For nearly four decades, Vernon Oakes has been a leader, advocate, and friend to Community of Hope. This year, we proudly honor him as the 2025 recipient of the Tom Nees Award for Exceptional Service, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to our mission and to the thousands of families we serve.” Through his years of service and personal experiences, he exemplifies what it means to bring hope to community.
Vernon first became involved in1986 when his Stanford alumni consulting team helped shape our strategic plan. In 1987, at the invitation of our founder Tom Nees, he joined the Board of Directors, serving with distinction for 18 years. In 2000, Vernon also stepped in as Interim Executive Director, guiding the organization through a leadership transition. He was instrumental in opening the Girard Street location, and in donating and opening Hope Apartments, our first location in DC’s Ward 8.
“When I came to Community of Hope and joined the board, I wanted to help one family,” says Vernon. “Through the years, I rejoice that many people have been helped and given hope.”
For Vernon, Community of Hope has always been more than an organization. He explains, “I often say, ‘but for the grace of God’. While I was on the board, I discovered that one of my nieces, along with her five children, was staying in the Community of Hope shelter. It struck me deeply, because I knew what it was like to grow up working poor—living paycheck to paycheck, with more month than money. I realized I could have easily been in the same situation as my niece.”
That empathy and connection have carried through all of Vernon’s service.
He has not only helped Community of Hope grow—he has also entrusted us with his own health. Just last year, our medical team identified a heart issue and ensured he received life-saving care.
Beyond Community of Hope, Vernon has advanced cooperative education and housing justice across DC. In 2014, he launched Everything Co-op, a radio show that amplifies leaders building stronger, more equitable communities. He connects that work back to Community of Hope, recognizing that both provide strength, stability, and hope.
Vernon credits his mother and grandfather for instilling the values of education and community, which he has carried forward by empowering communities to build, grow, and thrive together. Today, he finds joy in visiting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as dancing, riding his motorcycle, traveling in his RV, and practicing hot yoga, bringing the same curiosity and care to his personal life that he applies to his work.
Community of Hope sincerely appreciates Vernon’s decades of service and his consistent vision for what’s achievable when people come together.
This award, given in memory of our founder, Tom Nees, recognizes its recipient for their long-standing, deeply impactful service to the people who turn to Community of Hope for help. Since 2015, the organization has recognized twelve recipients for their service and impact
