Introducing Unity House

Unity House is the perfect name for Cazenovia Recovery Systems’ facility at 923 Sycamore Street in Buffalo because it now encompasses residents from New Beginnings and soon will welcome Ivy House residents.

Our agency spent weeks getting our former Visions Place property renovated, painted, and spruced up to accommodate those moving in—men aged 18 and over who are in recovery from substance abuse. Unity House is licensed by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).

Sammy thanks Cazenovia for “saving his life.”

Briana Petersdorf, Program Director at Unity House, reports that moving day went smoothly. “Everything was so well organized and the residents were packed and ready to go,” she said. Facility Assistant Coordinator Jeff Pries planned most of the packing process at New Beginnings—from living room furniture to food inventory.

Residents are enjoying the much more spacious Unity House rooms and attractive common areas. Case Manager John Molnar is planning to schedule more educational and vocational guest speakers at the house. Briana noted that being in this facility is an advantage to the dedicated staff’s endeavors “to create a stepping stone for our residents to long-term recovery.”

Resident Sammy says that accepting that he has a problem and learning to be vigilant have helped him the most. “The staff care about us and help us,” Sammy said. “It’s a structured program and they open a lot of doors.” His goals include attaining his GED and entering Supportive Living.

Andy, a Unity House resident

“This program has helped me stay clean,” he said.” It has shown me that my life is not over. It has saved my life.”

Resident Andy arrived directly after a rehab program, seeking “extra guidance.” What he likes best, he said, is, “If you need to lean on anyone, they are here for you.” Important to his recovery, he pointed out, is “being encouraged to communicate more.” Andy plans to move on to Cazenovia Recovery’s Supportive Living after he completes the current program.

Moving day for Ivy House residents is August 5.