Unity House

06/22/2026

When you’re good at what you do, you’re often rewarded with more work.

That’s what happened to Unity House’s PWDD Residential Services program in 2025. The program won two state grants: $647,000 to replace our oldest, least accessible IRA (group home) and $135,000 to improve accessibility at several IRAs in Tompkins County. State regulators also chose the program to take over operations of three Auburn IRAs that needed improvement to better meet the needs of their residents. It was also one of four programs statewide selected to pilot the use of technology to provide greater autonomy for residents.

“We’re being awarded these things because we don’t stand still,” said Program Director Amy Santobianco. “We’re continually looking for ways to keep our people safe, healthy, engaged, together, and as independent as possible.”

06/19/2026

“In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.”
— Thurgood Marshall

Happy Juneteenth, from Unity House.

06/18/2026

Autistic Pride Day is an important milestone for acknowledging the unique aspects of people with autism and how to best support and highlight them. However, this goes much further than just one day. Recognizing the structural processes and elements that need to change is key to ensure support for people with autism that isn’t just symbolic.

Learn more about how to promote Autistic Pride Day and its tenets here: https://autisticprideday.org/

Credit to the Sentinel Assam for the graphic.

06/16/2026

For people with developmental disabilities, independence isn't about doing everything alone. It's about having choices, a voice, and the opportunity to live a life filled with purpose, dignity, and connection.

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you'll help make that possible.

At Unity House, our mission is to empower people to lead fulfilling lives. We need compassionate, dedicated individuals like YOU to help make that mission a reality for the hundreds of people we support each year.

Every day, you'll empower individuals to make decisions, learn new skills, pursue personal goals, and participate fully in their communities. Whether you're helping someone navigate public transportation, build daily living skills, develop meaningful relationships, find employment, or advocate for themselves, you're helping people take charge of their own lives and reach their full potential.

We're hiring for immediate openings in Tompkins County. Earn more with NADSP credentials, a college degree, and/or NYSDOH licensing. Don't have those qualifications yet? No worries! Through our partnership with NADSP, we'll help you build your credentials and increase your earning potential after you're hired.

Curious about benefits? We offer medical, vision, dental, and life insurance coverage, plus a 401K and more for full-time employees. Our comprehensive work wellness program is free for all staff!

Make a difference. Build a career with purpose. Apply today.

A career at Unity House is empowering – for the people we support and for our employees. We offer flexible schedules. Work as much or as little as you want. Unity House seeks caring people to help us support adults with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and/or chemical dependencies. Un...

06/16/2026

Sneak Peek! 🎨✨

Our friends from Unity House spent the morning creating mosaic coasters. Each artist chose their own colors and design, making every piece uniquely theirs.

These still need grout, but we couldn’t wait to share a peek at today’s creativity. Stay tuned for the finished results!

06/16/2026

You're invited to join Unity House's Ithaca Day Hab program participants, local musician Randy Mucedola and other band members on Friday afternoon at the Shops at Ithaca Mall food court, located behind our Catherwood Road location. Enjoy live jazz music and meet our exceptional direct support professionals and the people we support.

06/15/2026

Ithaca Day Hab program participants gathered at the pavilion at Stewart Park on June 12 for their annual spring talent show. Participants sang tunes and showcased their talents in front of their friends, families, and peers. Special thanks to Meg-A-Moo’s Ice Cream of Freeville for providing delicious frozen treats. We love this Unity House tradition!

06/12/2026

Today! 🎶🎵🎤

All are invited to our Spring Talent Show on June 12, presented by Ithaca Day Hab. The event is free and open to the public! Support people with disabilities in their creative endeavors as they sing, dance and play instruments. Music is for everyone! 🎶🎙

Questions? Contact program manager Ryan Wilcox at [email protected]

06/11/2026

Nearly 30 Unity House staff members walked and ran in the 5K Syracuse Workforce Run on June 9. The event, which drew over 4,000 participants to Onondaga Lake Park near Syracuse, promotes wellness and team building. Unity House participants sported matching T-shirts and enjoyed a team picnic, thanks to sponsor inDeed Wellness.

06/10/2026

We'd like to introduce you to our newest board members, April and Rhonda. Click below to read about them!

April Rendsland is a caseworker at Onondaga County Department of Children and Family Services. She was a direct support professional at Unity House from 2017-2019, and currently sits on the board of directors of East Hill Medical Center. April holds a bachelor’s in human service and development fr...