Unity House’s Chief Operating Officer honored with Humanitarian Achievement Award

Milinda Reed, COO of Unity House, has been chosen by Albany Law School to receive their Humanitarian Achievement Award for 2024. The Humanitarian Achievement Award, created in 2019, recognizes the extraordinary humanitarian contributions of an individual in the community who dedicates their time and legal expertise to improve quality of life and fight indifference, intolerance, and/or injustice through providing pro bono services, engaging in activism, supporting legal education, improving the delivery of legal services, and beyond. A maximum of one (1) award may be presented each year.

Milinda Reed joined Unity House as an attorney in 2000. She developed and implemented a legal services program for victims of domestic violence. The Unity House Law Project has expanded offering legal services to any eligible Rensselaer County resident who seeks legal relief. The Unity House Law Project provides free legal consultation and representation to victims of domestic  violence and others who are in need of legal help. Our Law Project staff is experienced in resolving the often-complicated legal challenges faced by victims of domestic violence and others who are seeking legal relief. The program offers counsel and free legal representation in civil legal matters including, divorce, custody, visitation, and child support. The staff can also assist with victims services, accompaniment and advocacy.

After leading Unity House’s Domestic Violence Services Program, Milinda Reed oversaw Human Resources and serves as the agency’s general counsel. In 2022, Milinda took on the role of Chief Operating Officer, working with the leadership team to oversee Unity House’s vast array of programming. Active in pro bono work, Milinda continues to oversee the Unity House Law Project.

Alumna of Albany Law School

Milinda Reed has always helped others, especially those affected by abuse. A series of events in early adulthood solidified her plans to help through becoming a lawyer.  Milinda Reed finished her BA in political science in 1996, Cum laude; then achieved her J.D. at Albany Law School in 1999. The Humanitarian Achievement Award, is a fitting one for Milinda, as it recognizes the unique contributions of someone who consistently shares their expertise in the pursuit of justice and in fulfillment of the Unity House mission of making life better for people in need. Milinda joins a distinguished list of honorees who have received this prestigious award since it’s inception in 2019.

Celebrating Achievement

Of those who has inquired how to celebrate Milinda Reed, please consider a gift to the Unity House Law Project in Milinda’s honor.