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We are delighted to introduce our 2026 Atkins Community Service and Open Arms awardees! 15th annual OPEN ARMS AWARDEE: Julie Bennett of Aurora Julie Bennett is a 12-Step recovery advocate and owner-operator of Town & Country Dog Grooming in Aurora and Ithaca. Drawing from her lived experience, Julie offers guidance grounded in empathy and authenticity, helping… Read the full article: Unity House announces 2026 award winners

After more than 33 years with this remarkable organization, I am honored to lead Unity House as its fifth chief executive. I’m humbled by the responsibility I now have, and I’m energized by our mission – to empower people with disabilities. Because I started my career as a direct support professional (DSP), I know how… Read the full article: CEO’s Perspective: Leading with You

It’s Thursday morning, and in the Hedgehog and Koala pre-K rooms, the children already know today is going to be special. “When Unity House arrives, the hallways light up with joy,” said Sherri Koski, executive director of Ithaca Community Childcare Center (IC3). For the past two years, participants from Unity House’s Ithaca Day Hab have… Read the full article: Play is for everyone

Unity House is growing to support the residents of three group homes for people with disabilities in Auburn. The homes, known as IRAs (independent residential alternative), have been operated for years by Kelberman, a nonprofit based in Utica. In October, representatives of the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities asked Unity House to assume… Read the full article: Three Auburn IRAs join Unity House

Since working at Unity House in April 2024, Amy Jefferson has lost 60 pounds and quit smoking. “I feel so great,” said Amy, a residence counselor at New Life IRA in Auburn. “As someone who started at 374 pounds and was a smoker, I have come a long way. I’m excited for what’s next.” From… Read the full article: Healthy Choices, Happy Outcomes

Unity House, a local nonprofit that provides housing and other supports for more than 700 people with disabilities, has a new chief executive.

Darlene Podolak became the organization’s CEO on January 1 after serving more than eight years as its chief operating officer. She replaced Liz Smith, who retired Dec. 31 as the nonprofit’s fourth CEO. Read the full article: Unity House names new leaders

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