Our Community Work
We are a not-for-profit community cooperative, founded in 1961 by eight Aurora Public School teachers to serve the community, and we still do. Your membership allows us to offer better financial services to all our members and get involved in important community causes. Read on to learn more about our community work.
ASPIRE Foundation of Colorado
The ASPIRE Foundation of Colorado was established by The District Credit Union to raise funds for educational initiatives throughout Aurora schools. In 2019, the Foundation Board of Directors transitioned our focus to grant opportunities that serve more members of our Aurora community, as well as one scholarship per year to Pickens Technical College. Many grants have been awarded, including support for the Aurora Public Schools STEM program, assistance with the startup of a school pride store, even transportation for a field trip to Ameritowne. While we prefer to focus on financial education, we are always looking for new grant applicants and opportunities.
Applications for our Community College of Aurora Grant are accepted and processed through the Community College of Aurora Foundation. For more information about the ASPIRE Foundation of Colorado grant process, contact Kendra Galloway at 303.577.1069.
How to Donate
There are two ways to support the ASPIRE Foundation of Colorado.
- Donate directly.
- Shop through Amazon Smile. Search for and select the ASPIRE Foundation for Colorado as your charity of choice, then shop. Amazon will donate a small portion of your purchase to ASPIRE.
If you are donating directly, you are allowed to name a scholarship to recognize or memorialize a specific donor, individual or institution. We will work with you to craft a scholarship with criteria that you specify, which may include the following: designated college or university, specific field or level of study, participation in particular types of sports, academic achievement, financial need, and many other factors.
If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation to our ASPIRE Foundation, or to learn more about planned giving or named scholarships, please call Kendra Galloway at 303.577.1069.
ASPIRE Board of Directors
The ASPIRE Board of Directors is made up of community volunteers who are committed to supporting their Aurora community, as well as the mission and goals of the Foundation.
| Brad Johnson | CEO, The District Credit Union |
| Roy Smith | Family Liaison, Aurora Hills Middle School – APS |
| Janet Kiyota | Business Owner, Trion Promotion and Design |
| Kathy Gobin | Retired Counselor, Aurora Public Schools |
| Steve Bouras | Vice President, The District Credit Union |
| Brandi Walls | Mabry Business Development Manager, The District Credit Union |
Financial Literacy Classes
Understanding personal finances is essential for any and all ages. At The District Credit Union, in addition to the free financial literacy resources we offer in our education center, we provide lessons and workshops that can assist you, your students, and your families with money management. Many Aurora and Cherry Creek high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, and colleges have already taken advantage of our free financial education services.
We have provided presentations on the following topics:
- Banking Basics: Saving, Checking & Managing Credit
- Identity Theft
- Understanding Your Credit Score
- Banks vs. Credit Unions: What’s the Difference?
- Money Management: Building a Budget and Paying Yourself First
We present to all age groups and backgrounds, from Kindergarten classes to post-secondary groups, and our presentations are tailored to each group we serve. We also offer workshops and seminars through community partners.
If you would like us to visit your students, staff, or members, please call Brandi Walls-Mabry at 303-577-1071.
Volunteer Opportunities
As a not-for-profit organization, volunteers play important roles in our success. Therefore, we are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help serve in a variety of volunteer capacities.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors consists of seven volunteers whose main responsibilities include: overseeing that all credit union policies are followed, monitoring the credit union’s strategic plan, and ensuring that the credit union operates in a safe and secure manner. Through the work of our Board of Directors, we keep the best interests of our members as our top priority.
| Suzanne Acheson | Chairperson |
| Randy Patrick | Vice Chairperson |
| Dean Adams | Treasurer |
| Barbara Iskra | Secretary |
| Janet Kiyota | Director |
| Michael Jones | Director |
| Ryan Davis | Director |
Supervisory Committee
Our Supervisory Committee protects the financial wellbeing of The District Credit Union and promptly prepares all accounting records and reports. This committee acts as the members’ “watchdog,” ensuring The District Credit Union maintains its standard of excellence and that all regulations, procedures and policies governing it are followed.
| Patti Oda |
| Bill Ott |
| Jennifer Komondy |
If you are interested in volunteering for a position with either our Board of Directors or Supervisory Committee, please call Kendra Galloway at 303-577-1069.