SPIRE Credit Union was recently honored with a national second place 2019 Adult Desjardins Financial Education Award. Sponsored by Credit Union National Association (CUNA), the award recognizes leadership within the credit union movement on behalf of financial literacy for members and nonmembers of all ages.

SPIRE believes its duty is to teach financial skills that help individuals succeed and thrive throughout life. Since its inception in 2007, the credit union’s financial literacy outreach program, Building Financial 
Freedom, has instructed more than 7,800 individuals in 1,000+ classroom hours.

In 2018, the program offered 55 events reaching more than 1,800 adults on 25 financial topics. That far exceeded the credit union’s goal of reaching 20% more adults compared to 2017. Additionally, SPIRE reached 585 youth over 366 classroom hours in 2018. Their financial literacy team worked with more than 20 community partners to greatly expand its impact through financial education for a wide range of people: adults seeking recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, senior citizens, veteran’s organizations, young professionals, and more. 

“To be recognized nationally, alongside credit unions who are also doing amazing work with personal finance education, is astounding,” said Dan Stoltz, SPIRE President/CEO, “Our employees are passionate about giving back to their communities through financial literary education. I am so proud of Team SPIRE!” 

The Desjardins Financial Education Award is named after credit union pioneer Alphonse Desjardins and emphasizes the movement’s longtime commitment to financial education.