All Stories of Hope
“The Old Me is Back”
A decade ago, Eric O’Brien felt like he had nothing to live for. “I felt asleep everywhere I went,” he said. “My body was there, but my mind wasn’t. I was nothing more than a routine.” Today, Eric is eight years sober, living independently, working full time and building a life he once believed was… Read the full article: “The Old Me is Back”
A Long Road to Recovery: Morgan’s Story
Morgan O’Neil, 29, has battled substance use since her teenage years. “I started drinking at 15,” she said. “I was throwing parties every weekend when my stepdad wasn’t home.” At 17, Morgan was prescribed opiates. That quickly led to dependence. Heroin and fentanyl use soon followed. By her mid-20s, even Morgan’s sales jobs at liquor… Read the full article: A Long Road to Recovery: Morgan’s Story
Fulfilling a Longtime Dream
It’s a Friday afternoon, and Richard Langendoerfer has just completed his work week as a teacher’s aide at TST BOCES. “It brings a smile to my face,” said Richard, 28. “It’s a job where I come home and think, ‘Wow, I really did something for them today.’” Not long ago, Richard was working as a… Read the full article: Fulfilling a Longtime Dream
Regaining Strength
Lyndsey Marr had lost her right to parent her four children. She had given up trying to escape domestic abuse and trying to stay sober. “I pretty much was done,” Lyndsey said. “I was afraid that (my partner) would kill me, so I wanted to kill myself first.” That’s when Raven Huddson knocked on her… Read the full article: Regaining Strength
Robert’s Recipe for Success
After leaving an unfulfilling job, Robert Youngs, 38, was unsure of where he would land next. Diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, he had long struggled with communication. It was hard to connect with coworkers — and even harder to ask for help. “He didn’t like how the company responded to some of his advocacy,” said Anthony… Read the full article: Robert’s Recipe for Success
Heather’s Story: Safe, Heard, and Empowered
At 13, Heather Gansert was given her first drink. That same year, she was introduced to drugs and was raped at a party. What followed was 34 years of addiction, abuse, and survival. She lost herself in substances, endured daily violence, and nearly died at the hands of an abusive boyfriend. But that’s not where her story ends.
With the help of Unity House, Heather began to heal, reclaim her life, and reconnect with the one person she cared about most: her 26-year-old son. Read the full article: Heather’s Story: Safe, Heard, and Empowered
A Brighter Path Forward: Martin’s Story
For nearly two years, Martin Kasey worked as a nurse’s aide in a psychiatric hospital, helping people through the worst times of their lives. He enjoyed the work, but he couldn’t share an important truth: He struggles with mental illness himself. When his depression spiraled into a series of crises, he lost his job. He… Read the full article: A Brighter Path Forward: Martin’s Story
Life in Full: Tony’s Story
Tony Amerman, 49, has always embraced challenges with resilience, never letting his disability keep him from a full life. Growing up in Texas, Tony and six of his seven siblings entered foster care. Determined to stay together, they were featured in the National Enquirer to help find them a home. They eventually landed in Candor,… Read the full article: Life in Full: Tony’s Story
Sky’s Story: I’m Actually in Charge
Skyler (Sky) Chehovich, 23, didn’t let blindness and intellectual disabilities stop him from completing high school and becoming an Eagle Scout. Sky’s mother helped him every step of the way, but she knew she couldn’t help Sky become a self-sufficient adult on her own. She enrolled him in an agency-based habilitation program, but it wasn’t… Read the full article: Sky’s Story: I’m Actually in Charge
Not Giving Up: Tina’s Story
If it weren’t for Unity House, Tina Clark would not be alive today, she said.
“Since I was 22, Unity House has been there for me,” said Tina, 52. “I never thought I’d be here today. I’m very grateful.” Read the full article: Not Giving Up: Tina’s Story