Our Featured Stories of Hope
Morgan O'Neil
A Long Road to Recovery
Morgan O’Neil, 29, has battled substance use since her teenage years. In 2016, she first entered treatment court, but wasn’t able to complete the program. Now, with help from Unity House, she has reason to celebrate.
Morgan is approaching two years of sobriety. She works as an alcohol and substance abuse counselor at Syracuse Recovery Services, helping others face the same struggles she once endured.
Treatment courts are specialized programs for nonviolent individuals with substance use disorders that provide an alternative to incarceration. They combine close court supervision with treatment, accountability, and community-based support to help participants achieve recovery and rebuild stability.
Martin Kasey
Empowered to Help Others
Three years ago, Martin Kasey was in a hospital, recovering from a suicide attempt.
Two years ago, he was a participant in Unity House’s PROSperity Program, attending group classes with others recovering from mental illness. With help from a PROS practitioner, he was
working on his goals: earning his peer certification and applying to graduate school.
Today, he’s a credentialed peer specialist working five days a week at PROS. He uses his experience to help others overcome their mental health challenges.
We first shared Martin’s story more than a year ago. To see the original, click here.
Richard Langendoerfer
Fulfilling A Longtime Dream
It’s a Friday afternoon, and Richard Langendoerfer has just completed his work week as a teacher’s aide at TST BOCES.
“It brings a smile to my face,” said Richard, 28. “It’s a job where I come home and think, ‘Wow, I really did something for them today.’”
Not long ago, Richard was working as a dishwasher, a job that left him feeling unfulfilled.
When the family reached out for help, Unity House answered the call.
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Regaining Strength: Lyndsey's Story
Lyndsey Marr had lost her right to parent her four children. She had given up trying to escape domestic abuse and trying to stay sober.
That’s when Raven Huddson knocked on her door.
Raven, a senior counselor in Unity House’s Mental Health Housing program, was the only person who seemed to care, Lyndsey said. On time, every month, Raven was there, encouraging her to believe in herself.
Today, Lyndsey has celebrated a year of sobriety. She and her cat, Hazelnut, live in a safe apartment. She has a full-time job helping others overcome addiction, and she has a shot at regaining her parental rights. Learn how, with support from Unity House, she found the strength to move forward.
Robert's Recipe for Success
After leaving an unfulfilling job, Robert Youngs, 38, was unsure of where he would land next.
Diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, he had long struggled with communication. It was hard to connect with coworkers — and even harder to ask for help.
He faced challenges that made finding fulfilling, inclusive work seem out of reach. But with the support of Unity Employment Services, Robert enrolled in a specialized food service training program that gave him both the technical skills and the self-assurance he needed to succeed.
Today, he’s learning even more at Mamma Maria New York Pizzeria in Auburn, eager to learn more and take on new challenges.
Life in Full: Tony's Story
Tony Amerman has always faced challenges with resilience, never letting disabilities hold him back.
Born in Texas, he and six of his seven siblings entered foster care, determined to stay together. They eventually found a home in Candor, New York, joining a blended family of 14 siblings.
As he grew older, his family recognized his need for extra support, leading him to Unity House in his late teens. There, he gained independence, joined the Special Olympics, found a job, and married Gale Campbell, becoming the first couple in Unity House’s supportive apartment program.
Life was moving forward. Then, a difficult diagnosis came.
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