News and Events

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… 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… 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

Your generosity empowers people with disabilities at Unity House. As we approach the end of 2025, I want to make sure you know of three ways to support Unity House’s mission that could also shrink your tax bill.   Read the full article: How to save on taxes while supporting Unity House

Every month, federal SNAP benefits pay for $30,000 in food for people with disabilities who live in Unity House residences. When the recent government shutdown… Read the full article: You put food on the table for people with disabilities

What makes a good leader? CEO Liz Smith was recently interview by Syracuse.com reporter Marie Morelli as part of their ongoing series, ‘On Leadership.’ “You… Read the full article: Unity House’s Liz Smith on leadership

We couldn’t deliver on our mission without our amazing employees. Employees of the Quarter are nominated by their peers. Each breathes life into Unity House’s… Read the full article: Q-3 Employees of the Quarter

Thanks to Unity House donors and a new state grant, seven people with disabilities will soon get to live in a new, fully accessible home.… Read the full article: A New “New Life”

Every September, Unity House comes alive with a shared purpose: to celebrate, appreciate, and strengthen the incredible community we’ve built together. With more than 360… Read the full article: Fun at Fillmore Glen: Unity Games comes to a close