School Alumni Associations

IU School of Social Work Alumni Association

Alumni Profiles

Chris Ray

The journey which led me to the field of Social Work was long and full of obstacles. When I graduated from high school in Columbus, IN, I had every intention of going on to Ball State University to have a "normal college experience" and graduate with a criminal justice degree. But at the end of my freshman year, my father grew increasing ill and later passed away in April of 1995, one week before finals. Needless to say, I was distracted and I found it difficult to focus on my responsibilities at school. I attempted to come back after the summer, but it was mainly to escape the situation I was in at home rather than to continue my education. I flunked out of school; embarrassed and not sure where to go next, I went home. I worked several factory jobs while finding a place of my own. I knew this wasn't the direction I wanted, needed or deserved to go so I began looking for job leads which could get me in the door. Still thinking I wanted to go into law enforcement, I started calling probation departments to see if there was anything I could do there or even volunteer, in order to begin meeting people. It was suggested I check out the Bartholomew County Youth Services Center which was a youth detention center with an attached shelter and day treatment program and I found a job there. The director of the facility was an amazing woman, Pam Clark, who is an LCSW. I found myself working in the shelter and later in the day treatment program where my direct supervisor, Amy Kurtz, was also an LCSW. There I found a passion for social work. Both of these women encouraged and cultivated the desire to return to school and begin this journey.

I re-enrolled in school and applied for the BSW program in Indianapolis. I was active on the student board in the BSW program, and really for the first time, felt as though I had purpose and direction. My first practicum was with the United Senior Action Center. It was a great opportunity to learn grass roots social work. My field instructor was passionate and great at involving me in the organization. My second practicum was at a not for profit organization, HVAF of Indiana, Inc. (formerly known as the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation). At this time in my life I was attending all of my classes, participating at my practicum, working 3rd shirt at United Parcel Service as well as living an hour away from school. This was the most challenging time with regard to my determination. I somehow made it work, and was able to make important connections in the process. HVAF worked closely with The VA homeless team; we provided housing and social services for veterans managed by the VA social workers. This was a great opportunity and fueled a passion I found to work with veterans. Excited about graduating with my BSW in 2004, I knew I wanted to do this as a career and wanted to work with the VA. I developed my plan.  I would get my MSW practicum with the VA homeless team and subsequently get hired on when I graduate. Lofty I know. But I was able to do just that. I was able to establish a relationship with Phil Thomas, the Coordinator of the VA Community Rehab Section, and arranged for him to be my field instructor. I took advantage of the Advanced Standing track the MSW program offers. It was quite a sacrifice but well worth it. I completed my practicum in April 2005, graduated in May and was hired at the VA on the homeless team in June. Additionally, I also met my wife in the MSW program, Torrey Ray (Barger). She is amazing and after working briefly as a school based therapist, she also is working at the VA. She works with severely mentally ill veterans in a program called Mental Health Intensive Care Management (MHICM) and is terrific at what she does.

I practice all of the basic social work skills on a daily basis, psychosocial assessment, treatment planning, case management and discharge planning. Our program works with veterans who are homeless and have a substance abuse and/or a mental health problem. We act as the "hub" ensuring they are connected with the appropriate treatment including VA and community resources. We also provide counseling on an as needed basis. In the context of this treatment, we also provide transitional housing to meet the most basis need of shelter while they are     working on their other issues.

My overall experience at the IUSSW was invaluable. Both programs offer a wealth of knowledge found in faculty filtered down from the leadership of Dean Patchner. I continue to stay involved as a member of the IUSSW Alumni Board and look forward to contributing to the growing success of the social work program at IU. 

See the IUPUI Office of Alumni Relations Calendar of Events for upcoming School of Social Work alumni programs.

School of Social Work web site 

IUPUI Office of Alumni Relations contact:
Karen Deery, (317) 274-8959 or kdeery@iupui.edu