In The News
March-25-2025 Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Union Settlement Names Dr. Derrick Boone as its New Chief Executive Officer
East Harlem, NY (March 25, 2025) – The Board of Directors for Union Settlement (www.unionsettlement.org), East Harlem’s oldest and largest social service provider, has named Dr. Derrick Boone as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 10, 2025.
“Over the years, Dr. Boone’s steadfast commitment to our workforce, mission, and values has been immensely beneficial to our community,” said Dawn Zappetti, Chair of Union Settlement’s Board of Directors. “It’s an honor and privilege to announce that Dr. Boone will lead Union Settlement as its new CEO, ensuring that our important work continues to serve and empower East Harlem.”
Dr. Boone joined Union Settlement in 2018 and has served in several key executive positions including Chief Program Officer for Adult Services, Chief Compliance Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer. For more than two decades, he has worked for nonprofit social service programs in direct care, professional consultation, and executive leadership, including organizations that focus on mental health, employment, education, school-based counseling, seniors, transitional living, trauma-informed care, and homelessness. He holds Master’s and Doctorate degrees in psychology from Loma Linda University.
“Thank you to Dawn and the Board of Directors for trusting me to lead this unique, impactful organization as it approaches 130 years providing on-the-ground resources for the East Harlem community,” said Dr. Boone. “I’m excited to collaborate with our entire team and Board to continue providing essential services and community-building to East Harlem residents of all ages.”
“I am delighted to congratulate Dr. Boone on his new role as CEO of Union Settlement,” said Diana Ayala, Deputy Speaker of the New York City Council. “I look forward to witnessing the positive changes and growth that he will undoubtably bring to this vital organization and to the residents of our vibrant community.”
About Union Settlement
Union Settlement is an on-the-ground resource for East Harlem residents of all ages, and a passionate advocate for the needs of underserved communities. Established in 1895, Union Settlement is an anchor institution providing dozens of programs, across two dozen sites, reaching more than 10,000 East Harlem residents every year. By helping our neighbors realize their goals, we build the vitality and success of East Harlem. To learn more about our services spanning early childhood education, afterschool and summer youth programs, college preparation, job readiness, adult education, mental health counseling, economic development, senior centers, Meals on Wheels and more, visit www.unionsettlement.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Contact
FGS Global – Stuart Cubbon, Jr.
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June 7, 2024 – Press Release: Union Settlement to Host Community Interfaith Night of Prayer
East Harlem religious organizations and individuals across faiths are invited to participate in a Night of Corporate Prayer for the community.
This is the first of a year-long series of events to commemorate 130 years of service.
East Harlem, NY – Union Settlement (www.unionsettlement.org), East Harlem’s oldest and largest social services provider, will host a Community Interfaith Night of Prayer on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Residents of any faith are welcome, and Union Settlement has invited local faith organizations across denominations to participate. The event will take place in Union Settlement’s El Sitio Feliz Community Garden located at 237 East 104th St., New York, New York. Doors open at 5:30 PM and the service starts promptly at 6:00 PM.
“This is an opportunity for residents to come together and strengthen connections with neighbors across faiths to honor our diverse but united community,” said Rev. Dr. Darlene Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Settlement. “It’s the first in our series of ‘Journey to 130’ events leading up to our 130th anniversary in April 2025. Over the next year, we aim to raise awareness of Union Settlement, increase our impact, and celebrate the individuals and families who’ve come through our programs and helped make this such a vibrant place to live.”
“This will be a truly inclusive event. So far, we have a Christian Evangelical pastor, a Catholic priest, and a renowned Islamic member of the community who will lead us in prayer for East Harlem – and we welcome additional participants from local religious leaders,” said Dr. Patience Oti, Early Childhood Education Liaison.
The Interfaith Night of Prayer is grounded in Union Settlement’s history of faith, social justice, and community service. Founded in 1895 by members of Union Theological Seminary to respond to the desperate conditions of Irish, Eastern European, and Italian immigrants struggling to make a new life in America, Union Settlement has since served generations of immigrants from every continent, continuously evolving to provide the vital education, wellness and community-building programs and services they need to thrive.
April 12, 2024 – PIX11 features Union Settlement’s Comedy for a Cause Gala
Dr. Darlene Williams, President and CEO of Union Settlement, joined PIX11’s Monica Morales as she highlighted our Older Adults and our Comedy for a Cause Benefit. You can watch the video below, or head over to PIX11’s Facebook for the full episode.
News Releases
April 14, 2023
UNION SETTLEMENT TO CELEBRATE NEARLY 130 YEARS OF SERVICE TO EAST HARLEM AT ANNUAL SPRING BENEFIT
