Leaving a Legacy

by Bob Neigh, brother of Unity House resident and program participant Phil Neigh

My brother, Phillip, was born with an intellectual disability. His memory has always been sharp, though. He especially remembers people who have helped him in life.

Now 64, Phil has been living at Unity House’s Green Street residence in Ithaca since 1988. Much of Phil’s personal growth has come through the relationships fostered by his teachers and staff at Unity House. To this day, he can recall the names of people who guided him 30 years ago. And when he sees them while we’re out shopping, he greets them with hugs.

The people at Unity House provide a supportive home environment that has made Phil more confident and outgoing, and therefore more independent.

Phil also attends Unity House’s Day Habilitation program, where he likes building things and exploring the community with friends. He has enjoyed attending concerts, car shows and model railroad club meetings. He likes dancing to rock and roll music with his peers at the bi-monthly dances. For him, just walking to a convenience store to buy soda is a treat because he can do it on his own.

The Unity House folks know Phil well and have a sincere interest in his happiness and wellbeing. And Phil enjoys a relaxed rapport with them. Phil likes to joke with them or discuss a TV show that he is watching. Whether it’s helping him adjust his clothing or offering encouragement during medical appointments, they are there for him.

Phil is not expressive with his feelings, but I know that he feels most empowered when he’s able to make his own decisions.

That’s what the people at Unity House give him – the freedom to be himself.

I’m grateful for what they’ve done for him. I know Phil is, too.

But I’m also grateful for what they’ve done for me, and all of us, really. By helping more than 750 people each year, Unity House folks do what we can’t do on our own. They provide homes and support to people with intellectual disabilities and people struggling to overcome addiction and mental illness. The staff at Unity House has always impressed me as being very caring and genuinely concerned with the wellbeing and happiness of the residents.

Recently, I named Unity House as a beneficiary in my estate plans. A percentage the estate’s value will go to Unity House’s endowment fund upon my passing. There, the gift will grow forever, and the investment income it produces will be used to empower people with disabilities.

I support Unity House because they provide a safe, supportive home environment that encourages growth, independence and happiness.

Sharing is a basic human value. If I have enough to live comfortably, it’s important to share with people who don’t. I’m happy knowing that my gift will keep giving for generations to come.

Unity House’s Legacy Society honors those who have included Unity House in their estate plans. To learn more, contact Chief Advancement Officer Chris Iven at Chris.Iven@unityhouse.org or 315-253-6227 ext. 360.