06/27/2026
Community Foundation for Western Iowa Celebrates Vision Malvern’s First Home Sale
(Council Bluffs, IA) – Officials with The Community Foundation for Western Iowa have announced the successful sale of Vision Malvern’s first home constructed through the Revitalize Southwest Iowa housing initiative, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to increase quality housing opportunities in the
Malvern community.
The newly constructed 1,603-square-foot ranch-style home, located on Augusta Circle in the Fairview Hills Estates subdivision, was built by Mark Hughes Construction of Glenwood, and features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and modern finishes designed to meet the growing demand for new housing in southwest Iowa.
Generous funding for the innovative initiative was provided by the Charles E. Lakin Foundation Fund for Malvern, Iowa, and was established in 2024 at the Community Foundation for Western Iowa to enhance local housing, childcare and educational causes. Jay Burdic, President of Vision Malvern, said in a press release “This sale represents much more than the completion of a home,” said Jay Burdic, President of Vision
Malvern. “It demonstrates that there is strong demand for quality housing in Malvern and validates the
work being done to support continued growth in our community.”
Vision Malvern continues to build momentum with additional housing units. One completed townhome unit is currently listed for sale, and two additional single-family homes are expected to be listed in the near future.
The Community Foundation for Western Iowa manages and administers the Charles E. Lakin Foundation Fund for Malvern, Iowa, an Endow Iowa Field of Interest Fund. With assistance from the Community Foundation’s Housing and Revitalization Committee, consisting of community members in the Foundation’s service area, the Fund helps support Vision Malvern’s work through impact investing, fund administration and annual granting.
“The Housing and Revitalization Committee brought together public and private industry professionals to establish underwriting standards, due diligence requirements, and reporting practices that help position these projects for long-term success,” said Sheryl Garst, Chair of the Housing and Revitalization Committee at the Community Foundation for Western Iowa. “We are excited to see this investment strategy creating tangible results for Malvern residents and supporting the community’s continued growth.”
The Charles E. Lakin Foundation Fund for Malvern, Iowa is one of four Field of Interest Endowed Funds at the Community Foundation intended to support the growth and stability of Malvern, Treynor, Atlantic, and Stanton. All four communities benefit from access to impact investing, as well as annual granting from their endowments through the Community Foundation.
Vision Malvern is led by the following officers: Jay Burdic, President; Matt Urban, Vice President; Monte West, Treasurer; Kate McGann, Secretary. Directors include Owen Dashner, Tim Jackson, Natalie Lancial, Don Reed, Garret Stephens, Elvera Thomas, Joe Wearin, Brian West, and Larry Williams.
About Vision Malvern: Vision Malvern is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Malvern through economic development, housing initiatives, community partnerships, and strategic investments that support long-term growth.
About the Community Foundation for Western Iowa: The Community Foundation for Western Iowa serves thousands of people who share a common interest in improving the quality of life in Western Iowa. Through the Community Foundation, individuals, families, businesses, and organizations can create permanent charitable funds that help their communities meet the challenges of changing times. The Foundation invests and administers these charitable funds. The Community Foundation is overseen by a volunteer board of leading citizens and run by professionals with expertise in identifying the needs of their community.
Mission: The Community Foundation for Western Iowa is dedicated to creating a lasting legacy in our region by engaging our citizens and communities for durable change and fostering a culture of philanthropy. This is where giving grows.
Photo: Vision Malvern's 1st home sold. (Courtesy of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa)
