Oakridge Neighborhood Services

Interested in Becoming a Host Employer for Oak Futures? Oak Futures Youth Employment o?ers both a year-round and a nine-week, paid part-time (20-30 hours per week) work experience at non-pro?t, for-pro?t, and public agencies throughout the community. Participants gain real-world job experience while enhancing their professional and personal development. Join us for a Virtual Informational Session to learn how your organization can support youth employment through the Oak Futures Employment Experience! ?? When: March 24, 2025 | 11:00 AM CT ?? Register Here: https://buff.ly/a2Wg4Cd This session will cover: ? How to become a host employer for youth ages 14-24 ? Benefits of partnering with Oak Futures ? Program logistics and employer responsibilities After registering, you'll receive a confirmation email with details on how to join. We look forward to partnering with you to create career opportunities for the next generation!

Youth in our Teen Tech Center’s Career Pathways Program - making connections! Not only do they receive personalized coaching and mentorship, they have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of career opportunities in STEAM, that they then apply to real-world settings through team projects and paid summer internships. #OakridgeStrong #ChangingLives

Seeking HOST EMPLOYERS for our Oak Futures Youth Employment Program. Help us engage young people ages 14-24 in meaningful employment, job skills training and career exploration. We fully cover the employment costs, paying students directly for their time commitment. Learn more: https://buff.ly/4gDl7lW #OakridgeStrong #ChangingLives

Black History Month’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” focuses on the profound ways that work – free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people and is at the very center of much of Black history and culture. Be it the traditional agricultural labor of enslaved Africans that fed Low Country colonies, debates among Black educators on the importance of vocational training, self-help strategies and entrepreneurship in Black communities, or organized labor’s role in fighting both economic and social injustice, Black people’s work has been transformational throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora. “African Americans and Labor” sets out to highlight and celebrate the potent impact of this work. - asalh.org

In 2024, this team: - Served 4,553 individuals, 2,094 unique - Placed 264 people in good paying jobs - Supported 25 families in eliminating nearly $30,000 worth of debt - Helped 8 families successfully close on and move into their own homes - Provided driver's education to 32 individuals who obtained their licenses - Delivered services in 15 different languages The list goes on and on. Our Family and Workforce Programs team is #ChangingLives. Every. Single. Day. #OakridgeStrong

Congratulations to our President and CEO Deidre DeJear ! #5 in Des Moines Business Record's 2025 Book of Lists "Most Influential Business Leaders." #1 in our book! #OakridgeStrong

An exciting new chapter. #OakridgeStrong

Congratulations to our President and CEO Deidre DeJear, named a Cultural Leader Newcomer of the Year by the Des Moines Business Record! The award recognizes an individual in a new position of leadership in a cultural or nonprofit organization who has and will continue to make significant contributions to the community. #OakridgeStrong

"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." Check out Jim Duncan's deep dive into our Oak Studio Teen Tech Center and how it is quickly changing young lives in this month's issue of Cityview Magazine - page 56: https://buff.ly/40l1o5y #OakridgeStrong #ChangingLives

Meaningful recognition of our leaders Teree Caldwell-Johnson and Deidre DeJear. #OakridgeStrong