Our Stories
For over 55 years, Oakridge Neighborhood has been changing lives through stable housing and responsive programming for residents and others in the community.
There are many stories of success. Here are just a few of our #OakridgeStrong stories.
Dalia’s Story
My name is Dalia Elnour. I arrived in the United States in December 2024 with my husband and our six children. We had spent the previous three years in Eygpt after fleeing war in our native Sudan, where we'd been employees of the U.S. government abroad. When we first...
Lilianna’s Story
My name is Lilianna Bernstein, Associate Director of Admissions at Drake University. My connection to Oakridge Neighborhood is as a passionate parent and advocate for its early childhood program - Oak Academy, a truly special school. I have two daughters - Flora and...
Zami’s Story
I'm Zamiratu Dainkeh, and I'm 19-years-old. My Oakridge journey began when I was six-years-old, when I moved to the neighborhood with my mother. We lived at Oakridge until my 15th birthday when we bought our first home. Even after moving, my brother and I have...
Celebrate the Legacy of Margaret Toomey
Celebrate the Legacy of Sister Margaret ToomeyJoin 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,...
Mr. Wright – A Legacy of Leadership and Service
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...
