Following the 2025 rebrand of TwinStar Credit Union and Northwest Community Credit Union to Peak Credit Union, the TwinStar Community Foundation has become the PeakCU Foundation. TwinStar and Northwest Community merged in 2023.
Its programs for students, educators and families in Washington and Oregon will continue without change, according to David Tuyo, CEO of Peak Credit Union.
"This change reflects who we are today and where we're going," Tuyo said. "The PeakCU Foundation represents our dedication to focused, local giving built on a much longer history of educational support. Aligning under one name allows us to build on that legacy and expand our impact across Oregon and Washington."
Since its establishment in 2015, the PeakCU Foundation has focused on three main areas, building on education initiatives the credit union had supported for decades. First, the Foundation has worked to eliminate school lunch debt, paying more than $245,000 from 2018 through 2024 to ensure students in its communities can focus on learning without the burden of food insecurity. Second, it has also supported educators through Classroom Cash, a program launched in 2000 that has awarded more than $742,000 to K-12 teachers, counselors and librarians for classroom supplies, books and enrichment resources. Finally, the Foundation invests in students through scholarships, with almost $800,000 awarded since 2003 to graduating high school seniors and continuing education students, many of whom can reapply for funding in subsequent years.
Combined, these programs represent nearly $1.8 million invested to date in education and opportunity across Washington and Oregon.
"Our work has always been guided by a simple belief that well-fed kids create well-fed minds," Foundation & Education Development Manager Amanda Stevens said. "As the PeakCU Foundation, we're continuing that work with a broader reach and a deeper ability to respond to local needs."
The PeakCU Foundation operates independently while coordinating with Peak Credit Union to serve communities across Washington and Oregon. Its programs focus on residents such as educators, trade and timber workers, first responders, small business owners and the families who depend on them. The Foundation also runs financial literacy initiatives in partnership with local schools and nonprofits, aiming to help individuals and families build practical financial skills.
"Our goal is not just to give back, but to grow alongside the communities we serve," Stevens said. "That means listening closely, staying flexible, and investing in programs that truly support people and help our community prosper."
Peak Credit Union serves individuals, families and businesses across Washington and Oregon, and has more than 250,000 members and $4 billion in assets.
Joyce Moed can be reached at joyce.moed@arc-network.com.
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