Aspire Credit Union is proud to announce its 2026 nonprofit partnership with Companions for Children, a local organization dedicated to helping youth build confidence, connections, and opportunities through meaningful mentoring relationships.
Each year, Aspire Credit Union selects a nonprofit organization to highlight and support through volunteerism, fundraising, and community awareness efforts. This year, Aspire is honored to partner with Companions for Children, an organization that has been serving youth in the Minot area since 1972.
“At Aspire Credit Union, we believe in investing in people and strengthening our community,” said Rianne Kuhn, Marketing and Community Impact Director. “Companions for Children is making a lasting impact on the lives of local youth, and we’re excited to help raise awareness of their mission while encouraging others to get involved.”
Companions for Children serves nearly 200 local youth annually through mentoring programs that help young people build confidence, develop life skills, and create meaningful connections with caring adults in the community. The organization follows nationally recognized mentoring standards established by MENTOR and outlined in the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™, ensuring that every mentoring relationship is built on a strong foundation of safety, trust, and long-term success.
As part of the partnership, Aspire Credit Union will host several donation drives throughout the summer. June has brought in Lego, or brick building kits. In July, Aspire will collect craft kits, including activities such as diamond art, painting, pottery, and other hands-on projects that encourage creativity and connection.
Community members may also support the partnership through financial contributions, which will help provide resources and opportunities for local youth participating in Companions for Children programs.
In addition to fundraising efforts, Aspire employees are actively involved in mentoring programs. Several team members currently serve as Pen Pals, exchanging letters with local fifth-grade students throughout the school year, while others participate as Lunch Pals, meeting with elementary students during lunch to provide encouragement, conversation, and a consistent positive presence.
“Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer a child is simply showing up,” said Kuhn. “Our employees have seen firsthand how meaningful these relationships can be, and we encourage others in our community to explore volunteer opportunities.”
Companions for Children is currently recruiting additional volunteers for several mentoring programs, including Pen Pals, Lunch Pals, and one-to-one mentoring opportunities. For more information about Aspire Credit Union’s partnership with Companions for Children, visit Aspire Credit Union and ask our team for more details.