LACEY, Wash./EUGENE, Ore.– The TwinStar Community Foundation has officially been renamed the PeakCU Foundation, following the merger of TwinStar Credit Union and Northwest Community CU to form Peak Credit Union.
While the name has changed, the mission remains the same to strengthen local communities by supporting students, educators, and families where they live and learn, the credit union said.
“This change reflects who we are today and where we’re going,” David Tuyo, CEO of Peak Credit Union, said in a statement. “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.”
A Proven History of Community Impact
Since its establishment in 2015, and building on education-focused initiatives supported by the credit union for decades prior, the Foundation’s work has centered around three core pillars
- Eliminating school lunch debt. From 2018 through 2024, the Foundation paid more than $245,000 to help eliminate school lunch debt for students in the communities it serves, ensuring children can focus on learning without the burden of food insecurity.
- Supporting educators through Classroom Cash. Since the program launched in 2000, more than $742,000 has been awarded through Classroom Cash grants, providing K–12 teachers, counselors, and librarians with funding for classroom supplies, books, and enrichment resources.
- Investing in students through scholarships. Since 2003, nearly $800,000 has been awarded in scholarships to graduating high school seniors and continuing education students. Many recipients are eligible to reapply each year, providing sustained support throughout their college careers.
Together, these initiatives represent nearly $1.8 million invested to date in strengthening educational outcomes and long-term opportunity across Washington and Oregon, the credit union said.
“Our work has always been guided by a simple belief that well-fed kids create well-fed minds,” said Amanda Stevens, Foundation & Education Development Manager. “As the PeakCU Foundation, we’re continuing that work with a broader reach and a deeper ability to respond to local needs.”
Strengthening Communities for the Future
According to the organization, the PeakCU Foundation operates as a distinct legal entity while working closely with Peak Credit Union to expand its community impact across Washington and Oregon. As local needs continue to evolve, the Foundation remains focused on supporting the people who form the backbone of its communities such as educators, workers in the timber industry and other trades, first responders, small business owners, and the families who depend on them.
The Foundation continues to invest in financial literacy and education, helping individuals and families build long-term financial confidence through classroom programs and partnerships with local schools and nonprofits.
“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.”
