Unity House announces 2026 award winners
We are delighted to introduce our 2026 Atkins Community Service and Open Arms awardees!
15th annual OPEN ARMS AWARDEE:
Julie Bennett of Aurora
Julie Bennett is a 12-Step recovery advocate and owner-operator of Town & Country Dog Grooming in Aurora and Ithaca. Drawing from her lived experience, Julie offers guidance grounded in empathy and authenticity, helping the residents of Grace House and others rebuild their lives. Her approach emphasizes personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and reaching out for support rather than struggling alone. Julie was nominated by Grace House Director Dorothy Radcliff and several residents.
Julie currently sponsors seven women in recovery in the Auburn area. She provides transportation to AA meetings and appointments, remains available to those in crisis, and encourages women to grow in confidence through camaraderie and community involvement. Beyond meetings, Julie invites participants to community events, hosts Sunday morning gatherings for women in recovery, and engages with family members of participants to help navigate difficult conversations. She also volunteers with the Cayuga County Youth Organization basketball league.
16th annual FRED ATKINS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDEE:
Melody Smith Johnson of Auburn
Social justice activist Melody Smith Johnson was nominated by local businesswoman Gwen Webber-McLeod for her work in expanding access to opportunity, dignity and leadership, especially for Black and Brown girls and women.
The first African-American to win the Atkins Community Service award, Melody is dedicated to advocating for and uplifting women and girls and people of color in our community. She devotes hundreds of hours each year volunteering for such organizations as the Auburn Public Theater, Harriet Tubman Center for Justice & Peace, Upstate Minority Economic Alliance, Women in the NAACP (WIN), Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce, Support our Girls Periodt, and My Hands Warm Your Heart.
Melody is the owner of Melody’s Co-Working and Event Space in Auburn, which provides a friendly location for emerging and established women leaders to work and gather. She is also the president of MSJ HR Consulting, and owner and lead designer at Divine Coverings, Inc.
Unity House will honor Julie and Melody at the organization’s award dinner at the Auburn Hilton Garden Inn on Monday, April 27. The public is warmly invited to attend the dinner and join in the celebration. Tickets are $85 per person. Registration is now open; learn more and RSVP online: unityhouse.org/annual-dinner
For more information, please contact Director of Marketing and Development Kelly Buck at 315.253.6227 x 313 or kelly.buck@unityhouse.org and visit unityhouse.org.
Unity House empowers people with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders. Every day, we help more than 750 adults in eight central New York counties learn the skills they need to lead fuller, more independent lives. Founded in 1977, our nonprofit employs about 350 people, and provides transitional and permanent housing, as well as rehabilitative, respite and employment services. Through innovation, education and advocacy, Unity House is freeing our community of misconceptions associated with disabilities.