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Zions Bank has honored three Utah women with the 2012 Smart Women Grants for their community work.
Recipients are:
Joan Dixon, an adviser and trainer with such community-based organizations as the Neighbor-2-Neighbor Program at The Boulders Apartment Community in Provo. The program organizes representatives in low-income apartment complexes who assist their neighbors with trips to grocery stores, doctor appointments or helping with problems.
Heather Fryxell, a former professional ballerina who teaches at Wasatch Dance Center in Heber where she has introduced the Movement Mentor Dance Therapy Program. Dance students are paired with special-needs children for instruction that helps with physical coordination and strength, while also boosting self-esteem and creativity.
Julee Smith, executive director of Your Community Connection in Ogden. In 2011, the group provided shelter for 388 women and children who were victims of domestic violence.
The $3,000 grants will be used to help the honorees further their work. In addition to the Utahns, three women from Idaho each were given $3,000 grants.
This is the eighth year Zions Bank has handed out money through the Smart Women Grants program. The grants are given for work in small business, community development, continuing education and teacher support, care for children and the elderly, health and human services, and arts and culture.