Our Featured Stories of Hope
Kristen Rogalski
At Her Own Pace
For Kristen Rogalski, 34, familiar routines and trusted people offer comfort. The world beyond home, however, has often felt overwhelming.
When Unity House assumed operation of Kristen's group home in Auburn, her parents, Ed and Theresa, were relieved their daughter could remain close to the people and community she knew.
But preserving the familiar was only the beginning. With support from Unity House, Kristen is now exploring Central New York, building relationships and growing in confidence.
For her family, each new experience is revealing new possibilities for their daughter to lead a fuller life on her own terms. And Kristen is discovering that her world can be bigger than she ever imagined.
Eric O'Brien
The Old Me is Back
A decade ago, Eric O’Brien felt like he had nothing to live for.
“I felt asleep everywhere I went,” he said. “My body was there, but my mind wasn’t. I was nothing more than a routine.”
Today, Eric is eight years sober, living independently, working full time and building a life he once believed was out of reach. With support from Unity House’s PROSperity program for mental health (PROS), Eric is rediscovering what he is capable of.
“All the resources are here if you’re willing to put in the work,” he said. “PROS gave me that support system. I’m back to who I was: a ‘nothing can stop me,’ confident kind of guy. I’m so grateful.”
Morgan O'Neil
A Long Road to Recovery
Morgan O’Neil, 29, has battled substance use since her teenage years.
At 17, Morgan was prescribed opiates. That quickly led to dependence. Heroin and fentanyl use soon followed. By her mid-20s, even Morgan’s sales jobs at liquor stores fed her addiction.
Now, with help from Unity House, she has reason to celebrate.
Morgan is now two years sober. She works as an alcohol and substance abuse counselor at Syracuse Recovery Services, helping others face the same struggles she once endured.
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Fulfilling A Longtime Dream: Richard's Story
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.
Empowered to Help Others: Martin's Story
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 piece, click here.
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.
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