515-244-7702

Dalia’s Story

by | Nov 12, 2025 | OakridgeStrong

Dalia's Story

I arrived in the United States in December 2024 with my husband and our six children. We had spent the previous three years in Egypt after fleeing war in our native Sudan, where we’d been employees of the U.S. government abroad.

When we first arrived in Iowa, we stayed for a month at my brother’s wife’s home in Oakridge Neighborhood. In our search for work during that time, my husband and I visited the Oakridge offices. There we met a caseworker named Abubaker and the lead of the Family and Worforce Programs team, Almardi. They provided us significant assistance and enrolled us in the HOPE for Stable Families program lead by Ms. Veleta, which provided us so many services.

Through the Oakridge programs we learned to drive and obtained our driver’s licenses. They helped us pay our rent and electricity bills, and enroll our children in school and Oakridge summer youth programs. Oakridge helped both my husband and me find jobs, and assisted with car payments through the WHEELS of HOPE program. That car gave us independence.

 

 “You Changed Our Lives”

Oakridge Neighborhood became our first supporter in the United States. Because of Oakridge, my children sleep in a warm, safe home. My husband and I can focus on buidling a future. They didn’t just give us help, they gave us stability, dignity, and a peace of mind.

Oakridge protected my family’s future when we needed it. You changed our lives. From my heart, thank you.

Families like Dalia’s turn to Oakridge Neighborhood for support. From secure housing to youth programs nurturing potential, to workforce and family services building brighter futures, our reach has expanded because the need has grown. Your support ensures that hope, opportunity and belonging remain within reach for thousands of Central Iowans who count on us every day. Learn more.

Celebrate the Legacy of Margaret Toomey

by | Nov 10, 2025 | OakridgeStrong

Celebrate the Legacy of Sister Margaret Toomey

Join us for the 2025 Oak Society Reception as we honor Sister Margaret Toomey, the visionary leader who transformed Oakridge Neighborhood from a struggling housing project into a thriving community.

Margaret’s courage, compassion and unwavering belief in people helped build more than homes – she built hope. Her vision turned Oakridge into a true neighborhood, where families could learn, grow and succeed.

Come celebrate a legacy that continues to inspire and strenthen our community.

RSVP

By contacting Kristin:

[email protected]

515-244-7702

Mr. Wright – A Legacy of Leadership and Service

by | Oct 8, 2025 | OakridgeStrong, Our Stories, Programs & Services

Mr. Wright - A Legacy of Leadership

Longtime educator, minister and mentor Clifford Wright, known fondly at Oakridge Neighborhood as “Mr. Wright,” has impacted generations of young people.

A Foundation Built on Family and Education

Born in 1955 in Waterloo, Iowa, Mr. Wright grew up in a large family of eight children. Education was a priority from a young age. “I always wanted to please the teacher,” he recalls. “School was a place where I felt seen and could excel.”

Despite his strong academic interest, Mr. Wright did not attend college immediately after high school. Instead, he entered the workforce and held several factory jobs. It wasn’t until the age of 35, after encouragement from a mentor, that he returned to school. That decision would ultimately lead him to a career in education and ministry.

“I was told that four years would pass whether I was in school or not. That stuck with me,” he says. Working days, nights and weekends to support his family, Mr. Wright enrolled in college and earned his degree while also managing a full-time job and serving in his church.

A Dual Calling: Education and Ministry

Mr. Wright began his formal teaching career in the Waterloo school system and later accepted a ministry opportunity in Ottumwa, Iowa, where he continued to teach and preach. Eventually, he moved to Des Moines and was hired at McKinley Elementary, where he taught for over 20 years. He became known for his structured classroom environment, high expectations, and deep care for his students, particularly young boys in need of a strong male role model.

His journey with Oakridge Neighborhood began in 2008, originally as a part-time position to supplement his income. But what started as a short-term job quickly became a long-term commitment. “I didn’t come to Oakridge expecting to stay,” he says. “But it became clear to me that this was where I was supposed to be.”

Impacting Lives at Oakridge

In his afterschool classroom for kindergarten and first grade students at Oakridge, Mr. Wright is known for structure and discipline, but also deep compassion. His approach is consistent, firm, and full of encouragement. “I tell the kids, ‘Smart kids do smart things,'”he says. “I hold them to a standard because I know they can reach it.”

Mr. Wright’s presence is particularly impactful for boys of color, many of whom have never had a male teacher or mentor. He takes this responsibility seriously, modeling respect, leadership and accountability. “I want to show them they don’t have to follow what the streets tell them they are,” he says. “There’s another way.”

Over the years, he has worked with hundreds of students, many of whom return to thank him or reflect on the values he instilled in them. While his tone may be firm, it is always grounded in care. “They know I love them. I just don’t let them forget the rules,” he says with a smile.

Service Beyond the Classroom

Outside of Oakridge Mr. Wright continues to serve as pastor of New Birth Church in Des Moines. Though the congregation has grown smaller over the years, his commitment to ministry remains strong. “Whether I’m preaching to seven people or 70, my calling is the same – reaching people where they are,” he says.

For Mr. Wright, teaching and ministry are deeply connected. Both allow him to mentor, guide, and support people in building lives of purpose and character. He is a passionate advocate for programs like “Character Counts” and believes strongly that character educatiion should remain a central part of learning.

A Lasting Legacy

Mr. Wright retired from public education in 2017 but has never stopped teaching. His work at Oakridge continues to shape the lives of students who need stability, leadership and hope.

“When you see kids coming from difficult circumstances, it’s even more important to be consistent,” he says. “They need to know someone sees them and believes in them.”

“I just want them to know they matter. That they are smart. That they’re enough,” he says.

Oakridge Neighborhood is a designated 21st Century Learning Center, providing much needed support through robust afterschool and out-of-school programming focused on academic growth and enrichment. To contribute to these important services, click here to donate. 

From North High to Nashville

by | Sep 16, 2025 | Our Stories

From North High to Nashville: Josue Barahona’s Teen Tech Center Journey

Just over a year ago, Josue Barahona walked into Mainframe Studios on a quiet Friday night, not knowing his life was about to change. A recent graduate of North High School and lifelong music lover, Josue was simply hoping to find a creative space. What he found was a launchpad.

“I came to Mainframe during one of their open Friday nights,” Josue recalls. “A soccer coach encouraged me to check it out, knowing I was into music. I asked someone if there was anything music-related in the building, and they pointed me downstairs.”

That’s where he met Derek Frank, the studio coordinator at Oak Studio Best Buy Teen Tech Center. “The lights were off, so I almost didn’t go in. But someone let me in—and the rest is history,” Josue says.

Josue showed Derek one of his original songs, and the connection was instant. “He was blown away. I came back the next day and we started working on music right away.”

Visit Launches Opportunity

That spontaneous visit turned into something much more: a spot in a creative youth cohort program led by Emmett Phillips, Teen Tech Center Career Pathways Facilitator, which paired teens with mentors and offered training in professional development, communication, and creative entrepreneurship.

“I didn’t even know what I was signing up for at the time,” Josue laughs. “But being in that cohort taught me so much—how to collaborate, how to pitch myself, how to carry myself in a room full of professionals.”

Those skills became crucial as Josue began networking in the music world. Today, he’s living in Nashville, working with the manager of country music artist Hunter Hayes, thanks to a connection made through Derek.

“I moved to Nashville just months ago,” he says. “And now I’m working CMA Fest and writing songs with Grammy-winning artists. It’s unreal.”

In fact, he recently opened for Gwen Stefani at the Target Center in Minneapolis, and has had sessions and written several songs with one of Trisha Yearwood’s close friends, Rebecca Lynn Howard – a two time grammy winner who was recently on the Today Show with Trisha.

Early Beginnings

But Josue’s journey started long before Nashville—or even high school. “I’ve been making music since sixth grade. I always knew this was what I wanted to do, even though nobody in my family was involved in music. I’m the first.”

Self-taught on guitar, ukulele, and production software, Josue started writing and producing music on free online programs from his school laptop. “I heard Tyler, The Creator talk about starting at age 12, and I thought, ‘Well, I’m 11—why not me?’”

Raised in Des Moines by immigrant parents from El Salvador, Josue says it took time for his family to understand his path. “They really wanted me to go to college. They didn’t always see music as a career. But now they’re proud—and a little shocked—at how fast things are moving.”

In Nashville, Josue shares a house with two musicians he met through Derek’s network. The home belongs to a well-known Christian musician who wanted to support young artists. “It’s a beautiful setup, and I feel lucky to be surrounded by people who believe in this dream.”

As for the future? Josue is all in. “My ultimate goal is to become one of the biggest musicians in the world,” he says without hesitation. “I believe it’s going to happen—it’s just a matter of time.”

Through his journey, Josue hopes to inspire other young creatives, especially those from places like Des Moines.

“When you tell people in Des Moines you’re a musician, they always ask, ‘Okay, but what else do you do?’ I want people to know—this is a real career. And it can start right here.”

Right here at Oak Studio Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Mainframe!

Oak Studio is changing the lives of central Iowa youth every day. To contribute to these important services, click here to donate. 

Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes: From Resident to Board President

by | Sep 8, 2025 | Our Stories

Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes — From Resident to Board President

At Oakridge Neighborhood, we know that some of our strongest leaders are people who’ve lived our mission firsthand. One of those inspiring stories belongs to Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes, a former Oakridge resident who’s come full circle to lead as President of our Board of Directors. His connection to Oakridge stretches back over two decades.

“My family and I moved to Des Moines, and we ended up living at Oakridge for about two years,” he said. “I was in fifth and sixth grade then.”

At the time, he didn’t realize just how big an influence those years would be. “I don’t think I knew how much Oakridge was shaping me,” he said. “But looking back now, I can see how important it was to my growth and who I’ve become.”

He remembers fondly the community spirit during those childhood years, from youth programs and neighbors who looked out for each other, to catching the bus in front of Edmunds Elementary.

“There was a real sense of pride in being from Oakridge,” he said. “It gave me connections and memories that have stayed with me all my life.”

Coming Full Circle

After moving away and finishing college, Skylar returned to Des Moines in 2012 for a new job, and found Oakridge entering his life once again in an unexpected way.

“When I moved back, I was working at United Way,” he said. “Through that work, I crossed paths with Oakridge again and met Teree Caldwell-Johnson, who was the President and CEO at the time. I didn’t set out to get involved, but Oakridge found me.”

He started volunteering, putting his skills in banking and finance to work on Oakridge’s Finance Committee. From there, one thing led to another.

“I just kept getting more involved because I cared so much,” said Skylar, now Executive Director of the Jacobson Institute at Grand View University. The Jacobson Institute serves as a resource in providing skills, training, and assessment for a future ready workforce.

Over the past eight years, Skylar has worn many hats on the Oakridge Board, including Vice President, Chair of the Housing and Services Committee, Chair of the Governance Committee, and now, Board President.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” he said. “It feels full circle to go from living at Oakridge as a kid to now helping lead the organization.

~ Guest Contributor Jackson Fehring-Terrell, Communications Intern