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
Cristine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justice Acceptance Remarks
President and CEO Teree Caldwell-Johnson was the recipient of the 2023 Cristine Wilson Medal presented by the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women. Here are Teree's inspiring remarks:What do you do When you've done all you can do And it seems like it's never enough?...
Introducing Oakridge Studio – A Best Buy Teen Tech Center!
Oakridge Neighborhood has been selected for Iowa's first Best Buy Teen Tech Center! Oakridge Studio | A Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Mainframe will officially open to all metro-area teens ages 13-21 in January 2024. Best Buy Teen Tech Centers are designed to improve...
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...
Shoulders We Stand On
President and CEO Teree Caldwell-Johnson was the keynote speaker at a special 2022 Black History Month Celebration which included Governor Kim Reynolds signing Iowa's African American History Month Proclamation. Here are Teree's inspiring remarks: Our gathering today...
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...
Amran’s Journey: From Somalia to Oakridge
Amran Farah's journey from arriving in the United States 12 years ago to earning a scholarship at a prestigious university exemplifies the power of Oakridge Neighborhood in helping families gain stability while preparing for the next steps in life. Amran was just...
