Our Pillars
Six interconnected areas guide how NCDC helps people address barriers and build greater stability.
Our Programs
Housing, recovery, workforce, and social-enterprise programs turn the pathway into practical support.
Our People
Staff, board members, volunteers, and community partners bring the mission to life.
Our Faith is Unapologetic.
Our work is rooted in Christian faith and the belief that lasting change involves the whole person. We welcome people from every background, and participation in faith-based activities is voluntary.
For those who desire it, Nehemiah CDC provides opportunities for spiritual growth, reflection, mentoring, and community as part of a broader pathway toward stability and independence.
The Nehemiah Pathway:
6 Pillars to Stability
Lasting stability is rarely built by addressing one challenge at a time. The Nehemiah Pathway connects six areas that can shape a person’s ability to move forward, helping participants address barriers, strengthen support systems, and work toward greater independence.
1. Recovery Support
Recovery resources, referrals, accountability, and practical support that strengthen continued progress.
2. Spiritual Development
Voluntary opportunities for faith, reflection, mentoring, and community connection.
3. Stable Employment
Career preparation, coaching, practical experience, and employer connections that support meaningful work.
4. Financial Stability
Practical financial knowledge and resources that support everyday decisions and longer-term goals.
5. Reliable Transportation
Help identifying transportation barriers and available options that support work, appointments, training, and daily needs.
6. Housing
Stability
Affordable, recovery, and transitional housing pathways designed to support safety, stability, and independence.
OUR PROGRAMS
Practical support for the whole person.
Nehemiah CDC programs meet people at critical points in their journey toward stability. Housing, recovery support, workforce development, and social enterprises provide practical next steps while connecting participants with broader resources and community support.
Nehemiah House
Structured recovery housing with accountability, community support, and practical tools for independent living.
Ready4Work
Career-readiness training, coaching, and employer connections designed to strengthen employment and economic stability.
Move It, Junk It
Moving, hauling, junk removal, and cleanout services that also create practical supported-work opportunities.
Cottages on 6th
Affordable rental housing designed to provide individuals and families with a stable place to call home.
Room at the INN
A planned expansion of NCDC’s housing and recovery model, creating additional space for transitional living and practical support.
Apply or Refer
Not sure where to begin? Use the Application Portal to find the appropriate program, service, or referral pathway.
Our Foundation
Nehemiah CDC strengthens individuals, families, and neighborhoods by connecting practical support with pathways toward long-term stability.
Our work brings together housing, recovery support, workforce development, financial stability, transportation, and spiritual development so people can address multiple barriers through a coordinated approach.
The goal is not simply to respond to immediate needs, but to help people build the stability, skills, relationships, and resources needed to move forward with greater independence.
“At Nehemiah CDC, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to rebuild their life with dignity, purpose, and hope.
We exist to help individuals overcome barriers created by addiction, incarceration, and homelessness by connecting them to housing, employment, and community.
When people are restored, families are strengthened, neighborhoods are renewed, and entire communities thrive.”
Our Team
Arlando Parker
Founder & CEO
Arlando Parker is the founder and CEO of Nehemiah His experience includes over 30 years in the construction and real estate development industry, primarily responsible for strategic planning, fund raising, housing and program development, and executive management. Prior to joining NCDC he was the construction manager for Mertz Manufacturing (Ponca City, OK) and construction supervisor for Gorman Construction (Bartlesville, OK). At Nehemiah, he has overseen all phases of the construction and development of the Cottages on 6th Street Project and also led the strategic growth of the agency, more than quadrupling the number of people served since 2010. He holds an Architecture degree from the University of Oklahoma.
Mike Sorenson, LPC
Program Director
Mike first encountered the amazing community at Nehemiah when he started teaching relationship classes to the participants while on staff at Grace Community Church in 2017. He came on full-time in January of 2025 to direct the expansion to Room at the INN. His previous experience in both private practice counseling and church community building were perfectly suited to lead Nehemiah’s programs into our new phase of growth. He provides strategic direction to our organization, supervision to our staff, and therapeutic and pastoral guidance to our participants.
Shelley Anderson
Compliance & Credentialing Coordinator
Shelley is a Bartlesville native who helped open the Nehemiah women’s house in 2022. She is a graduate of our program with a tremendous testimony of overcoming addiction, abuse and homelessness. She has spearheaded all of our credentialing and certification efforts to help us grow into our expanding programs and services. She also serves our participants by managing the men’s and women’s houses.
Shelbie Spencer
Assistant Property Manager
Shelbie’s need for a sober living house for her and her daughter was the inspiration for opening the Nehemiah women’s house in 2022. She has since graduated the program and now works full-time for Nehemiah CDC. Shelbie oversees property management services for all of Nehemiah’s properties, including the Cottages at 6th Street, Nehemiah men’s and women’s houses and other rental properties. She also manages HR, payroll and Accounts Payable for the organization.
PRSS Staff
Jennifer King
Office PRSS
Melissa Holmes
Women’s House Lead, Office PRSS
Stanley Arnold
Men’s House Lead, Maintenance Lead
Maintenance Staff
Perla Pardo
Head Maintenance
Our Board of Directors
Dennis
Halpin
Chairman / Treasurer
Arlando
Parker
CEO & Executive Director
Caroline
Casselberry
Vice Chair
Debbie
Hathaway
Secretary
John
Holden
Board Member
Dr. David
Rumph
Board Member
Alicia
Glenn
Board Member
Latia
Parker
Board Member
Our Partners
Support our Work
Nehemiah CDC’s work is strengthened by people, businesses, churches, and community partners who invest time, resources, opportunity, and expertise. Every contribution helps expand pathways to housing stability, recovery, employment, and greater independence.
Give, volunteer, partner with us, or connect participants with employment and training opportunities. However you choose to engage, your involvement helps Nehemiah CDC extend practical resources and long-term opportunity across the community.
