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Elspeth Peterson has been taking advantage of Unity House’s biometric screening since it was first offered 14 years ago. She liked that Unity House offered incentives, including extra time off, to encourage employees to record their weight, complete bloodwork and track other health indicators. “It was kind of a routine thing,” she said. “I didn’t… Read the full article: Unity House wellness programs save employee’s life

When local community colleges began offering credentialing courses to direct support professionals last fall, Unity House DSPs were first in line.

At Tompkins Cortland Community College, all 15 seats were filled by Unity House staff members, said Patty Tvaroha, professor of human services.

“It has been a blessing, I think, to have them all be Unity House people,” Tvaroha said. “They are creating their own natural support system.” Read the full article: Set Up for Success: Empowering Our Workforce

Gerry Hodnett was an artist with a following.

“There was something very special about Gerry,” said his sister, Sandy Arden. “He made friends wherever he went and he even touched people he didn’t meet.

When Gerry died at age 74 last year, Sandy was devastated, and so were his closest friends. Among them were his housemates at Unity House’s Sheffield Road residence, where he lived since 2011. Read the full article: Remembering Gerry

Michael Antonacci brings expertise in financial management Auburn, New York – Unity House’s CEO Liz Smith has announced that a new community leader has joined the nonprofit’s board of directors. Michael Antonacci of Rialto Wealth Management began his new duties in January. An expert in financial and investment management, Mike will help the board navigate… Read the full article: Unity House welcomes new board member

Heather Rafferty is a singer and a dancer. She loves cats and music. And she knows what she wants in life – a home and a family of her own. Today, her dreams are one step closer to reality, thanks to SANYS-U. The six-week course, led by the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, helps… Read the full article: Eight Auburn Day Hab participants celebrate completion of self-advocacy program

Unity House is grateful for a $5,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Tompkins County. These funds will be put towards the renovation of a handicap accessible bathroom at our Hector Street IRA in Ithaca. We thank the foundation for their support of our mission.

Unity House is partnering with the Association for Community Living (ACL) to urge Governor Hochul to include better funding for mental health programs in the state budget. SEND A LETTER NOW: https://takeaction.io/acl/urge-governor-hochul-to-fund-mental-health-housing-programs-in-the-2024-2025-state-budget/ Please take a moment to send an E-letter directly to Governor Hochul to remind her of the importance of modernizing the Mental Health… Read the full article: Urge Governor Hochul to Fund Mental Health Housing Programs in the 2024-25 State Budget