News and Events

What's Going On At Unity House?

Heather’s Story: Safe, Heard, and Empowered

June 6, 2025

At 13, Heather Gansert was given her first drink. That same year, she was introduced to drugs and was raped at a party. What followed was 34 years of addiction, abuse, and survival. She lost herself in substances, endured daily violence, and nearly died at the hands of an abusive boyfriend. But that’s not where her story ends.

With the help of Unity House, Heather began to heal, reclaim her life, and reconnect with the one person she cared about most: her 26-year-old son. Read the full article: Heather’s Story: Safe, Heard, and Empowered

Improving Accessibility in Tompkins County

June 2, 2025

Unity House has won a new $135,500 state grant to make improvements at five IRAs (Individualized Residential Alternative) for people with developmental disabilities in Tompkins… Read the full article: Improving Accessibility in Tompkins County

Unity Employment Services expands programming, employment support to Tompkins County

May 22, 2025

Unity House’s Unity Employment Services has officially expanded into Tompkins County, bringing new opportunities for people with disabilities to access vocational training, job development, and… Read the full article: Unity Employment Services expands programming, employment support to Tompkins County

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A Strong Community

May 13, 2025

Dear Friends, Unity House was founded by a community of people dedicated to ensuring that all people get a shot at their best lives, regardless… Read the full article: A Strong Community

A Brighter Path Forward: Martin’s Story

April 30, 2025

For nearly two years, Martin Kasey worked as a nurse’s aide in a psychiatric hospital, helping people through the worst times of their lives. He… Read the full article: A Brighter Path Forward: Martin’s Story

CEO Liz Smith (left) and COO Darlene Podolak (right) stand alongside 2025 Open Arms awardee and executive director of Nick's Ride 4 Friends, Ashley Moench.

A Night of Recognition

April 29, 2025

Unity House Celebrates Exceptional Individuals On Monday, April 28, Unity House hosted its Annual Board & Award Dinner at the Holiday Inn in Auburn, New… Read the full article: A Night of Recognition

Life in Full: Tony’s Story

April 8, 2025

Tony Amerman, 49, has always embraced challenges with resilience, never letting his disability keep him from a full life. Growing up in Texas, Tony and… Read the full article: Life in Full: Tony’s Story

Unity House announces 2025 award winners

March 14, 2025

Jim Burlingame and Ashley Moench to be honored at April 28 dinner Unity House is pleased to announce its 2025 awardees: 14th OPEN ARMS AWARDEE: Ashley… Read the full article: Unity House announces 2025 award winners

Liz Smith (right) and Independent Housing Case Manager Cindy Gibson in 2000.

Unity House CEO to retire at year’s end

March 3, 2025

Liz Smith, Unity House’s top executive for more than 15 years, will retire December 31, capping a career dedicated to empowering people with disabilities. “My… Read the full article: Unity House CEO to retire at year’s end