2009 Unity Sunshine Summer Camp 2009 summer ... - Unity House

2009 summer / fall
newsletter
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2009 Unity Sunshine
Summer Camp
Summer / Fall Unity House Stories Inside:
• International Discussion of Domestic Violence.
• Unity House Peer Center Update
• Board profile: Frank Sarratori
• Tosca, Etc. donates proceeds of “Enjoy Troy” Chocolates
33 Second Street • Troy, NY 12180-3960 • 518.274.2607 • www.unityhouseny.org

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Message from the CEO
As I read over the proof for this newsletter, I was struck
by how each individual act contributes in some way to
our operations, and is one of thousands of threads in our
tightly woven safety net. Yet “safety net” is such a tired
cliché. As I try to find a fresher way to express the cliché,
my mind travels to a trampoline. When was the last time
you took a look at one? From across a backyard it looks like
a solid disk, suspended from the ground by a round metal
frame. However, when you get up close enough to help a
kid climb onto it, you see that there are hundreds of elastic
cords woven together into one bouncy, yet secure, surface.
The weave is tight enough to hold even a two hundred pound adult, yet flexible enough to allow that
same adult to use his own energy to bounce six or eight feet into the air.
Unity House functions because hundreds and
hundreds of people show up every day and do
their part. Not just employees, but volunteers,
interns, board members, and interested
supporters. Their work is supported by our longtime
donors, our one-time contributors, our
corporate sponsors, and so many others. Every
Chris Burke, CEO
Every one of these people, by acting on their impulse to do
something good and meaningful, weaves a thread into this
bouncy safety net we call Unity House.
one of these people, by acting on their impulse to do something good and meaningful, weaves a thread
into this bouncy safety net we call Unity House. Some of our clients come to us so defeated and tired
that all they can do is climb up onto the trampoline and rest, maybe looking to the sky in gratitude that
they are up off the ground, sleeping on a surface that has a little give to it. Others climb on and
practice taking a few small bounces, nervous and careful. They come back every day, bouncing a little
higher each time, supported by the good intentions and help of their advocates. And then there are
those clients – lots of them – who after lots of practice bounces, take the big one, flying off into their
own orbit, stronger, freer, and smiling with a new sense of self-determination.
It’s so easy to think, “I’m just one person!” or “Does my contribution really make a difference?” What
can one caseworker visit or fifty dollars do, in light of the staggering number who need help? How can
a few hours stocking shelves in the food pantry or rocking babies in the infant room really make a
difference? If that thought ever crosses your mind, come spend an hour or a day with me. You’ll see a
lot of people bouncing back.
Yours in service,
Chris Burke
Chief Executive Officer
Cover Photo:
Elissa Prout and children from summer camp program
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UNITY HOUSE Newsletter

{ A Summer to Remember at Unity House}
Unity Sunshine Summer Camp
A visit to the staging area for summer camp at Unity House reveals a pleasant friction of children engaged
in all kinds of activities. In the hour before they leave for a hike and swim at Moreau State Park, dozens of
Unity House campers are finishing breakfast, playing foursquare, doing a puzzle, drawing, beading,
engaging in “sticker wars” and vying for who can pretzel themselves into winning Twister. A visitor
comments to camp director Kara Maccio, on how cooperatively the older kids include the younger kids into
their games. “Yes, they are great kids,” she agrees.
Several card games are also in process, as are the
taunts one expects from kids in elementary and
junior high school, all said with smiles and
grins: “You’re a crybaby!” “You like him!” “Nice
Mohawk!” The last comment is met with a
retort that his haircut is a ‘full hawk’ and the
boy appears put out at the mistake. The kid who
misspoke senses his friend is miffed and says,
“Hey no offense.” A soft, “None taken,” sounds
incongruously adult coming from a ten year old.
quick camp facts
• 30 kids in each of four two-week sessions
• A camp director, lifeguard and five counselors provides
a 1:5 counselor to camper ratio
• Camp is provided free to all children, thanks to the
generosity of 235 donors this year, including the 2009
lead sponsor, The Robison Foundation.
When asked what their favorite activity is at camp, swimming is the most frequent response, and several
kids are sporting pink evidence of yesterday’s trip to a pool in Saratoga. “And the counselors are really
nice,” one adds.
The visitor surveys the room of children; various ages, sizes, and races, all seemingly oblivious to their
differences. As the visitor says her good-byes, she wishes that these kids could teach adults and nations
how to co-exist so peacefully.
{
Veggie Mobile Stops at Street Ministry}
Summer time in the Capital Region is also peak season for all our local farmers. Thanks to the support of the local
food bank and area farms, the Community Gardens Veggie Mobile has been able to make a stop, the first Tuesday
of every month, at the Unity House Street Ministry building to supply community residents with wholesale fresh
fruits and vegetables. We are very excited about their monthly visit, as it is a wonderful way for Unity House
consumers and
employees to
support their local
farming
community and
also fill up on
nutritious food at
a low cost. Yay
Veggie Mobile!
Summer / Fall 2009 2

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International Discussion of Domestic Violence
Karla Digirolamo, Chief Operating Officer of Unity House and
widely recognized expert on domestic violence, presented at two
conferences in the United Kingdom in May, and met with a
national domestic violence advocate in Oslo, Norway. The first, a
Roundtable on Domestic Violence was held in Dublin, Ireland,
sponsored by the Irish Women’s Aid Organisation. The second,
“Domestic Abuse – Responses from the U.S.A.,” was hosted by
the Women’s Support Project in Glasgow, Scotland. The goal of
both conferences, and the meeting in Oslo, was to exchange
information about how domestic violence services and public
policy differ or share commonalities in the United States and
Europe.
Of particular interest to the experts from the United States was
the impact of the more socialist economies of northern Europe and
the market based, strongly capitalistic culture in the U.S. Karla
marvels, "It's just amazing, in these major European cities you just
don't see poverty, or homeless citizens, to the same extent that
you see in the states.”
Karla Digiolamo, COO
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In the crush of administering Unity House programs and responding to frequent crises, Karla says, “It’s
easy to lose sight of the big picture. It’s very helpful to get away and recharge with other experts in the
field.” Karla cited a recent blog by Casey Gwinn that she and her colleagues discussed during her
international meetings. Gwinn wrote, “As of May 2, there have been 167 confirmed cases of the swine flu
in the United States and one death. But there has been little news about the mass killings of 68 people
across America in the last 52 days, with men doing all the killing and virtually all related to men with a
history of violence against women.” “Which is the real epidemic?” Karla asks, echoing Gwinn’s point. “We
all need to be reminded to get these hard questions out into the public policy arena so that one day, we
can start reducing the amount of needed services.”
{ On Our Minds, In Our Hearts}
On July 15th, public officials, staff of Unity House, and
families of domestic violence victims met to honor two
women and one child, all murdered at the hands of violent
men. One in every six homicide victims who dies, does so at
the hands of someone with whom they were in a relationship.
The ceremony, and a plaque bearing the names of the victims,
were the idea of Milinda Reed, Director of the Domestic
Violence Program at Unity House. “Liza, Amanda and
Matthew were people who were loved deeply. Their loss is
immeasurable to their families, and we want them to know
that their loved ones are not forgotten,”
says Reed.
The three names that are
engraved on the plaque are:
• Liza Warner, who died
October 1, 2004, age 29
• Amanda Jean Burns, who died
October 25, 2005, age 21
• Matthew Dante Thomas, who
died September 24, 2008, age
four months
UNITY HOUSE Newsletter

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Unity House Peer Center Update
A few years back, a caseworker at Unity House said, "Too often I visit my clients, and they sit alone in
their apartments, isolated from the world...as if on life support."
In response to her concern and those of other staff and clients,
no member of the Unity House community needs to feel isolated
any more. For the past 18 months, Unity House clients have been
beckoned out into a community of new friends at the Peer
Center, located at 309 Eighth Street in Troy. The center was
conceived, developed, and is now staffed by clients who keep
the center open Monday through Friday, from noon to 5 p.m., and
on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. “We had 8-10 people a day when
we first opened, but now we average 20-25 people a day,” says
Charmaine Dutcher, the first employee of the Center. Mark
Whalen, who also takes satisfaction in the growth of the
program, has joined her. “This is my calling,” he says. He credits
Unity House with sticking by him as he initially struggled with
sobriety, and believes that his work with his peers is essential to
his recovery and happiness. “They trust me with a key to the
place!” Mark says, with a smile that animates his entire face.
As Mark and Charmaine provide a tour of the Center, it’s easy to
see why clients feel comfortable here. There’s something for
everyone. On the first floor a sparkling kitchen provides a cheery
environment in which Charmaine cooks lunch everyday. Once fed, clients can watch television, noodle
“We help our friends with their fears, and make them feel
safe...We need them as much as they need us." says
Charmaine Dutcher, Peer Activity Center employee.
Charmaine & Mark
around on the piano, take a guitar
lesson, or get creative in the art room.
For those seeking a quiet moment,
there is a meditation room with
freshly painted, periwinkle walls and
a deep, comfy chair. Up a flight of
steep stairs, Mark does a Vanna White sweep over a donated pool table, shows the game/exercise room,
and a computer room with Internet access for the clients. “We
generally have three or four people waiting for the computer, so
we’re in the process of getting more donated.” He mentions
casually that he’s teaching clients how to build computers from
donated parts, and that as the machines are finished, clients can
take them home to their apartments.
Mark talking with a client on the front steps of
the Peer Center.
Charmaine and Mark do so more than encourage their peers to
“stay a while.” “We help our friends with their fears, and make
them feel safe.” Charmaine remembers when others did the
same for her, when she first came to Unity House. “We need
them as much as they need us,” she concludes. “I’ll be with
Unity House until I’m old and gray.”
Summer / Fall 2009 4

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Tosca Etc. Donates Proceeds from Chocolate
Sales to Unity House
Following the May 29th opening of Tosca Etc., Chef Larry
Schepici's newest venture in downtown Troy, Schepici announced
that sales of handmade "Enjoy Troy" chocolates will benefit the
programs and services of Unity House.
Made fresh daily by Pastry Chef John Vasquez, the chocolates are
among the expanded line of confections and baked breads being
offered at Tosca Etc.; they are sold for $1.25 a piece. Located in
the Hendrick Hudson Building at 200 Broadway (right next to
Tosca), Tosca Etc. features prepared and affordable meals to go.
“We are proud to have joined forces with Unity House and are
happy to donate all proceeds from our “Enjoy Troy” organic
“Enjoy Troy” chocolates
chocolates to support this worthy local organization,” said
Schepici. "We are so grateful to Chef Larry and everyone at Tosca Etc. for their generous support of Unity
House,” said Chris Burke. “And we hope the members of our community buy lots of chocolate!”
{ Unity House to Host Free Estate Planning Seminar}
Unity House is grateful for our many donors, and among those donors are those
who understand how philanthropy and tax savings can go hand in hand, such as
Sharon.
In 1992, Sharon invested $10,000 in the stock of a local bank. The value of
Sharon’s stock rose and in 2005, the bank announced that a larger financial
institution was offering to buy all of its shares in cash. Sharon knew she would be
forced to liquidate her $160,000 in bank stock and incur a substantial capital gain.
Sharon’s financial consultant cautioned her on the potential tax impact, and as
Sharon is charitably inclined and intended to give to charities through her will, a
Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) was established. Sharon supported the work of
Unity House, so she designated us as one of the beneficiaries, and funded the trust
through the irrevocable donation of the appreciated bank stock.
“I am delighted
with my
decision to set
up this trust.
Beyond the
considerable tax
advantages, the
trust allows me
to give to an
organization I
believe in,”
Sharon explains.
Sharon enjoys several benefits from the CRT such as avoiding the capital gains tax liability, receiving tax
deductions for the sum of the value, and increased cash flow as the CRT distribution to her exceeds the
prior dividend income. Although Sharon cannot touch the principal, she receives quarterly distributions
based on a percentage of the variation. The CRT allows Sharon to leave a legacy to an organization she
truly cares about and to enjoy the good feeling of partnership with a cause that matters to her.
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You too can make a difference with a planned gift to Unity House. For more information on planned giving,
sign up for our free seminar being held on October 14th at the Troy Country Club. Please contact Victoria
Baecker at 518-274-2633 x261 or vbaecker@unityhouseny.org, for more information.
UNITY HOUSE Newsletter

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Board Spotlight: Frank Sarratori
Frank Sarratori wears three big hats at Pioneer Bank: Senior
Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Compliance
Officer. From his resume, it seems clear that there are few
areas within the bank that do not benefit from his expertise.
Frank sums it up this way, “I just use my skills to help
people. My primary job is to safeguard the assets of our
customers by always doing what is in the interest of the
bank.”
Frank had been somewhat familiar with Unity House from
Pioneer’s corporate giving over the years. But it wasn’t until
Chris Burke paid him a visit that he began to understand the
range of services being run by Pioneer’s “neighbors” on
Second Street in Troy. His willingness to become involved
was ignited, and Frank brought his desire to help people and
his considerable skills to the Unity House Board of Directors.
Since joining in 2007, Frank has served on the Finance and
Property Committees. This summer, Frank will become the
Board Treasurer, serving also on the Executive Committee.
“Frank is just such a great fit with Unity House,” says Kate
Koval, newly elected Board President. “He’s fun, talented, and
willing to shoulder a lot of responsibility.”
Frank Sarratori
In addition to Frank’s day job and extensive community service, he works side by side with his wife
Chrissy, renovating their home in Troy, and raising their three children. The family home is a former bed
This summer, Frank will become the Board Treasurer,
serving also on the Executive Committee. “Frank is just
such a great fit with Unity House,” says Kate Koval,
incoming Board President. “He’s fun, talented, and willing
to shoulder a lot of responsibility.”
and breakfast built in the 1840's, and
is the third house Frank and Chrissy
have extensively renovated since their
Niagara Falls marriage in 1990.
Chrissy is also an overachiever, and
has a thriving business, Abs In, Inc.,
an aerobics and fitness company.
Their two daughters, Isabella, 10 and
Ellianna, 7, love their many dance classes; and son Roman, 3, specializes in terrorizing his sisters and
rolling around with his dog, Bobo.
When this Buffalo native and his family need a break from their non-stop schedules, they head south to
Bahia, Brazil, where Frank cracks open his latest John Grisham novel and enjoys a well-earned rest.
Summer / Fall 2009 6

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introducing our new website!
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Summer / Fall 2009 Newsletter