Our Story

The mission of OCCDC is to provide comprehensive community development, which empowers people to live holistic and purposeful lives supporting themselves, family, and community. OCCDC grew out of the Oasis of Hope Church’s desire to meet the surrounding community’s needs through housing and family connectedness.

Frank Alexander

June 21, 1943 – ​​November 12, 2019

Frank Alexander was the heartbeat of the organization and the community. Under his leadership:

  •  Completed more than $22 million in program funding in the community. a. $17 million was for community development, which included the acquisition and upgrading of a 185-unit multi-family low-income housing complex. Two 35-unit low-income senior citizen housing communities.


  • Introduced more than 250 youth between the ages of 14 and 18 to the world of work through classroom instructions, career exploration, and work experience through a stipend program

 

  • Participated in developing the Northeast Corridor Quality of Life Plan and the Martindale Brightwood Quality of Life Plan. 


  • For years Provided over 400 holiday baskets and gift cards to residents of Martindale Brightwood and the City at large. 


  • Worked closely with Oasis of Hope Baptist church in its efforts to support the use of its facilities as a campsite in the summer and alternative school for those fighting to graduate from Perry Meridian High before the end of busing to townships. 

 

Our Team

Robert Hawthorne

Robert W. Hawthorne, president of Oasis of Hope Christian Community Development, Inc., is an accomplished community development practitioner with over 30 years of leadership and management experience. From 1992 to 2000, he led the Martindale-Brightwood Community Development Corporation, developing housing and commercial projects. He then served as a consultant for MBRACE Development Corp. and as COO of Oasis of Hope Baptist Church, where he oversaw finances, facilities, and community outreach, including the development of 64 senior housing units. As Executive Director of Westside Community Development Corp. (2007–2017), he managed operations and led a significant LIHTC housing rehab project. Robert also held key roles at John Boner Neighborhood Centers and has extensive expertise in project and financial management, real estate development, and nonprofit leadership.

Crystal Bradley

With more than 20 years of experience in event planning and relationship-building, Crystal Bradley serves as a meeting & events consultant at OneAmerica Financial. Known for her ability to build meaningful connections, Crystal Bradley has spent over 20 years creating impactful events at organizations like OneAmerica Financial. Her career includes roles at The Kroger Company and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Passionate about community and advocacy, she has been deeply involved with the Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter, serving as event chair, and board member. Crystal is active in BOLD (Black Associates of OneAmerica Leading Change and Impacting Diversity) and Meeting Professionals International. A proud resident of Martindale Brightwood and new board member of the Oasis Christian Community Development Corporation, she is committed to empowering communities through service, affordable housing, and economic development.

Alleya Dumas

Rooted in her commitment to social justice and emotional healing, Alleya Dumas, LMSW, works to uplift individuals and families through her practice as a social worker.Driven by a passion for healing generational trauma, Alleya Dumas uses her training as a social worker to foster growth and resilience in the community.A resident of the area and active member of Oasis of Hope Baptist Church, she is passionate about healing generational trauma and helping others reach their full potential. With both professional expertise and a personal commitment to service, Alleya brings a vision of lasting change and innovative opportunities to the board, aiming to break cycles of hardship and foster brighter futures for all.

Dr Robin Reese

Dr. Robin Reese, MBA, MDiv, Ph.D., is a seasoned real estate professional and community leader who began her career in 2001 and founded Reese Group Realty, LLC in 2008. A licensed agent in Arizona and a 2004 Foreclosure Intervention Specialist, she has served on the Professional Standards Committee and the board of the Oasis Christian Community Development Corporation since 2017. In addition to her real estate expertise, Dr. Robin is an ordained minister, co-shepherd of Sustaining Life Christian Church, and former adjunct professor at Wesley Seminary. With a passion for service and a heart for ministry, she brings a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur, educator, and spiritual leader, committed to empowering others and supporting her community in every role she holds.

Dr. Myron C. Duff, Jr

Dr. Myron C. Duff, Jr. At the helm of Oasis of Hope Baptist Church, Dr. Myron C. Duff, Jr. leads with a passion for faith, family, and education. Indianapolis native Dr. Myron C. Duff, Jr. combines pastoral leadership with a strong academic background and community involvement. A proud Indianapolis native and graduate of Northwest High School, he holds degrees in Sociology, Higher Education Administration, and a Ph.D. in Urban Education Studies. Myron is passionate about his faith, family, and the Word of God, and enjoys roller skating, old school R&B, cartoons, baseball, and a good bowl of cereal. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, initiated at Ball State University in 1990.

Jo Diane Ivey

Raised in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, Jo Diane Ivey brings deep-rooted knowledge and a lifetime of service to her community roles. From the classrooms of School #26 to international service in the Peace Corps, Jo Diane Ivey’s path reflects a lifelong dedication to community empowerment. Earning a BA in Social Work from Indiana State University. Their passion for service led to roles as a VISTA Volunteer in New Orleans and a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tunisia, North Africa. With a strong background in community support, they served as Social Services Manager at the Near Eastside Multi-Service Center (now John Boner Neighborhood Center), and held board positions at Edna Martin Christian Center and Martindale-Brightwood ONE VOICE. A devoted member of Oasis of Hope Baptist Church, they are active in the Children’s Ministry, serve as Vacation Bible School Coordinator, and sing in the choir.

Dountonia S. Batts

Dountonia S. Batts is the Associate Director at the Peace Learning Center and principal consultant of Scriptura Strategies, LLC, with a deep passion for truth, justice, and equity in housing, education, economic development, and family court reform. She holds a JD from Indiana Tech Law School, an MBA in Human Resource Management from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a BS in Biblical Counseling from Crossroads Bible College. Dountonia co-founded the Appellate Justice Project for Domestic Violence Survivors, serves as an adjunct professor at Martin University, and holds leadership roles in several organizations, including Ladies Under Construction, the Network for Public Education – Action, and the Indiana Coalition for Public Education. She is also a proud member of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc.

Yvonne Williams

​​Yvonne Williams is a dedicated servant to the Martindale-Brightwood community with over 30 years of experience in employment, workforce development, and training. Formerly the property manager for the Hopeside community, she is now semi-retired and works part-time at Stephens Mortuary. A strong advocate for affordable housing, senior care, and youth support, Yvonne is passionate about restoring essential resources in her neighborhood. She is a proud widow with grown children and grandchildren, including a granddaughter who works with Women4Change, continuing the family’s legacy of service and advocacy.