Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Exceptional Youth Services for Metro Detroit Families
For over a century, we have dedicated ourselves to empowering young people with diverse abilities and their families through comprehensive support programs. Originally established in 1920 as the Sigma Gamma Clinic for Crippled Children, our organization evolved through decades of service to become the Detroit Institute for Children, a trusted leader in addressing special needs. In 2024, we rebranded as Boldli - Exceptional Youth Services to reflect our forward-thinking approach and expanded mission. Our 80+ professional team members deliver critical services across Metro Detroit, including family support programs, community-based interventions, and specialized educational initiatives.We pioneered innovative approaches like the Parents As Teachers model for early childhood development and continue advancing inclusive practices through summer camps and after-school programming. Backed by our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status (EIN#38-1359511), we maintain commitment to accessibility regardless of financial means while serving individuals aged 0-26. Our century-long expertise in clinical services, developmental support, and community engagement positions us as a proven authority in youth services, with demonstrated impact evidenced by long-standing partnerships with local institutions and major donors like Ally Financial and The Carls Foundation.
Services
Community Programs
Family Development
Summer Camps
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1920
Highlights and features
- We offer 100+ years of specialized experience in children's developmental services
- Our 80+ person team delivers programs directly in family and community settings
- We provide services regardless of ability to pay through our nonprofit model
- Our programs integrate clinical expertise with educational and social development
- We maintain partnerships with major Detroit institutions and funding organizations
Services
Family Programs
Our family programs provide developmental support through professional-led playgroups and home visitation services. Using the Parents As Teachers model, we help caregivers facilitate optimal early development for children aged 0-5. These programs ease school transitions while addressing social, emotional, and educational needs through structured family engagement.
Community Programs
We develop inclusive learning spaces and social opportunities through after-school programs and summer camps across Detroit. Our community initiatives include therapeutic activities aligned with individual education plans, offering speech communication, motor skill development, and behavioral support in accessible environments for ages 6-14.
Summer Camps
Our summer camps provide structured enrichment activities for children aged 6-14, combining recreation with therapeutic interventions. Held across Detroit locations, these programs include field trips, arts and crafts, sports, and teletherapy sessions that support individualized education goals while fostering social development in a safe environment.
Speech Therapy
We deliver specialized speech and communication therapy interventions tailored to individual needs. Our services address speech development challenges through both in-person sessions and teletherapy options, integrating with educational plans to support children's communication skills in academic and social settings.
Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapy programs focus on developing motor skills and daily living abilities for children with diverse needs. Therapists work directly with participants to improve functional skills through targeted interventions that support educational progress and community integration across Metro Detroit.
People
Niki Beebani
Interim Executive Director
Niki Beebani leads our organization with extensive experience in nonprofit management and youth services. She oversees strategic operations while maintaining our commitment to exceptional youth programming across Metro Detroit.
Jan Shimshock
Director of Development
Jan Shimshock manages our fundraising initiatives and community partnerships. With deep knowledge of nonprofit development, she ensures sustainable growth for our programs serving children with diverse abilities.
Becky Davenport
Board Chair
Becky Davenport provides governance leadership as Board Chair, guiding our strategic direction while maintaining focus on our century-old mission of supporting youth development in Detroit communities.
Paige George
Board Chair
Paige George co-chairs our board with commitment to advancing inclusive practices. She contributes expertise in organizational leadership while supporting our expanded services for children with special needs.
Joya Harris
Board Chair
Joya Harris serves as Board Chair, bringing extensive community engagement experience to our governance. She champions our mission through strategic oversight of programs serving Metro Detroit youth.
Questions
What age groups does Boldli serve?
We provide services for young people aged 0-26 through our family programs, community initiatives, and educational support services.
Are Boldli's services income-restricted?
No, we maintain our founding commitment to serve regardless of ability to pay through our nonprofit funding model.
What types of therapy services are available?
We offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions aligned with individualized education plans.
How can families participate in Boldli programs?
Families can join playgroups, developmental programs, and home visitation services through our Parents As Teachers model.
Does Boldli operate year-round programs?
Yes, we provide summer camps, after-school programs, and seasonal community events throughout the year.
