Our Stories
For over 50 years, Oakridge Neighborhood has been changing lives through stable housing and dynamic programming we offer residents and others in the community. Here are some of our #OakridgeStrong stories.
#OakridgeStrong News
Oak Futures Youth Employment Program
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...
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...
Deidre 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...
Oak Studio – A Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Mainframe, Powered by Wellpoint
Welcome to Oak Studio | A Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Mainframe, open to ALL metro-area teens ages 13-21! Drop in any time. It is free to use the equipment and resources available. Adult mentors are available to assist if you need. A member of The Clubhouse Network,...
Meet Najamo 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...
Taking Their Shot
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...
Oakridge Neighborhood: Serving Our Refugee and Immigrant Neighbors
Over 70 percent of Oakridge Neighborhood's residents are refugees and immigrants, a community of people gaining stability while preparing for the next step in their life's journey. We are uniquely suited to providing our neighbors not only quality housing but also...
James Turner: Oakridge Neighborhood was “Family”
James Turner recalls a story from his childhood at Oakridge Neighborhood. "I was on a bike and I tried to jump a dumpster. I cracked my head. Neighbors I didn't know took me to the hospital. It was like that...a strong, positive community and safe. Everyone stuck...
Mike Hill: The Mayor of Oakridge Neighborhood
Mike Hill is known as "The Mayor of Oakridge." It's no wonder. The long-time facility director at Oakridge can regularly be seen being stopped by residents to chat - about their home, the weather, or goings on in the neighborhood. People look to Mike, and he's there...
