About Us

“Our programs are based on a support and enrichment model aimed at helping young people overcome some of the obstacles that prevent them from achieving their goals.”

Our Mission

In collaboration with local community organizations, schools, and parents, Cry of the Children seeks to help youth obtain the tools they need to build and maintain successful relationships with parents, teachers, and the larger community of Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana.

Our vision

Our vision is to provide a positive, fulfilling outlet which allows children to express their creative talent. Cry of the Children Inc. will foster such an environment through the mind, body, and spirit. The programs are based on a support and enrichment model aimed at assisting the young person to overcome some of the obstacles that prevent them from achieving their goals.

Why Cry Of the Children

In 1995, our program had its first person affected by the Cry of the Children, Shakay Norris. We saw what it did for Shakay and her teammates; how it built self-esteem, and character, made them feel like they were a part of the school, and how they created this opportunity all by themselves. Not only did they create this opportunity for themselves but they passed the journey on to 21 other students and we are so glad that they have decided to continue this journey with us.

Mrs. Boddie holds hands with a small child as they sing together

What do we do?

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We have nothing but the future in mind here at Cry of the Children.  We aren’t only an organization that sculpts kids’ minds and provides structure, but we also provide for our community here in Bloomington, Indiana. Partnering with other organizations like The Boy and Girls Club and The Second Baptist Church to be able to rebuild the community with support systems in place for children and those who need help.

Meet LaTonya

LaTonya was in high school where there was a lack of structure and a place to express herself. One day during her high school career, LaTonya joined the group with her best friend that invited her to Cry of the Children. It was here that LaTonya gained skills that she will use for the rest of her life and grow as a person. One skill that Dellsie portrayed to LaTonya that remains with her is, “To always be a woman of my word.” It’s a small thing but Dellsie showed the power to grow and become a young woman, and what that represents. ” After graduating, LaTonya developed her own nonprofit organization to pay it forward to other young ladies and it’s all because of Dellsie and the work of Cry of the Children.

Meet The Board Of Directors

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President

Mrs. Dellsie Boddie

David Barber board member of cry of the children

Vice President

David Barber

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Education and Program Consultant

Ms. Arvella Boddie

Our History

Cry of the Children Inc. was founded in 1995. Dellsie organized a group of high school students to join a dance group where they can express themselves and be kids. Dellsie continued to provide her wisdom, support, and structure to these kids and others that wanted to join. As time passed, the group grew in size and more kids needed more support like the dance group needed so Dellsie created Cry of the Children to bring more love and support to the children and the community. Today cry of children strives to bring the same love and support she gave to the kids, to anyone who enters this program. “If we can we do.”

Get Involved
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Awards and Recognition

Woman sitting and smiling at young boy.

Cry of the Children’s success and accomplishments have not gone unnoticed in the community of Bloomington, IN. Through the years we have been recognized by our different programs, extracurriculars, and staff that make Cry of the Children special. 

We have been awarded: 

  •  Toby Strout Lifetime Achievement Award: Dellsie Boddie was recognized for her achievements and service in the community.
  • Step Team: “The Bad Boys” 1997 State Championships
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Testimonial – Mindy L. Mayes

When thinking of someone who’s a superwoman within the Bloomington Community Mrs. Dellsie Boddie, executive director of Cry of the Children Inc. comes to mind. As the founder and executive director, Mrs. Boddie makes it her personal mission to help youth within the community that others may turn their back on and/or not help. Every thanksgiving she and Cry of the Children provides a full Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless and low income within the Bloomington community. She has continued the giving back to youth and feeding the hungry tradition by offering a workshop on nonviolent protest for the youth; as well as a meal to one of the battered women shelters as her and Cry of the Children “Day on not a Day Off” Project for MLK Day.

Testimonial – Kamal Polk

I had a chance to interview someone who I see as being a person who gives a lot of her time to helping make better place for people to live in. She is caring person who is willing to help the people that need help, mostly children. Mrs. Boddie has a unique way of expressing herself when you talk to her about something that has really affected her in any way. Mrs. Boddie is a very spiritual person and brings that into her working skills. She loves helping youth from different avenues in leading them into a positive journey.

Testimonial – Felicia Hopkins

During High School at a point when there were not many activities for black girls, my friends and I decided to create an activity of own (Step Team) where the saying “North Side” started. Mrs. Boddie helped us find a practice space, drove us to and from practice, and eventually helped us become a well anticipated group who performed at basketball half times at Bloomington North through out our remaining high school years.

Cry of the Children/Mrs. Boddie was a instrumental part of me adolescence. These were lessons that I’ve carried over into adulthood and apply to my life daily.

Who knows where I would be or what I could have become with Cry of the Children, Inc. I am forever grateful for Mrs. Boddie’s unconditional love, wisdom, and unwillingness to give up on her children.

Want to learn to build robots? Or just looking for some electronic fun? Join us! Cry of the Children is starting our 1st ever robotics club. Contact us today to find your team. There may be an opportunity for a summer robotics workshop.
Step Team. Our step team strengthens character, develops long term, meaningful relationships, enhances physical conditioning and is fun! Come be a stepper: Learn new steps, create your own routines, then try out for competitions! Let your creativity shine! The team will also perform at local schools. Contact us for more information.