Oakridge Neighborhood Services

Oakridge Vision

Oakridge is the premier housing and human services provider offering a stable community where children achieve, families thrive, and prosperity is created.

Oakridge Mission

Oakridge enriches diverse communities through exceptional affordable housing and inclusive supportive services for at-risk adults, children, and families providing pathways to prosperity.

Oakridge Neighborhood meets its mission of creating pathways to success through the provision of exceptional housing and comprehensive wraparound programs. Oakridge offers an umbrella of safety and a world of possibilities for all clients.

Oakridge is Iowa’s largest Section 8 housing project, and for more than 55 years has created opportunities for thousands of children and families to succeed and become economically independent. Oakridge is a hub for immigrants and refugees, serving clients who hail from 22 countries and collectively speak 21 languages.

Oakridge is very inclusive, with a roster of essential programs open to the entire metro community:

• The comprehensive Family and Workforce Programs focus on intensive case management, workforce development, asset building, job coaching and placement, English language and computer training, financial education, citizenship support, health screenings and assessments, and more.
• The Oakridge Transportation Solutions program incorporates three elements: Wheels of Hope vehicle loan assistance program; Job Rides service; and our on-site Drivers Education instruction (classroom and behind the wheel) offered in 15 languages!
• Oak Studio - A Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Mainframe. The Best Buy Foundation and The Clubhouse Network selected Oakridge to build and open a teen tech center –the first and only one in Iowa! Oak Studio is free and open to all teens ages 13-21 for exploration, mentorship and collaboration in tech, art, music, animation, robotics, engineering, design, business, unicorns, and more.
• Oakridge is a designated 21st Century Community Learning Center offering youth afterschool/out-of-school programming for children grades K-12 focused on academic achievement, social/emotional engagement, and college/career preparation.
• The Oak Academy Preschool/Early Education program is designed to support child development and kindergarten readiness. Oak Academy is a Level 5 on the State of Iowa Quality Rating System--the highest rating available. Enroll your child today!