Posts by Nicole Hube

Happy 2026! I am excited to begin this new year as Unity House’s CEO. After 33 years here, including the last year working closely with former CEO Liz Smith to make this transition as smooth as possible, I’m ready to lead Unity House on the next leg of its journey. I’m grateful for all of… Read the full article: A message from new CEO Darlene Podolak

Unity House CEO Liz Smith will retire at year’s end after nearly four decades of empowering people with disabilities. To honor Liz and her life’s work, more than 35 people have made contributions to the new Liz Smith Legacy Fund. As part of Unity House’s endowment, the fund will ensure that people with disabilities will… Read the full article: Dozens honor retiring CEO Liz Smith’s legacy

I grew up on Long Island. I was just 11 in 1972 when I saw Geraldo Rivera’s exposé on the Willowbrook State School for developmentally disabled children on nearby Staten Island. This state-funded institution was worse than a dog kennel: no rehabilitation, 50-to-one staff ratios, disgusting conditions.

I was appalled. It changed me.

From then on, I had a calling. I knew that people with disabilities were humans worthy of respect, support and care. Read the full article: CEO’s Perspective: A Legacy of Respect

Your generosity empowers people with disabilities at Unity House. As we approach the end of 2025, I want to make sure you know of three ways to support Unity House’s mission that could also shrink your tax bill.   Read the full article: How to save on taxes while supporting Unity House

Every month, federal SNAP benefits pay for $30,000 in food for people with disabilities who live in Unity House residences. When the recent government shutdown put those benefits on hold, Unity House supporters responded. In less than a week, 19 people made more than $2,300 in gifts. We would never allow the people we support… Read the full article: You put food on the table for people with disabilities

What makes a good leader? CEO Liz Smith was recently interview by Syracuse.com reporter Marie Morelli as part of their ongoing series, ‘On Leadership.’ “You have to stay consistent and focused on your mission,” Liz said. “You need to stay informed. You need to not let the crazy infiltrate the walls. And you just have… Read the full article: Unity House’s Liz Smith on leadership

We couldn’t deliver on our mission without our amazing employees. Employees of the Quarter are nominated by their peers. Each breathes life into Unity House’s core values: honesty, integrity, and respect. Congratulations to our most recent honorees! DSP of Q-3 2025: Brittany Randolph Senior Counselor, Hector Street IRA, Ithaca “It has been an absolute pleasure to… Read the full article: Q-3 Employees of the Quarter

Thanks to Unity House donors and a new state grant, seven people with disabilities will soon get to live in a new, fully accessible home. In August, New York State awarded a $647,000 Health Care Facility Transformation Program IV grant to purchase land and build a new group home in Cayuga County. Donations from Unity… Read the full article: A New “New Life”

Every September, Unity House comes alive with a shared purpose: to celebrate, appreciate, and strengthen the incredible community we’ve built together. With more than 360 dedicated employees — including over 200 outstanding Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) — we set aside this special time each year to focus on what matters most: our people. At the… Read the full article: Fun at Fillmore Glen: Unity Games comes to a close

When you make charitable gifts, you put your money where your values are. By making a planned gift, you ensure that your values live on for generations to come. Please join us for an insightful discussion on what you need to know to leave a legacy and strengthen your community. Our two expert panelists will… Read the full article: You’re invited to ‘For the Next Generation’