Julie Porter

Intensive Community Mental Health Recovery (ICMHR) Social Worker

“I have been able to practice two very different forms of social work”

I was fortunate to complete my health care concentration internship at VA Illiana Health Care System (VAIHCS) in Danville IL, and soon after it began I knew that I wanted to continue my career there following graduation. I began my employment as a PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) social worker, where I was able to put into practice the skills in integrated care that I learned as a BHWELL scholar. After a year, an opportunity arose to move to a program that provides intensive supports to Veterans living with significant mental health issues. In this program, I am able to meet with veterans in their homes and in the community for ongoing case management, supportive counseling and community integration. In the span of two years, I have been able to practice two very different forms of social work, and my skills have grown exponentially. The ability to explore a wide range of programs is one of the best things about working for the VA. There is a place for every type of social work.

Before coming to the VA, I had little experience with Veterans. My dad was a Navy Vet, but that didn’t really come into play in our relationship. The VA has provided me with thorough training on military culture, Veterans’ issues, and the nuts and bolts of working in such a large and multi-layered organization. Training is another benefit of working at the VA. There is a massive library of online trainings that is available to all staff, with an extensive selection of trainings related to mental health, integrated care, and community social work, along with in-person trainings when available and the opportunity to take paid time off to attend outside trainings (with supervisor approval). Social workers at the VA never worry about obtaining CEUs for licensure renewal.

All of that makes the VA a great place to work and grow my career, but the best part of working here is the team of amazing, committed, compassionate, welcoming and supportive social worker whom I am proud to call colleagues. It truly is a special group of people, and now that I’m here I can’t imagine working anywhere else.

Sondra Fogel

Q&A with Sondra

“As social workers, we give so much of ourselves to others and various organizations, but we often fail to give back to the places that prepare us to fulfill the important mission of our profession – our schools!” By naming the School of Social Work at Illinois as a beneficiary in her estate, Sondra Fogel hopes to inspire others to take part in creating a “culture of giving.”

Dr. Sondra J. Fogel is a 1994 graduate of the PhD program at the University of Illinois School of Social Work. She currently serves as PhD Program Chair and an associate professor in the School of Social Work at the University of South Florida. Dr. Fogel is also the Editor-in-Chief of Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, the most enduring, continuously published social work journal.

We had the opportunity to ask Sondra about her inspiration for generosity – and why she chose to name SSW as a beneficiary in her estate planning.

What aspect of social work gives you the most satisfaction?

The skills, knowledge and critical thinking skills to work in multiple systems with diverse individuals, groups, and communities and to advocate for and promote social justice solutions for complex problems. In other words—being a professional social worker!

When you think of the School of Social Work, what keywords or phrases come to your mind?

(1) Inspiration

(2) Transformation

(3) Professionalism

What inspired you to become a donor to the School?

As a recipient of scholarship funding for my education, I have had the opportunity to realize my professional aspirations of obtaining advanced academic degrees in social work. I could not have done this without the generous financial assistance I received, especially from the University of Illinois School of Social Work. So, as I consider what is truly important to me, it is to help others who need financial support to enter this profession and received the outstanding educational experience available at the School of Social Work.

What result/impact/outcome do you hope your gift will achieve for the School of Social Work at Illinois?

I hope that the gift will assist promising students to achieve their professional dreams. But I hope that it also inspires others to develop or participate in a “culture of giving” for the School. I hope to inspire others to commit to this culture as soon as they can, perhaps establishing a practice of giving to the School every year after graduation.

Is there an important moment, person or special occasion that influenced your decision?

The University of Illinois School of Social Work is a very special place and I am glad that I can give back. It was something I knew I wanted to do. I always appreciated how warmly I was greeted by School personnel when I was at conferences. I appreciate being kept informed of the activities and research projects that are occurring in the School through the newsletter too. I also was fortunate to have the faculty that were my professors transform into great colleagues and mentors over the years.

Read more about Sondra

Interested in sharing your Generosity with SSW?

Contact Nathan Goebel in the Office of Advancement for ideas and inspiration.

Pamela Wilhoite

MSW Student

Being part of the University of Illinois School of Social Work has been life changing and a breath of fresh air.

” I was born and raised in the city, and south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. I come from a family of seven and had to help take care of my younger siblings as a child. I started off as a writer and musician, interning for the Chicago  Sun-Times in the features department at the age of 14, but being a social worker and therapist was always in my heart. I started my college career as a music therapy major at University of Iowa, and decided to accept the call to social work one year later.

What I enjoy the most about the School of Social Work is the plethora of programs that are offered, the diversity of faculty and students, and being able to build a rapport with my professors and the staff. Illinois is in my heart, and I’m glad to be a part of a program that adheres to their mission.”

After completing her MSW in clinical social work, she hopes to work internationally with children, people with disabilities, and families. She also aspires to become a philanthropist who works with foster children and orphans both domestically and around the world. She has volunteered with the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club and a variety of other nonprofit agencies in the community. She has been inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho, a social service and professional organization that seeks to improve the quality of life for women and their families.

Pamela was awarded the 2020 Lyle Niklaus Memorial Scholarship from The Division of Disability Resources & Educational Services at College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This scholarship supports students affiliated with DRES who are working towards a graduate degree.