Unity House welcomes two new board members
Unity House’s CEO Liz Smith has announced that two new community leaders have joined the nonprofit’s board of directors. Taylor Symes and Jessica Janssen, both of Auburn, began their board duties in January.

Taylor Symes is a licensed benefits consultant for AFLAC, in addition to being a sales rep for Peaceful Living Home Sales. She is a former commercial credit analyst for Generations Bank, and was an economic development technical specialist for Cayuga Economic Development Agency. Taylor holds an A.A.S. degree from Cayuga Community College, and is a Leadership Cayuga graduate, class of 2022.
Jessica Janssen is a former Unity House manager and board member. Jessica brings years of progressive experience in behavioral health care, most recently as the chief executive officer of Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services (CARS), and as a transformation specialist at Cayuga Medical Center. She earned a master’s in organizational management, and was the chief program officer at Elmcrest Children’s Center for seven years before joining CARS. She previously served on Unity House’s board from 2015 – 2023.

“I’m always excited when we welcome new people to our board,” Liz said. “Jessica has experience with our organization and similar agencies, and understands programs, services, and regulations. Taylor is a young professional who will bring a new perspective to the board. She’s in the early stages of her career, and I think this position will be mutually beneficial.”
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 www.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.