It was a posthumous honor  when the Rensselaer County Legislature passed a resolution honoring the late Mary Jane Smith at their February meeting. Ms. Smith, along with Regis Obijiski and the late Peter Callaghan founded Unity House in 1971 to serve people in need. The current programs and services on offer at the non-profit human services agency evolved out of what the trio found lacking in the 1970s. Mary Jane Smith passed away on January 16 at the age of 88.

Long retired from the organization, Ms. Smith remained a fierce advocate for people in need and was a beloved volunteer at Unity House where she was often seen serving lunch in the dining room.  Accepting the honor, were family, staff, and volunteers from Unity House.

Unity House is grateful to the Rensselaer County Legislature for honoring Mary Jane Smith and recognizing her legacy of compassionate care that respects and honors the dignity of all human beings.