Credit union places summer focus on children

Aspire Credit Union announced it is wrapping up its 2026 nonprofit partnership with Companions for Children, a local organization dedicated to helping young people build confidence, connections and life skills through meaningful mentoring relationships.

Each year, Aspire Credit Union selects a local nonprofit to support through community giving, fundraising and awareness efforts. This year, Aspire conducted a three-month campaign designed to provide Companions for Children mentors and youth with resources that encourage creativity, conversation and connection.

The partnership began in June with a collection of LEGO and building brick kits. In July, the focus shifted to craft kits, including hands-on activities designed to give mentors and their mentees something fun to create together. The partnership concluded in August with a monetary giving campaign, allowing community members to contribute financially and giving Companions for Children the flexibility to purchase additional LEGO, craft kits or other resources needed to support its programs.

The donations came from Aspire Credit Union employees, members and the credit union itself.

"Over the years, our team has learned that busy hands often lead to big conversations," said Heather Cymbaluk, executive director of Companions for Children. "When kids are focused on creating something, they often feel more comfortable opening up, building trust and strengthening their connection with their mentor. These activities may seem simple, but they can create meaningful opportunities for confidence, conversation and connection."

Companions for Children has been serving children in the Minot area and surrounding communities with volunteer mentors since 1972. Companions for Children serves nearly 200 local youth annually through its mentoring programs and follows nationally recognized mentoring standards designed to promote safe, effective and meaningful mentoring relationships.