Toby Owen ('97 MSSW) Stands for a photo. (Courtesy Photo)
With more than three decades of experience in the social services field, Toby Owen (’97 MSSW) has made a lasting impact on efforts to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness across North Texas. Since becoming Chief Executive Officer of Presbyterian Night Shelter in 2009, he has led the organization through a period of significant growth, expanding housing programs, facilities, and support services. His leadership has been instrumental in launching key initiatives and innovative programs that continue to guide individuals on their journey from homelessness to stable, permanent housing.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in social work?
A: My Christian faith was the driving factor for becoming a social worker. In my opinion, being a social worker is the best way to live out my faith.
Q: How did your experience at the UTA School of Social Work shape your professional path?
A: I received a top rate education at UTA. The professors cared deeply about teaching future social workers and they did it with professionalism and compassion.
Q: What is one project, initiative, or accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
A: I have been very fortunate to be a part of an organization that has an exceptional team that has had a lot of opportunities to make a difference. One accomplishment that I am very proud of is our social enterprise called UpSpire. We took an idea 10 years ago to create employment opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and to diversify our funding. We started with two social enterprise part-time employees and have grown to over 260 fulltime social enterprise employees. This program plays a vital role in solving homelessness; a full-time job leads to a steady paycheck and a steady paycheck leads to housing.
Q: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your work, and how have you navigated them?
A: How to continually strive for improvement and be innovative in addressing homelessness. The day-to-day work in running a non-profit isn’t easy, it takea great team and great supporters.
Q: Who or what has been a major influence or source of support in your career?
A: Wayne Carson with ACH Child and Family Services has been a constant positive influence and source of support.
Q: What advice would you share with current social work students or recent graduates?
A: Be a social work employee that will show up early, stay late, and always say yes. What I mean by this is to always have the attitude and willingness to demonstrate that you are the person for the job and that you will go above and beyondin helping your clients. I look for these types of social workers because they will be our next leaders.
Q: How do you stay connected to the values and mission of social work in your everyday life?
A: The most tangible way is that my office is located in the men’s shelter at the Presbyterian Night Shelter which requires me to continually engage with our guests. I also work hard to do all we can to help our guests move out of homelessness.