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Mr. Wright – A Legacy of Leadership and Service

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

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

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

Lessa’s Journey

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

 

Meet Najamo Abukar

Meet Najmo Abukar

Resident Najmo Abukar is a shining star participating in Oakridge Neighborhood’s youth programming. But before joining in Oakridge’s afterschool program full-time in 2018, Najmo was quiet and introverted. Her younger brothers were active participants in the youth programming, but she would not consistently join in. Some arm twisting by friends, a staff member who was also her middle school science teacher, and the very persistent Oakridge youth department lead Vernon Johnson convinced Najmo to become involved and commit to regularly participating.

Now, Najmo, the oldest of five children who came from Africa when she was an infant, demonstrates confidence, leadership and discipline in all aspects of her life. She is driven, ambitious and motivated. She earns nearly all A’s at Roosevelt High School. She works over 30 hours a week as a cashier at Walmart to save for a car and to assist her mother with household expenses; with her first paycheck, she bought her brother a phone. She is also a tremendous help to the Oakridge staff, assisting with high school tutoring sessions. She has joined several educational groups to help bolster her college resume (“College is a must,” she says), including the 4-H Urban Youth Leadership Academy and Investing in My Future.

She was also selected for the Oakridge Summer Youth Employment Program. She aspires to be a nurse, doctor or surgeon, so her summer employment experience last year placed her at UnityPoint, just across the street from Oakridge Neighborhood. “I want a career where I can make a change in the world, where I can help spread hope,” she says.

With young people like Najmo poised to lead the way, we all should, indeed, have hope in the future.

Taking Their Shot

Taking Their Shot: Pair Takes Aim on Home Court

Oakridge Neighborhood resident Peter Ngo was drawn to my attention by the managing editor of an area television station. He’d received a call from Peter, saying the station only covered news from Oakridge Neighborhood when something negative happened. He wanted the newsman to know there were all kinds of great things going on here all the time, like the basketball workshops he had recently launched that numerous Oakridge youth were all about.

The editor was intrigued. So was I. So, one day this summer I made my way to Peter’s apartment, where he lives with his dad, mom and five younger siblings, to get the lowdown. I was welcomed by 22-year-old Peter, and explained why I was there. He was gracious, kind, welcoming…and tall. He looked like a guy who might know a thing or two about basketball.

Since that first meeting Peter’s goal of developing an ongoing basketball clinic for area youth has started to blossom. What began as outdoor practice with a handful of youth on the basketball court at Oakridge this summer has evolved. Today nearly 60 students are practicing at various times throughout the week, some Mondays and Tuesdays after school at Edmunds Elementary School, some Saturdays and Sundays for more extended sessions just down the street at the gym at First Methodist Church.

Keeping Peter motivated is his righthand man and best friend since grade school, Mamoud Bayoh. Mamoud exudes positivity and encouragement. The pair met over basketball all those years ago, and today are partners working to evolve their current initiative into a sustainable program, a traveling league for area youth. It’s a model that has a unique twist: students come to basketball practice AND can get a free haircut, all in one, thanks to the barbering skills Mamoud brings to the table.

Hoops and Hopes

Peter was born in a refugee camp in Ethiopia. The Ngos moved to the United States in 2005, joining family that was living at Oakridge. Peter did not know English, so was bullied at school in those early years. He says it taught him how to stand up for himself at a young age.

Peter and Mamoud crossed paths one summer attending a church camp, around 5th grade. They started playing basketball every day. Mamoud had already been introduced to basketball fundamentals through league play, but Peter was new to the sport and his style of play was “more street ball,” laughs Mamoud. Peter recognized that his buddy was besting him by consistently making some pretty complicated shots, which frustrated him. He started asking Mamound for advice, and Mamoud in turn began to teach Peter basketball fundamentals.

The pair played with Kingdom Hoops in junior high then joined the basketball team at North High School. Junior year, Peter transferred to Roosevelt High School, and Mamoud quit basketball after the death of his father. His artistic bent led him to ultimately go into barbering – complete with house calls!

In the meantime, Peter started his basketball career at Roosevelt with all kinds of bad attitude, he says, due to the rough start he had growing up. But sometime that junior season, he had an epiphany that if he didn’t change, he wasn’t going to get anywhere. “So I focused on my grades and I focused on my school life,” he says.

The change in Peter didn’t go unnoticed; many people told him how inspirational his pivot was from being “one of the baddest kids in school with attitude to one of the humblest kids.” His game also improved. “I always had work ethic,” he says. “When I started out everyone was better than me. But I surpassed their expectations. My mother always told me with hard work you can go anywhere; she ingrained that in me.”

Peter was awarded a basketball scholarship to Mount Mercy University, but when the pandemic hit, remote learning wasn’t for him, and he decided to return to Des Moines. Today he is employed at Amazon, while working to launch his youth basketball organization with input from his pastor and others who’ve initiated similar efforts. 

Basketball for 'a Better Future, a Better Chance'

The impetus for the new venture? Peter’s siblings.

“I need to help them find a better future, a better chance,” he says. “If you can enlighten a kid they can go far in life. Basketball can have a huge impact.”

Academics is an important component of the dialogue with the students, too. “We have them write essays,” Peter says. “And if they don’t do their essay, they don’t get to join practice.” Pretty motivating for a team of kids that asks for more practice, when practice is over. “We know we are doing something right when the kids are having fun and want to keep doing it,” Peter says.

This fall, girls and boys in grades 3-8 learned basketball fundamentals and are now participating in area tournaments. Peter and Mamoud hope that if they can raise enough money, the students will be able to participate in a competitive traveling league. Ultimately the duo aspires the have their own practice facility, and to provide a source of income for their efforts.

But in the short term, they are more concerned with the basics, like providing the kids with basketball shoes, backpacks for their gear, cones, shot clocks and the like. So far the parents of the players have really pulled together to try to help provide, Peter says.

For more information, check out some practices on YouTube at @brickzlegends8600

Mamoud’s barbering skills can be seen on Instagram at @kmb_hussle