Composing Connection: Harmony’s Story

Harmony Hill Haines, our youngest sister, was born in August 1961. She had Down Syndrome, but that meant nothing to us, her siblings. She was just our unique and lovable little sister.

We grew up on a farm in McLean, NY, between Ithaca and Cortland. Harmony flourished with all of the attention she received as the baby of the family, and she joined in whatever family activity was taking place. Harmony loved the animals, especially the barn cats.

All seven of us kids inherited our parents’ inability to hold a tune. This did not hinder Harmony’s passion for singing while playing her guitar. She composed her own songs and spent hours sitting on her bed, strumming her guitar and entertaining whoever heard her. She idolized Elvis Presley. Visiting Graceland on a trip organized by Unity House was a highlight of her later life.

Harmony went to school at TST-BOCES in Ithaca. She learned to read and write and do basic math. Her disability didn’t define her as much as her abilities moved her forward. After she graduated at age 21 in 1982, Unity House became Harmony’s second family. She made many friends with both staff and peers after she moved into Unity House’s group home in Dryden and started attending Unity House’s Day Hab program.

As in most families, Harmony had responsibilities. She was in charge of a lanyard that had keys to various doors, and was so proud to be trusted with her own apartment key. She worked at Challenge Industries as well as the J.M. Murray Center. She enjoyed volunteering in both Ithaca and Cortland, helping with grocery shopping and various other tasks.

After more than 40 years with Unity House in Ithaca, Harmony passed away last November. We miss her terribly. The family received many condolence cards, one commenting that the Haines family must have “invented inclusion” because Harmony was so well-integrated into our everyday lives. Inclusion is also a hallmark of Unity House’s work, making Harmony’s long, fulfilling life there such a good fit.

Harmony blossomed at Unity House. From the beginning of her adult life to her last day on Earth, Unity House supported her. The staff showered her with understanding, love and compassion. All of that would have been impossible without the donors who support Unity House. They’ve always been a critical part of the family!

Will you join Unity House’s family of supporters?

Please make a gift to Unity House today so more people can receive the care and support they need. Your gift to Unity House will remind us of the gift we received in Harmony Hill Haines, a blessing given to our family for 64 years.

With gratitude from her sisters, 

Jennifer Haines Morey                

Connie Haines Brown

P.S. Having Harmony as a sister immeasurably enriched our lives. The concept of unconditional love and a deep compassion for others became part of our lives because of Harmony’s disability. She was a unique person just as we all are, with her own personality, desires and gifts to share. Please share your gifts with Unity House to enrich the lives of others and keep Harmony’s memory alive.