Up has added the second floor!

Phase III is complete which included:

the construction of the second floor to house additional classrooms and a community event room;
fencing and a security system; and
the establishment of a maintenance fund.

Phase IV - Scholarships

Many thanks for helping us to reach our goal for Phase IV of raising USD 6,000 to provide for 100 students, by December 3, 2024.

Phase V - Event Room has been completed!

The goal to provide an event room with 10 round tables and 100 chairs has been accomplished!

Now the Center is able to accommodate various events, such as weddings, birthday parties, medical clinics, worship services, Bible studies, and conferences, In addition, this event room will help to provide funds to continue the classes at a significant discount.

Phase VI - Teacher Salaries

With the completion of the second floor, we are in the process of hiring two additional teachers. We are now focusing on raising funds for their salaries and have the goal of raising $5,720 by December 31, 2025.

To celebrate and acknowledge your partnership, our Giving Tree has been painted!

All donations of $100 or more will be recognized on the Giving Tree beautifully displayed at the top of the staircase as you arrive to the second floor with the following recognitions:

Red Leaf - $100 Silver Leaf - $500 Gold Leaf - $1,000 Rock or Butterfly - $5,000

Plaque for purchasing the Giving Tree and Giving Towards the Second Floor - $10,000

We have a special green leaf for all donations of $60 to provide for future scholarships and teacher salaries. WE chose the color green, because green is symbolic for growth and your donation will help our students to grow in their ability to become bilingual!

If you’d like, you may give a gift In Memory Of or In Honor Of someone that will be recognized in the acknowledement.

Please click on the above donate button to give on-line or send a check payable to “Building Up”

at the following address:

Attn: Anne Dice

Building Up

14 Brian Avenue

Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

¡Muchas gracias!