The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Colleen Brady graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1973. Her father, Bill Brady and her mother Ramona owned the Pep's Bar. They built the bowling Alley. After their divorced she remarried Jim Brownson. Her brothers Kim and Scott graduated from Big Sandy as well.

Colleen Brady was recently honored by the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBS) of Helena. The news release was first reported by ktvh and it states that over 100 people gathered at "the new location, in the former Helena Industries building, was dedicated as the "Colleen K. Brady Center for Big Brothers Big Sisters."

Brady took over as director in 2012 and has been a staunch advocate for the betterment of children's health in the community.

She Said she's honored to have the office named after her, and quipped the space is "big" improvement over their old basement office.

"I just think it's a great surprise and great hoopla," said Brady. It's great for my staff and It's great for the kids. I mean I don't even know what to say about it, it's just wonderful."

Brady oversaw the organization through a difficult time.

BBBS, like many other non-profits, saw a large portion of their funding disappear due to state budget cuts at the end of 2017.

Management was forced to reduce staff and cut programs just to survive.

Thanks to Brady's work, the organization persisted and has begun to grow again.

"Colleen is a force of nature," said Peter Strauss, BBBBS of Helena and Great Falls board chair. "She's a fierce defender and proponent of our kids and she's fearless leader for our staff, for our program and our communities. This is a fitting tribute for what she does who she is and all that she does for all of us. "

This is actually the second center to be named after Brady.

The first Brady Center is on the Academy of Holy Names campus in Tampa. She led a $15 million building and endowment campaign to rebuild their campus while she served as their President and CEO.

Brady's career has been dedicated to helping youth. She' served in an array of positions including being as associate principal, admissions counselor and President of the Helen Kiwanis.

Earlier this year Brady was diagnosed with breast cancer and continues to fight the disease.