515-244-7702

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

Josue Barahona smiles while playing the guitar

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.”

Click here to watch a special message from Skylar.

 

Families like Skylar’s have turned to Oakridge Neighborhood for support for nearly 60 years. From secure housing to youth programs nurturing potential, to workforce and family services building brighter futures, our reach continues to expand 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.

Oak Futures Youth Employment Program

by | Feb 7, 2025 | OakridgeStrong

Oak Futures: Empowering Careers, Inspiring Success

Since the 1970s, the Oakridge Neighborhood youth employment program, Oak Futures, has been a cornerstone of workforce development, creating economic pathways and training opportunities for youth. 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. The next application process will open in Spring 2026.
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.