Jenny Maldonado Awarded a Ruth Taylor Scholarship

United Way of Westchester and Putnam (UWWP) is proud to announce that Jenny Maldonado of Port Chester has been awarded a 2019 Ruth Taylor Scholarship. She is one of ten recipients who collectively received scholarship awards totaling $19,500.

“I know each one of these extraordinary graduate students will make outstanding contributions to their fields and to their community,” said UWWP President and CEO Tom Gabriel. “We at United Way wish them the very best as they further their education and embark on challenging careers.”

Maldanado is currently employed as a Residential Counselor and Program Manager for Search for Change in Valhalla, a residential facility for men with mental illness.  She has served as a Social Work intern at Roton Middle School in Norwalk, Connecticut, and has participated in FFTA’s annual fundraiser for adoption.

“I am very honored to have been awarded the Ruth Taylor Scholarship award this year,” Maldonado said.  “I have worked in mental health for about three years, experiencing first-hand how difficult navigating social services is for my clients. It has been through my clients and their powerful stories that I have acquired a passion for social work. I am eternally grateful for them, and for United Way.”

Maldonado earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from City College of New York.  She is currently enrolled at Fordham University and is pursuing a Masters of Social Work degree.  Her award is in the amount of $1,500.

The Ruth Taylor Scholarship was established in tribute to Ruth Taylor upon her retirement as Westchester County’s Commissioner of Public Welfare and in recognition of her nearly four decades of outstanding service. The annual awards are sponsored by United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Westchester County Government and the Urban League of Westchester County.  Over a period of 12 years, almost $160,000 has been awarded to 60 students with an average award value of $2,655. Applicants must be residents of Westchester County and enrolled in graduate studies in Social Work or Public Health on a full-time basis. Criteria used in evaluating applications include a demonstration of public service, financial need, and scholastic capacity.