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.
Shakila’s Story: Finding Home at Oakridge Neighborhood
When Shakila Zabihee arrived in the United States in 2022, she came with little more than hope and her young son. Fleeing Afghanistan through Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where her family spent nearly a year in a humanitarian city, she landed first in Virginia before being...
10 Questions with Lenny Bell
10 Questions with Lenny BellGet to know Vice President - Youth & Education Programs Lenny Bell and his dedication to the education of Central Iowa's young people.
Sama’s Journey
2022 Sama was born and raised in Eritrea. The town she was raised in was more peaceful than other parts of Eritrea. That means she was able to go to school, but eventually fighting broke out there too. The Kunama people did not have freedom, so in 2008, she moved to...
Double the Hustle: How Twin Entrepreneurs Found Their Space at Oak Studio
Always Looking for the Next Opportunity Trenton and Kenton Harris have never been ones to sit still. Throughout high school and beyond, the twin brothers from Johnston were constantly trying to build something of their own. Even as kids, they were always looking for...
10 Questions with Billy Stone
10 Questions with Billy StoneGet to know Education Coordinator Billy Stone and her dedication to enhancing the education of young people at Oakridge Neighborhood.
