2008 Annual Report - Albany, NY: Law Firm, Litigation, Commercial ...

Message from the CEO
It is a privilege for us to highlight some of the
innumerable community partnerships that bring time and
talent to the success of Unity House. It is critically
important to any organization as complex as Unity House to
have a range of individuals, businesses, organizations, and
schools who bring their unique talents, business savvy, and
generosity to bear on behalf of our clients.
Our interview with Michael Castellana, President and CEO
of SEFCU, reveals that corporate philanthropy thrives when the spirit of giving is alive in the
organization’s leader. SEFCU staff host an annual all-day carnival for the 300 children from our three
Unity Sunshine sites, both funding and staffing the event. It’s a great, fun event, and one this big kid
never misses!
Housing is a huge issue for so many of our clients, and we could not provide it without the support of a
special group of landlords who are true friends to our clients. Many of our clients are living
independently for the first time, and our landlords go above and beyond to educate and attend to the
needs of them. Our landlords also contribute to special events, providing buses and funding for an
annual housing client trip to Lake George. Steve Ribet is featured here, but we want to give a shout
out of thanks to all of the exceptional landlords who support our housing programs.
Schools also get into the act, teaching children that it’s possible to improve your community, even
while still in elementary school. Shelly Failing’s sixth grade class at Robert C. Parker School,
spearheaded an enormous drive for clothing, household items, and food, all which were gratefully
received at our Street Ministry thrift store and food pantry.
When we look good, we feel good, right? Kelly Hart and Pam Wojeski, owners of Serenity Day Spa
sat next to me at a Rensselaer County Chamber Dinner and before I knew it, they were offering to host
one of our domestic violence clients every month, for a haircut, blow dry and manicure. This pampering
is especially appreciated by women who, as they emerge from violent relationships, are often
rebuilding their households from the ground up, and have no money for luxuries.
It’s ironic. Our community partners so often thank us, for giving them the opportunity to do something
that makes them feel so good. Despite those who claim there may be donor fatigue in these economic
tough times, at Unity House we have no evidence of it. Every year for the past seven years, private
contributions, the number of volunteers, and the number of community partnerships just keeps
growing. I think it is because everyone can appreciate the value of home, food, and safety, and at Unity
House, we are in the business of providing just that. Thanks for helping!
Yours in service,
Chris Burke
Chief Executive Officer
ANNUAL REPORT 2008 1