Who We Are

Agency Profile

University Settlement has a long and distinguished history of service on Cleveland’s eastside. Established in 1926 by Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve University) as a training site for social workers, the Settlement’s original purpose was to help Eastern European immigrants adapt to life in America.

In 1936, the agency became an independent nonprofit organization and, in the 1970s, redirected its efforts towards strengthening families, easing hunger and homelessness, creating improved housing opportunities and addressing the special needs of the neighborhood’s most vulnerable citizens — children and the elderly. University Settlement takes pride in its tradition of being in the forefront in identifying human service needs and developing quality programs to address them.

University Settlement has a long history of commitment to youth programs. In 1999, the Settlement was recognized as a national leader by the Annie E. Casey Foundation for the Family to Family Foster Care Program. In 2007, the Settlement’s daycare program earned its first star in the voluntary three-star rating system called “Step Up to Quality”.

Today University Settlement provides a full range of essential, fundamental services for people of all ages and is committed to encouraging people to realize their individual potential as contributing members of society. The agency employs 35 people and hosts more than 500 volunteers each year. From feeding the hungry to housing the homeless, we change lives!

Key Personnel

Patty Gullian has dedicated more than 26 years to University Settlement and currently serves as Interim Executive Director. Gullian holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University and is a licensed social worker. Gullian began her career in the nonprofit sector at what is now known at the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland.

Jason Weiner joined the Settlement as Director of Development in December 2009.  He brings nine years of experience working with Cleveland’s nonprofit community, including holding development positions with the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland and the Cleveland Foodbank.  Weiner received his BA and MA in Sociology from Cleveland State University.

Josefa Martinez-Cedeño joined the Settlement as Director of Finance in June 2009. Martinez-Cedoño received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration & Accounting from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico Piedras. She has previously worked in nonprofit finance at Hard Hatted Women and Hispanic HUMADAOP.

For a list of the Board of Directors, please see the agency’s most recent annual report:  University Settlement Annual Report 2009.