For the past decade, Steve Wray has built strong relationships with the staff and residents at Raintree Square Independent Senior Living Apartments and became the administrator of the community in 2015. Wray will retire from serving at Raintree in July and Cindy Brooks will begin serving as Raintree’s administrator.
“Steve has served as a wonderful example for me of what it means to be a caring administrator, committed to creating a loving community here at Raintree Square,” noted Brooks.
Wray led Raintree through several transitions, including the decision to manage the apartments locally. Raintree Square is an independent senior living community, locally owned and operated by Raintree Friends Housing, Inc. Raintree Friends Housing is a Christian-based not-for-profit organization with a board comprised of representatives from New Castle First Friends, Spiceland Friends, Mooreland Friends, and Knightstown Friends churches.
Duke Hamm serves as vice president of the Raintree Friends Housing Board.
“We can’t say enough about Steve’s dedication to the staff and residents of Raintree,” noted Hamm. “He has done so much to establish a strong foundation that Raintree can build on for years to come.”
For Wray, the position of administrator goes beyond managing staff and operations. He is intentional about helping each resident feel at home.
“I’m proud that we have been able to help so many people through the years. I love watching a new resident get used to the fact that we are here as friends and want to help,” he shared. “When I started as the activities director, I recognized that it takes so little to make a difference. A kind word can brighten someone’s whole day.”
Most recently, Wray is proud of his staff and residents for keeping COVID-19 out of their apartment community. He notes that the hard work and dedication of the staff made this possible.
The residents and staff at Raintree think highly of Wray, and even dedicated their patio area to him in 2019. Becky Conley is among the residents at Raintree who appreciates Wray’s approach to his work as the community’s administrator.
“Steve, being a good Christian man, was always available to listen to our concerns and problems. We would then pray about them and he would always do what he could to take care of the situation,” Conley expressed.
Patty and Rex Anderson moved into Raintree Square in 2018 and Wray was instrumental to helping them adjust to the move to Raintree. They could immediately see Wray’s commitment to the staff and residents.
“We appreciate Steve’s good nature. Regardless of crazy stuff going on, he is unflappable and would resolve the situation,” said the Andersons.
Wray intends to spend his retirement sharing hobbies and making memories with his grandchildren. His memories of Raintree Square, however, will remain.
“I will miss all the great people who live here and the staff,” Wray concluded. “They really are the greatest generation and are special people who you grow to love pretty easily. I have made some dear friends.”