Zonta presented Virginia Wrage Memorial Grants totaling $7,000 to six deserving women at the December Business Meeting.  The fund is for mature women who are at a crossroad following life-altering event(s) and need assistance.
Heather Marie Arens, a single mother, while working full time, entered the nursing program at College of the Canyons (COC); neck injuries on the job required a change to a physician’s assistant.  Fractured vertebrae from a fall required another change, to a psychology major and council abuse survivors - domestic violence, child and sexual abuse.  She hopes to obtain a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at California State University, Northridge.  Funds will purchase books, supplies, tuition and help defray living expenses.
Anita Bissonette, a single parent, lost her job after working 32 years.  She is attending COC to obtain an Administrative Assistant certificate.  She hopes to obtain a bachelor’s degree and become a Certified Public Accountant.  Monies will purchase a computer and Internet services.
Lisa Callahan-Fadness, a single mother, recently divorced after 22 years of marriage has no current job skills.  She is attending COC, aspires to become a Registered Nurse and pursue a bachelor’s degree.  Award funds will be used for tuition and books.
Dina Michelle Hinojosa, also a single parent, is attending classes at COC with plans to transfer to California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) at the COC University Center.  Her goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in teaching and a master’s degree in Psychology and teach for a community college.  Monies received will pay help for tuition, books and CSUB enrollment costs in 2012.  
Sherrill Lewis, mother of three children, is going through a stressful divorce and foreclosure of her home.  She was a stay at home mom for over 20 years, but is now enrolled at COC.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and aspires to pursue a graduate degree in marriage and family counseling and provide help to others in need of services to reestablish their lives.  Grant funds will assist with educational expense and help relieve current financial difficulties.
Amy Svec, a single mother, is currently enrolled in the second semester of the nursing program at COC, in addition to working two days at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital as a ward clerk and cardiac monitor technician.  She looks forward to finishing school and become a nursing professional.  A UCLA master’s degree is her ultimate goal.  Monies will help defray education and living expenses.
Zonta is proud to provide assistance to help improve the lives of these women.
For information about Zonta, contact Phyllis Walker at 661-251-1172.