Catholic Charities Clinician Kristhal Meono Awarded 2020 Centennial Scholarship

Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster is pleased to announce that employee Kristhal Meono has been selected by Fordham University and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York as the 2020 Centennial Scholar. Kristhal has been accepted into Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service for the 20/21 academic year to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work.

“During these stressful times, it is wonderful to share such positive news,” said Dr. Dean Scher, CEO, Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster. “Kristhal joined Catholic Charities in 2012 as an intern at our adolescent substance use disorder treatment program in Newburgh. Her talent was apparent, and she was hired to a full-time position as a clinician at our Newburgh clinic upon her graduation,” added Dr. Scher. “On behalf of her Catholic Charities colleagues, it’s my pleasure to congratulate Kristhal and wish her much success.”

“When life gets stormy, it can be hard to see the blessings. But sometimes, while the storm is raging, a special blessing makes its way to us. This is mine,” said Kristhal. “I am blessed to be selected as the 2020 Centennial Scholarship recipient. This is a unique, amazing opportunity for me to expand and further develop my skills to effectively support those who are working toward a life of recovery. As I begin a new chapter, I thank God to be working with an incredible team that encourages and supports my goals and continuously challenges me to learn and grow in everything I do,” added Kristhal.

The prestigious and highly competitive Centennial Scholarship was established by Fordham and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of NY in 2018 in recognition of the agency’s 100th anniversary. Five full-tuition scholarships will be awarded over a five-year period. Employees of Catholic Charities Federation agencies are eligible to apply.

Kristhal graduated from Marist College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is a resident of Poughkeepsie.