Posts by Nicole Hube
We Asked, You Answered
Over the winter, Unity House put out calls for your advocacy. Thank you for responding. Non-profits across New York State urged legislators to increase funding in the 2025-26 state budget by 7.8% to support people with disabilities. Together, we advocated for inflationary increases, rate reform, and DSP wage enhancement. Thebudget has now passed, and 2.6%… Read the full article: We Asked, You Answered
Read MoreGrants & Gifts
Unity House is the grateful recipient of funding from: Assemblymember Anna Kelles – $135,500 To improve five IRAs (group homes) in Tompkins County. The project will enhance accessibility within the homes and protect their structures, providing residents with greater autonomy, mobility and dignity. Columbian Foundation – $10,000 French/Metcalf Foundations – $5,000 Polisseni Foundation – $3,125… Read the full article: Grants & Gifts
Read MoreHeather’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
Read MoreImproving Accessibility in Tompkins County
Unity House has won a new $135,500 state grant to make improvements at five IRAs (Individualized Residential Alternative) for people with developmental disabilities in Tompkins County. The work will improve accessibility within the group homes and protect their structures. The work will provide residents with greater autonomy, mobility and dignity. We’re grateful to state Assemblymember… Read the full article: Improving Accessibility in Tompkins County
Read MoreUnity Employment Services expands programming, employment support to Tompkins County
Unity House’s Unity Employment Services has officially expanded into Tompkins County, bringing new opportunities for people with disabilities to access vocational training, job development, and employment support. The expansion follows a collaborative conversation between Unity House and Margie Shaw, a Unity House board member involved with Ithaca City School District and specializing in special education.… Read the full article: Unity Employment Services expands programming, employment support to Tompkins County
Read MoreA Strong Community
Dear Friends, Unity House was founded by a community of people dedicated to ensuring that all people get a shot at their best lives, regardless of their ability. Today, you are that community. We can’t thank you enough.In 2024, your advocacy and financial contributions did so much. Through Unity House, you: In short, 2024 was… Read the full article: A Strong Community
Read MoreA 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
Read MoreA Night of Recognition
Unity House Celebrates Exceptional Individuals On Monday, April 28, Unity House hosted its Annual Board & Award Dinner at the Holiday Inn in Auburn, New York. The evening brought together over 170 community members, supporters, and partners to honor outstanding individuals and celebrate the organization’s mission to empower individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and… Read the full article: A Night of Recognition
Read MoreLife 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
Read MoreUnity House announces 2025 award winners
Jim Burlingame and Ashley Moench to be honored at April 28 dinner Unity House is pleased to announce its 2025 awardees: 14th OPEN ARMS AWARDEE: Ashley Moench of Tully Ashley is the former director of Unity House’s Grace House recovery program, and is now the executive director at Nick’s Ride 4 Friends in Auburn, a similar… Read the full article: Unity House announces 2025 award winners
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