My Year of Yes

It’s been exactly a year since I joined Unity House as its chief operating officer. I expected to work hard and learn a lot. What I didn’t expect was how quickly I felt connected and part of this community. I’m calling the last 12 months my “Year of Yes.”

On my first day last September, I showed up in tropical pants. Why? Because three employees I hadn’t met yet told me that I was on their Unity Games team and we were engaged in a month of team-building challenges and theme-dress days. Taking a chance won out over worrying about making a good first impression.

From that day on, I’ve said “yes” to being part of this amazing community – staff members, donors, and the people Unity House supports. I have never been disappointed. Along with other employees, I participated in the Workforce Run near Onondaga Lake and a polar plunge in Cayuga Lake. In July, I became a monthly Unity House donor.

Will you join me in committing to our community? Say “Yes” by making a gift today.

My new job responsibilities this past year took me to most of our program sites in multiple counties. At every turn, I saw first-hand how employee dedication and donor commitment transforms the lives of people we support.

Let me tell you about M, one of the many people with developmental disabilities Unity House supports. He was ready for more independence, to live on his own. He was excited, but also afraid. Working with our clinical team, M developed a plan that has led to major life achievements.

Now, for the first time, M lives on his own in an apartment. He’s a member of Unity House’s program committee and attends every month through Zoom. And he’s proud of how far he’s come. M writes email updates about how he’s doing and sends them to the people he relies on. I was honored to be added to M’s list.

I’ve met so many inspiring staff members over the past year. These dedicated employees are energized and committed to providing supports that promote acceptance and fulfillment for individuals we support. They speak about their jobs with passion and pride.

They understand the individual needs of the people in our programs, and they’re looking to us to help them meet those needs. We need your help. If you’re able, please say yes and make a donation now. 

What I’ve learned during my “Year of Yes” is that Cayuga Lake in March is very cold, that when the PROS mental health program invites you to a holiday party, you will be well fed, and that our staff are welcoming and determined. Every home across this organization is different, every team has its own feel, yet the sense of community and connection in all of them is infectious.

This community is stronger with you in it. Thank you for making the choice to support this important cause.     

Sincerely,                

P.S. Won’t you please say YES by making a gift to support our people and programs today? We can’t meet our mission without YOU and YES.