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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 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 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 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
Read MoreUnity House CEO to retire at year’s end
Liz Smith, Unity House’s top executive for more than 15 years, will retire December 31, capping a career dedicated to empowering people with disabilities. “My career here has been my passion,” Liz said after announcing her plans to Unity House staff. “What I’m doing is what I love to do.” Click here to read Liz’s… Read the full article: Unity House CEO to retire at year’s end
Read MoreCEO’s Perspective: True to the Mission
It is with a lot of emotion and so many memories that I announce my retirement from Unity House, effective the last day of this year.
I have loved my time at Unity House. I am grateful to have worked with so many talented and creative people dedicated to our mission. I’m talking about our amazing frontline staff, our support staff and our volunteer board members. I’m also talking about you. Thank you for all you’ve done to support Unity House, and me, as we worked to empower people with disabilities. Read the full article: CEO’s Perspective: True to the Mission
Read MoreSky’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
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