Where children achieve. Families thrive. Prosperity is created.
Oakridge Neighborhood is committed to empowering economic growth for Central Iowans by providing solutions to challenges families face. By creating pathways to prosperity through stable, affordable housing coupled with impactful family-centered social services open to all, we are building a stronger Central Iowa service delivery ecosystem working to stabilize our community and advance individual opportunity. Since our establishment in 1969, we’ve been instrumental in helping thousands of families achieve stability, economic independence, and long-term success.
Dalia Elnour
Dalia, her husband, and six children moved to the United States just over a year ago after fleeing war-torn Sudan. They connected with Oakridge Neighborhood, where they found stable housing and significant assistance with everything from their job search to driver’s education and enrolling their children in school.
Zamiratu Dainkeh
“A neighbor introduced us to Oakridge Neighborhood’s afterschool program, and that changed everything. It gave me sense of community, and provided academic support. I discovered a world of enrichment and leadership opportunities ...Today I’m a college sophomore at Drake University’s Bright College, attending with a full scholarship.”
2025 Impact
Housing
Oakridge Neighborhood is Iowa’s largest affordable housing community, unique for its onsite social services provided to residents and open to all in Central Iowa. Our 300 townhomes and 39 senior living apartments sit on 17 acres in the heart of downtown Des Moines and were home to 749 people at the close of 2025.
Family & Workforce
We provide the foundation for welcoming new residents, stabilizing families and advancing long-term economic mobility through innovative programs and critical resources:
- Career Services, including job preparation, placement and retention
- Supportive Training and Services, including financial education, pathway to homeownership, English language classes and citizenship education
- Transportation Solutions, including adult driver’s education, job rides and Wheels of HOPE vehicle attainment
- Case Management Services
Youth Education & Engagement
We are a designated 21st Century Learning Center focused on academic growth and enrichment for Central Iowa youth year-round through robust afterschool programming 15+ hours a week during the academic year and 10 hours daily for 9 weeks in the summer. In addition, our Teen Tech Center provides cutting-edge technology, mentorship, career development, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Oak Academy Early Learning & Preschool
Our top-rated education center provides comprehensive early childhood education for infants and young children ages six weeks to Pre-K. One of the few childcare centers in Central Iowa to earn Level 5 on Iowa’s Quality Rating System, Oak Academy successfully completed reaccreditation with the National Association for Education of Young Children in 2025, setting the highest standard for early childhood education.
Board of Directors
- President: Skylar Mayberry- Mayes, PhD The Jacobson Institute at Grand View University
- Vice President: Emily LeMay Global Atlantic Financial Group
- Secretary: Jamie Buelt enQStrategies
- Treasurer: Diana Dubuisson People, Inc.
- Jason Adams Nationwide
- Marcy Baker Sammons Financial Group Companies
- Carol Bodensteiner Writer/Editor
- Albert Farr DMACC
- Jessica Feeney Atlantic Bottling Company
- Sharon Gaddy-Hanna Bankers Trust (retired)
- Tim Haight Deere & Company/ John Deere Financial (retired)
- Sherri Hart Casey’s General Stores
- Mary Johnson Assured Partners
- Nalo Johnson, PhD Mid-Iowa Health Foundation
- Kent Kramer The Foster Group
- Erin Kuhl Community Volunteer
- Alex Marckmann Athene
- Joyce McDanel UnityPoint Health Des Moines
- Kuuku Saah Ntontan RE
- Matthea Little Smith Resident Representative
- Deidre Williams GreenState Credit Union
- Mark Wiltse F&G
- Jessica Zaugg Farmers Insurance
- President & CEO: Deidre DeJear
Invest in Oakridge Neighborhood
Oakridge Neighborhood was built by people who believed in something bigger than themselves, and remains strong because of the dedication of those who put their dollars to work building a stronger Central Iowa ecosystem and economy. Every dollar contributed supports high-impact initiatives rooted in Oakridge Neighborhood’s mission and the understanding that when our entire community is poised to succeed, we all succeed.
Contact Kristin Littlejohn, Chief Development Officer klittlejohn@oakridgeneighborhood.org (515) 244-7702
1401 Center Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50314 • (515) 244-7702
Credits:
Oakridge Neighborhood