First Interstate Bank donates $25,000 to Flathead Industries

Flathead Industries recently received a $25,000 gift from First Interstate Bank and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation as part of their fifth annual Believe in Local grant campaign.

Over the course of 50 years, Flathead Industries has grown into a vital community organization, creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities with employment, residential services and community life.  

Today, more than 180 staff members support over 200 individuals through vocational training, supported living, group homes, a life-skills center and a robust transportation network that connects it all. The organization operates more than 22 facilities, including five thrift stores in Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish and Missoula that fund programs while promoting sustainability and community engagement. Flathead Industries is about dignity, independence, and belonging — helping people build real careers, live on their own terms, and participate fully in the community around them.

“This grant reinforces what our founders believed more than 50 years ago — that people with disabilities deserve meaningful work, independence, and a place in this community,” said Alexandra Sheneman, director of marketing for Flathead Industries. 

First Interstate’s Makayla Cummings, a teller, nominated Flathead Industries for the donation.  

“Believe in Local has been a cornerstone of who we are for five years now,” Cummings said. “It never gets old to celebrate nonprofit organizations like Flathead Industries that are making a real difference in the places we all call home. The Flathead Valley is better because of the work they do, and First Interstate is proud to invest in that mission.”