Welcome to Builder Network
Strengthening Communities Through Engagement, Opportunity, and Service
Builder Network Connecting communities, building futures
About Builder Network
As a new social services business based in Chicago, Illinois, Builder Network
Our work focuses on community violence prevention, workforce development , and veteran support initiatives designed to strengthen underserved communities.
Builder Network is a community-driven organization established in 2026 to strengthen neighborhoods through violence prevention , workforce development, and veteran support services. Operating across Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio, Builder Network partners with community leaders, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to address the root causes of violence and economic instability.
Our leadership team brings decades of experience in community organizing, public safety collaboration, economic opportunity development, and grassroots engagement. Builder Network works at the intersection of prevention, opportunity, and community empowerment—implementing programs that support individuals most impacted by violence while strengthening community institutions.
Through outreach, mentorship, workforce pathways, and strategic partnerships, Builder Network builds safer communities and creates sustainable opportunities for residents to thrive.
Our social services
We offer a range of specialized social services tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals and groups within our community. Our approach is focused on understanding and responding to what you require, providing effective and practical solutions that uplift and empower.
Violence Prevention
• Community violence interruption and mediation
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation outreach
• Hospital response and victim support services
• Street outreach to high-risk individuals
• Trauma-informed case management
• Youth intervention and mentorship
Organizational Strengths
• Deep community relationships and trust
• Multi-state community engagement experience
• Experienced leadership in policy and organizing
• Ability to collaborate with government and nonprofit partners
• Proven outreach strategies to engage hard-to-reach populations
Workforce Development
• Workforce readiness and job placement support
• Skilled trades and apprenticeship pathways
• Career mentorship and leadership development
• Job readiness training and resume support
• Partnerships with local employers and workforce agenciesIncreased community engagement and participation
• Improved access to employment opportunities
• Strengthened relationships between residents and institutions
• Increased stability and opportunity for vulnerable populations
• Residents engaged in community programs
• Individuals connected to workforce opportunities
• Community meetings and public safety forums hosted
• Youth mentorship and leadership participation
Veteran Support Services
• Veteran reintegration support
• Employment and training pathways for veterans
• Housing and stabilization referrals
• Peer support and resource navigation
• Experienced outreach and organizing staff
• Partnerships with community organizations
• Collaboration with public agencies
• Community volunteers and mentors• Safer neighborhoods
• Stronger local economies
• Empowered residents and community leadership
• Sustainable violence prevention strategies
Community Engagement & Organizing
• Community town halls and neighborhood meetings
• Public safety listening sessions with residents
• Peace circles and restorative justice dialogues
• Community resource fairs and outreach events
• Youth engagement events and leadership workshops
• Faith-based and neighborhood organization partnerships
Community Stabilization Initiatives
• Neighborhood canvassing and outreach
• Resident leadership training
• Crisis response coordination
• Community safety planning with residents
share resources.
Our mission
At Builder Network
Mission Statement
Builder Network’s mission is to strengthen communities by connecting residents, organizations, and institutions to sustainable solutions that promote violence prevention, workforce development, community health, and veteran support services. Through strategic partnerships, grassroots engagement, and community-centered leadership, Builder Network works to create safer neighborhoods, expand economic opportunities, and empower individuals and families across the Midwest
Stories of impact
We pride ourselves on our adaptability and commitment to excellence in every aspect of our service. Explore what we have to offer and how we can contribute to your success.
"buildernetwork.online truly transformed our neighborhood. Their dedication and support are invaluable to the Chicago community."
Maria S. - Community leader
"The programs offered by buildernetwork.online helped me gain new skills and connect with others. I highly recommend their services!"
David L. - Program participant
"Their team went above and beyond to meet our needs and exceeded our expectations in fostering a supportive environment."
Sarah K. - Partner organization
Meet our leadership team
Behind every service we provide is a dedicated team of professionals, each bringing their unique expertise and enthusiasm to our business.
Lance Stephens Founder-Chief Executive Officer
Builder Network
Lance serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Builder Network, bringing a background in military service, public safety, and community leadership to the organization’s mission of strengthening communities through violence prevention and community engagement.
Lance holds a
Indiana Institute of Technology | College of Business — Fort Wayne, IN Master of Business Administration (MBA), 2018
A United States military veteran, Lance developed a lifelong commitment to service and leadership early in his career. His experience in the armed forces instilled the values of discipline, teamwork, and dedication to protecting and supporting others—principles that continue to guide his work today.
Following his military service, Lance continued his public service career in Indiana, where he served as an elected constable. In this role, he worked closely with courts, law enforcement agencies, and community members to support public safety, maintain order, and ensure that residents felt secure within their neighborhoods. His time in public office gave him firsthand insight into the challenges communities face, particularly in areas affected by violence and economic hardship.
Motivated by a desire to address the root causes of violence and instability, Lance transitioned his focus toward community-based violence prevention and neighborhood engagement. As CEO of Builder Network, he leads efforts to develop programs that combine outreach, mentorship, workforce opportunities, and strategic partnerships to create safer and more resilient communities.
Under Lance’s leadership, Builder Network works across multiple states—including Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio—to build collaborative solutions that bring residents, local leaders, and organizations together to address violence prevention, economic opportunity, and community stability.
Lance remains deeply committed to empowering communities, supporting veterans, and creating pathways that allow individuals and families to thrive.
Zerlina Smith
Chief Strategy & Operations Officer (CSOO)
Builder Network
Zerlina Smith is a nationally engaged community strategist, nonprofit executive, and policy advocate with decades of experience in grassroots organizing, public policy engagement, and community violence prevention initiatives. She serves as the Chief Strategy & Operations Officer (CSOO) for Builder Network, where she leads organizational strategy, partnership development, and operational expansion across Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
A lifelong resident of Chicago, Illinois, Zerlina has built a reputation as a highly effective community and political relationship builder, working at the intersection of community leadership, public institutions, and nonprofit collaboration. Her career has focused on building bridges between policymakers, community organizations, and residents to develop solutions that address violence prevention, workforce opportunity, and community stabilization.
Zerlina’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to empowering communities through collaboration, engagement, and strategic partnerships. Over the course of her career, she has worked extensively with elected officials, nonprofit leaders, grassroots organizations, and community coalitions to mobilize resources and develop programs that support individuals and families most impacted by violence and economic hardship.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Northeastern University and is also a graduate of Eastern University, where she strengthened her academic foundation in leadership, civic engagement, and public service.
Zerlina brings many years of experience supporting community violence prevention initiatives and veteran service programs, helping organizations design outreach strategies, coordinate community engagement efforts, and build partnerships that expand resources for vulnerable populations. Her work has included organizing large-scale community meetings, leading grassroots engagement campaigns, and supporting initiatives focused on neighborhood safety and economic opportunity.
At Builder Network, Zerlina leads efforts to expand the organization’s impact through multi-state collaboration, strategic partnerships, and innovative community engagement strategies. She oversees program strategy, operational development, and partnership initiatives designed to strengthen communities and build sustainable solutions to violence and economic instability.
Through her leadership, Builder Network continues to grow as a regional network dedicated to building safer communities, empowering residents, and creating pathways for opportunity across the Midwest.
Daryl Pierce, MSW, LSW
Director of Clinical Programs, Veteran's Services & Violence Prevention
Builder Network
License: LSW #150108077
Daryl Pierce is a Licensed Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in behavioral health, violence prevention, and community-based program management. As Director of Clinical Programs & Violence Prevention for Builder Network, he leads the development and implementation of trauma-informed intervention strategies designed to support individuals and families impacted by violence, addiction, and behavioral health challenges.
Daryl holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University and a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. His career has focused on integrating clinical care, community outreach, and public safety collaboration to provide holistic support for individuals with complex social and behavioral health needs.
Throughout his career, Daryl has worked extensively with community organizations, healthcare providers, courts, and public safety partners to address the root causes of violence and instability. His expertise includes psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, addiction treatment support, gang intervention strategies, and the development of individualized care management plans for high-acuity clients.
Daryl’s work is grounded in a commitment to trauma-informed care, violence prevention, and community healing. Through Builder Network, he supports program design and leadership that integrates behavioral health support, community engagement, and strategic partnerships to strengthen communities across Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.
Tammie Vison
Chief Financial & Administrative Officer (CFAO)
Builder Network
Tammie Vinson is a nationally engaged educator, community advocate, and organizational leader who serves as the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer for Builder Network, supporting the organization’s operational and financial leadership across Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. With more than two decades of professional experience in education, community engagement, and advocacy, Tammie brings a deep commitment to advancing opportunities for individuals and families in underserved communities.
As the daughter of a United States military veteran, Tammie’s commitment to service and community empowerment began early in life. Her work reflects a lifelong dedication to advocating for individuals facing systemic barriers, including families experiencing homelessness, youth in need of educational support, and communities seeking access to safe housing and economic opportunity.
Tammie has served as an educator with Chicago Public Schools for many years, working in both general education and special education settings. Her work with students across multiple grade levels has focused on supporting academic achievement, social development, and holistic student support. In addition to her classroom leadership, she has served on school leadership teams, professional committees, and community engagement initiatives focused on strengthening partnerships between schools and families.
Beyond her work in education, Tammie has played an active role in community advocacy and national initiatives focused on violence prevention, housing stability, and social equity. Her leadership includes advocacy efforts addressing homelessness, affordable housing access, and community stabilization programs that support families and individuals seeking long-term stability.
Tammie currently serves as Chair of the AFT Chicago Black Caucus, where she advocates for equitable policies and community-focused education initiatives. She also serves as a Board Member of Increase the Harvest, a community-based nonprofit organization committed to supporting families and strengthening neighborhoods through outreach, service initiatives, and resource coordination.
Throughout her career, Tammie has helped lead and support initiatives that bring together community leaders, educators, advocates, and policymakers to address systemic challenges affecting vulnerable populations. Her work spans multiple states and reflects a collaborative approach to developing solutions that support violence prevention, housing stability, and community empowerment.
Tammie holds a Master’s Degree in Middle School Education from Aurora University, with endorsements in social science, science, and mathematics. She also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of Illinois Chicago and completed an LSB1 endorsement through Roosevelt University.
Through her leadership at Builder Network, Tammie helps guide the organization’s operational strategy while supporting initiatives that expand violence prevention programs, community advocacy efforts, and resources for families across the Midwest.
Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to service, education, housing advocacy, and building stronger communities for people of all ages.
Jermont Montgomery
Director of Community Engagement & Workforce Pathways
Builder Network
Earlier in his career, Jermont served as a Youth Development Specialist with P.E.A.C.E. Center, educating families and community members on restorative justice practices and violence prevention strategies through community meetings and outreach initiatives.
Jermont brings extensive experience in workforce training and skilled trades preparation. He completed Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship training through Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) and the Institute of Workforce Education, as well as solar
Jermont Montgomery is a community engagement leader, workforce development advocate, and grassroots organizer with more than a decade of experience working directly with residents, youth, and community institutions across Chicago. As Director of Community Engagement & Workforce Pathways for Builder Network, he leads community outreach initiatives, workforce training partnerships, and resident engagement strategies designed to strengthen neighborhoods and create pathways to economic opportunity.
Jermont served as a Community Liaison for Illinois State Senate, supporting State Senator Willie Preston. In this role, he coordinates district outreach, organizes community meetings and town halls, and mobilizes volunteers to support civic engagement initiatives. His work focuses on building stronger relationships between residents and public institutions while increasing access to resources and services throughout the community.
workforce training through Elevate Energy and Safer Foundation. He also holds a welding certification and has completed multiple entrepreneurship and workforce training programs focused on economic opportunity for returning citizens.
Jermont is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Physics with a minor in Mathematics at Northeastern Illinois University.
Through Builder Network, Jermont leads efforts to strengthen community engagement, expand workforce development pathways, and organize residents around initiatives that promote community safety, economic opportunity, and neighborhood stability.
Brooke O. Butler, BHS
Director of Community Health & Reentry Services
Builder Network
Brooke O. Butler is a public health professional, community engagement leader, and program strategist with extensive experience addressing social determinants of health, violence prevention, and community stabilization. As Director of Community Health & Reentry Services for Builder Network, Brooke leads regional initiatives focused on improving community health outcomes, strengthening reentry support systems, and connecting residents to essential resources across the Midwest.
Brooke earned a Bachelor of Arts in Community Health with a concentration in Addictions Studies from Governors State University. Her work centers on advancing community wellbeing through health education, trauma-informed engagement, and strategic partnerships that address barriers to care and opportunity.
Brooke most recently served as a Community Convener under the Reimagine Public Safety Act initiative, coordinating community response and engagement workgroups designed to strengthen violence prevention efforts across multiple communities in Chicago. In this role, she facilitated cross-sector partnerships with schools, law enforcement, faith leaders, senior centers, and behavioral health organizations while expanding resident participation in public safety initiatives.
Previously, Brooke worked as a Community Health Worker with University of Chicago Medicine, where she supported patients managing complex health conditions including oncology, asthma, and cardiology care. She successfully managed patient caseloads while bridging gaps in social determinants of health by coordinating transportation, medication management, community resource referrals, and patient advocacy services.
Her work has focused on supporting individuals facing complex life challenges including health disparities, reentry from incarceration, and access to community-based resources. Brooke is a certified Recovery Coach and Adult Mental Health First Aid provider, bringing trauma-informed care and compassionate engagement to the communities she serves.
Brooke also holds a Google Project Management Certificate and brings strong expertise in program coordination, community outreach strategy, digital engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. Her leadership style emphasizes proactive planning, collaborative teamwork, and innovative solutions that help organizations reach and support hard-to-engage populations.
Through Builder Network, Brooke helps expand regional initiatives focused on community health, violence prevention, reentry support, and veteran services, working to ensure individuals and families across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky have access to the support systems necessary to achieve stability and opportunity.
Tio Hardiman
Senior Violence Prevention Consultant & National Strategy Advisor
Builder Network
Tio Hardiman is a nationally recognized violence prevention strategist, community organizer, and public safety advocate who serves as a Senior Violence Prevention Consultant and National Strategy Advisor to Builder Network. With decades of experience working on the front lines of community-based violence prevention, Hardiman provides strategic guidance on program development, conflict mediation models, and national expansion of violence interruption initiatives.
Hardiman is the Executive Director of Violence Interrupters, NFP, an organization focused on mediating community conflicts and preventing retaliatory violence before it escalates. Violence Interrupters uses a public-health approach to violence reduction, working with credible messengers to intervene in high-risk situations and help individuals choose nonviolent paths.
Earlier in his career, Hardiman worked with the CeaseFire violence prevention initiative, a program that pioneered the “violence interrupter” strategy that treats violence like a contagious disease and focuses on interrupting conflicts before they escalate. In 2004, he helped launch the Violence Interrupters initiative, which expanded outreach workers across Chicago neighborhoods and significantly contributed to reductions in shootings and homicides in several communities.
Hardiman has trained violence prevention teams and community leaders in cities across the United States, including New York, Philadelphia, Houston, Cleveland, and Detroit, helping communities implement strategies for mediation, restorative justice, and street-level conflict intervention.
He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice at North Park University, where he teaches courses focused on community violence intervention and restorative practices.
Hardiman is widely known for his work featured in the PBS documentary “The Interrupters,” which highlighted the real-life work of violence interrupters attempting to stop shootings and retaliatory conflicts in Chicago communities.
In addition to his work in violence prevention, Hardiman is an author and public speaker who has trained community organizations, policymakers, and outreach workers on strategies to reduce violence and strengthen community stability.
Through his role with Builder Network, Hardiman helps guide the organization’s violence prevention framework, providing strategic direction on credible messenger outreach models, mediation strategies, and community-based intervention programs across multiple states.
Connect with us
Location
Chicago, IL [60644]
Contact us
Email: zsmithbn@gmail.com
Phone: 6
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