In The News
Meet and Greet The NYC Aging Commissioner
Meet and Greet
The NYC Aging Commissioner
Union Settlement and East Harlem Community Health Committee (EHCHC) were pleased to host NYC Aging Commissioner Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie for a site visit at the Washington Lexington Community Center, located at 1775 3rd Ave, NY, NY 10029, on July 31, 2026.
During the visit, Commissioner Scott-McKenzie toured the center, learned about the accomplishments of our Older Adult Services programs, engaged with participants, and saw firsthand how our newly renovated space is helping us better serve the East Harlem community.
Message From the CEO
REFLECTING ON MY FIRST YEAR WITH GRATITUDE AND PURPOSE
As I look back on my first year as CEO, I’m filled with gratitude for our Staff , our Board, and the community that continues to inspire everything we do. It’s been a year of learning, growing, and strengthening our foundation together.
Serving as Interim CEO during previous transitions gave me valuable insight into the heart of Union Settlement, but stepping fully into this role has been something truly special. When the Board placed their trust in me to lead this historic, more-than-century-old organization, it meant the world to me. Their support, guidance, and belief in our shared vision have been grounding forces throughout this first year. I’m deeply thankful for their partnership and commitment to ensuring that Union Settlement remains a cornerstone of service for East Harlem.
What continues to move me most, though, is our incredible staff . Every day, I see their commitment in action, whether it’s in classrooms, at service desks, in community programs, or behind the scenes keeping our organization running smoothly. They are the heartbeat of Union Settlement, and their work makes our mission come alive for thousands of neighbors each year.
This year has reminded me that leadership begins with listening – really listening. I’ve learned so much by hearing their ideas, concerns, and hopes for the future. I’ve also learned that it’s not about striving for perfection – it’s about focusing on what truly matters: supporting our people, aligning our strategy, and making data-driven decisions that move us forward.
As we continue building cross-team collaboration and refining our mission for the next era, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and even more hopeful for what’s ahead. Leading an organization with such a long and powerful history of service is both a privilege and a responsibility I carry with pride.
Thank you for your belief in me, and what we stand for. Together, we’re continuing a legacy that has shaped East Harlem for generations, and will keep shaping it for many more to come.
In Partnership and Purpose,
Derrick A. Boone, Psy.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Union Settlement
East Harlem Tree Lighting 2025
December 5, 2025
East Harlem, NY (March 25, 2025) – Friend to the East Harlem community and WPIX news presenter Monica Morales, covered this years tree lighting. The annual event is now in it’s 22nd year, a festive celebration featuring music, fun activities, and holiday joy for the 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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News Releases
April 14, 2023
UNION SETTLEMENT TO CELEBRATE NEARLY 130 YEARS OF SERVICE TO EAST HARLEM AT ANNUAL SPRING BENEFIT
