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Oak Futures Youth Employment Program

by | Feb 7, 2025 | OakridgeStrong

Oak Futures: Empowering Careers, Inspiring Success

For over 45 years, the Oakridge youth employment program, Oak Futures, has been a cornerstone of workforce development, creating economic pathways and training opportunities for youth. Established in the 1970s, the program has evolved to meet the changing needs of young people ages 14-24 by engaging them in meaningful employment, job skills training, and career exploration while providing leadership and community involvement opportunities.
The Oak Futures Youth Employment Program offers both year-round and nine-week paid part-time (20-30 hours per week) work experiences at nonprofit, for-profit, and public agencies throughout the community. Participants gain real-world job experience while enhancing their professional and personal development.
APPLY: HOST EMPLOYER
APPLY: YOUTH INTERN

Oak Futures: Inspiring Achievement

Host Employer Commitment

1. Identify a Work Experience Opportunity
  • Designate a position for an Oak Futures participant within your organization.
  • Specify any age requirements and outline entry-level skills necessary for success.
2. Determine Employee Work Schedule
  • Employees will work Monday–Thursday (20 hours per week).
  • Fridays are reserved for personal and professional development workshops.
3. Provide Supervision & Mentorship
  • Assign a supervisor and/or mentor to support the participant.
  • Ensure a conducive work environment that fosters skill development.
  • Offer any necessary training to help participants succeed in their roles.
4. Offer Ongoing Feedback & Support
  • Provide regular performance feedback to both the employee and the Oak Futures program team.
  • Approve employee timesheets to verify hours worked.

Hosted Role Options

1. Job Shadow (1 week)
Role Description: Job shadowing is a short-term observational experience where students spend time observing professionals in their workplace. It provides students with insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of various roles within a company.
2. Internship (8 weeks)
Role Description: Internships are more comprehensive, hands-on experiences where students work in a specific role within a company for an extended period.

Oakridge Neighborhood Commitment

Oakridge Neighborhood is dedicated to empowering youth through meaningful workforce development experiences by:
1. Fully Covering Employment Costs
  • Oakridge will pay students directly for their time commitment, removing any financial burden from host employers.
  • Employers are only responsible for approving employee timesheets.
2. Enhancing Essential Workforce Skills
  • Working with employers and partners to deliver training that strengthens: communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and time management.
  • Nurturing adaptability, instilling professional etiquette, improving digital literacy, and developing leadership capabilities.
3. Providing Comprehensive Training & Support
  • Facilitating pre-employment training and professional development workshops.
  • Offering on-site check-ins and mentorship throughout the program duration.

Important Dates

Employer Information Session (Virtual)

My Future Summit at Mainframe

Host Employer Application Deadline

Employer Orientation (Hybrid)

Employee Orientation (Virtual)

Employee Pre-Training & Jobsite Instructions

Employment Start Date

Oak Futures Graduation

Employment End Date

Date

March 10, 2025

March 26, 2025

April 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

TBD

June 9-13, 2025

June 16, 2025

August 6, 2025

August 8, 2025

Lessa’s Journey

by | Sep 11, 2024 | Our Stories

Lessa's Journey

At the age of two years old in 1996, Lessa Lubunga and her family fled their war-torn home country Congo, seeking refuge in a Tanzania camp. The journey was fraught with hardships, but Lessa’s parents’ determination remained unwavering. By the age of 19, Lessa became a mother for the first time, and by 20, she had her second child. Life in the camp was challenging, but her commitment to her kids and her hope for a better future kept her going.

Challenges

Living in the refugee camp presented numerous obstacles: limited resources, uncertain living conditions, and the emotional toll of displacement. Lessa juggled the demands of young motherhood with the responsiblities of survival in a camp environment. Lessa’s turning point came in 2018, when her family was granted an opportunity to settle in the United States. However, due to the complexities of refugee resettlement, her parents were unable to come with her. With her brother as her only family member by her side, Lessa faced the daunting task of starting over in a new country without her parents, while raising two young children. 

The emotional and financial pressures were immense, compounded by the language barriers and cultural adjustments required when she and her brother were resettled in the United States. 

The Journey

In the U.S., Lessa worked tirelessly to provide for her family. She found her first job at The Des Moines Register, which allowed her to support her children and assist family back home. Over the years, she applied for housing in Oakridge, where she moved in March 2022. In 2023, she enrolled in English language classes at Oakridge, and now she is planning to do CNA courses.

Amidst these efforts, Lesa met and fell in love with a supportive partner who admired her strength and dedication. Together, they welcomed a son, adding to the joy and fulfillment in Lessa’s life. Her partner’s support was crucial, allowing Lessa to balance her roles as a mother, employee, and student more effectively. 

Success and Impact

Lessa’s commitment to her family and community paid off. She secured a stable job and contributed actively to her local community. Her story became an inspiring example of perserverance and success, highlighting the positive impact of support networks like Oakridge Neighborhood, combined with personal determination. 

In her professional role, Lessa became a mentor for other immigrant families, offering guidance and encouragement based on her own experiences. Her story resonated with many, and she was recognized for her contributions to her community and being a role model for young and single mothers. 

Recognition and Future Plans

Having navigated the complexities of her new life and achieved significant personal milestones, Lessa took citizenship classes at Oakridge Neighborhood. She is now in the process of applying for U.S. citizenship. This step represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to building a stable and prosperous future for her family. 

Lessa’s journey from a refugee camp to the prospect of U.S. citizenship is a powerful testament to her resilience and determination. Her story illustrates the strength and hope that drive individuals to overcome adversity and build a better future for themselves and their families. Lessa’s achievements serve as an inspiration to many, showcasing the transformative power of perseverance, support and love. 

-By Rose Mugeni

 

Deidre DeJear Named Oakridge Neighborhood President & CEO

by | Sep 3, 2024 | OakridgeStrong

Deirdre DeJear Named Oakridge Neighborhood President & CEO

The Board of Directors of Oakridge Neighborhood has named Deidre DeJear the organization’s next President & CEO. DeJear will assume her new role in October.

As President & CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood, DeJear will lead Iowa’s largest affordable housing community, dedicated to enriching diverse communities through exceptional housing and inclusive support services. Oakridge Neighborhood offers a supportive environment where children achieve, families thrive, and prosperity is created, providing pathways to personal and economic empowerment.

DeJear will assume the position previously held by Teree Caldwell-Johnson, who led the organization with distinction for 20 years until her passing in March. Kristin Clayton has served as Interim CEO and will remain with the organization as Vice President – Finance and Administration. 

 “I am deeply honored to accept the role of President & CEO at Oakridge Neighborhood,” says DeJear. “This organization holds a special place in my heart, so it is both a privilege and a responsibility to build upon its strong foundation. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff, board, and community to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents and ensuring that Oakridge remains a beacon of hope and opportunity. As I step into leadership, I am inspired by Teree Caldwell-Johnson’s enduring legacy and the profound mark her visionary leadership has left on Oakridge and the Greater Des Moines community.”

“Deidre’s strong nonprofit and community leadership experience demonstrates her range and dedication to providing impactful community support,” says Skylar Mayberry-Mayes, PhD, Vice President of the Oakridge Neighborhood Board of Directors and Executive Director of The Jacobson Institute at Grand View University. “Her deep care and commitment to the development and well-being of our community makes us confident of a bright future ahead for Oakridge Neighborhood, our residents, clients and staff.”

DeJear is the owner of Caleo Enterprises, an agency working with clients on developing and implementing financial education and small business development throughout Iowa. Clients have included United Way of Central Iowa, Financial Empowerment Center, The Directors Council, Simple Foundation and Oakridge Neighborhood. DeJear was the 2022 Democratic nominee for Iowa Governor and has extensive experience in managing political campaigns and strategies. She began her professional career with Bankers Trust.

DeJear co-founded Back 2 School Iowa as a college student in 2005 and continues to champion the initiative. A passionate advocate for youth and education, she collaborates with communities and corporations to inspire urban youth to pursue their educational and career goals. Through this initiative, over 1,500 children receive school supplies annually, along with support services from more than 50 community organizations.

DeJear currently serves on the boards of the City of Des Moines Housing Services, The Directors Council, and Wright Foundation, and as Board Chair of Healthy Birth Day. She is a member and officer of the Des Moines Chapter of The Links Incorporated, and has served on the boards of the Des Moines League of Women Voters, By Degrees, Iowa Community Capital CDFI, and others.

A graduate of Drake University, DeJear was a Business Publications Top Business Leader (2024), Iowa Association of Business in Industry Leadership Iowa Graduate (2021-2022), and recipient of awards including Women of Influence Emerging Leader (2019), Joanne Zimmerman Activist Award (2019), Young Women’s Resource – Louise Noun Visionary Award (2019), Business Publications Forty Under 40 (2018), and Small Business Administration Minority Business Champion of the Year (2017).