Tour Through Our 2020 Most Improved Awards

NeighborWorks Great Falls has been developing and promoting quality, affordable housing while also providing a variety of neighborhood solutions for 40 years. As a way to honor those in the community who invest their own time and resources into improving Great Falls, we host our annual Most Improved Awards! Since the spring, we have asked you to submit nominations for neighbors and businesses who enhanced their space, and the results are in. Check out the list of Most Improved Award winners for 2020:

Most Improved Rental: Christian Stone

Christian wanted to bring an inviting, modern space to Great Falls that allows for small events like wedding showers and bible studies. The space doubles as a vacation rental home for larger groups of people staying in Great Falls. The Most Improved Rental is located at 4 20th Street South.

Most Improved Residential: Mike Bender

Mike started making renovations to the interior of his home several years ago, and, within the last year, has completed renovated the exterior as well! This house is now a beautiful home thanks to all the hard work and effort of Mike himself. The Most Improved Residential is located at 2118 Central Avenue.

Most Improved Commercial: Central Avenue Meats

Drew Hicks, owner of Central Avenue Meats, brought his dreams to life by opening his own storefront this year. After living and working around the country, Drew decided to put down roots back home in Montana and invest in his favorite community – Great Falls. Central Avenue Meats is located downtown at 422 Central Avenue.

Additionally, NeighborWorks honors organizations that help us build strong neighborhoods and create successful homeowners by referring neighbors throughout their homebuying journey. Below is a list of some incredible partners:

Realtor of the Year: Amber Pearson – Amber referred the highest number of new homeowners to NeighborWorks Great Falls for our homebuyer education, financial coaching, and down payment assistance.

Lender of the Year: Mike Elliott, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation – Mike closed the highest number of homes with neighbors who used NeighborWorks assistance in 2019.

Business Partner of the Year: Chinook Windows – Chinook Windows has been working with NeighborWorks for decades and has been an incredible partner with new homes, rehabs, and our Owner Built Homes program.

Volunteer of the Year: Karen Vanni – Karen volunteers each month to teach potential homebuyers about financial planning during our Homebuyer Education courses.

Honorable Mention: Pre Release & Transition Center – NeighborWorks Great Falls recognizes the Pre Release for their positive impact in this community and their dedication to public safety.

Thank you so much to these amazing folks for all your hard work to improve Great Falls and thank you to all those who submitted nominations for our 2020 Most Improved Awards. You can check out the virtual award presentations on our Facebook page!