When he and his family were going through a difficult time, SCFCU member Chilly Jackson came to SCFCU for help with getting a loan. But what he encountered at the credit union and the support he received was more than he could have ever imagined.

At St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, it's more about the interactions we have with our members and within our communities rather than just transactions. That is where SCFCU's meaningful difference initiative comes into play, which encourages employees to deepen connections with members. Mortgage Processor Hope Luberda recalls one memorable interaction she had with members and gifting them with a special plaque in honor of their beloved family cabin.

At St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our members and within our communities. One part of living out that mission is through our Meaningful Difference Program, which encourages employees to deepen connections with members. An example of that effort in action is when Member Advisor Lydia Baker provided a music box to a members who were going through a difficult time, letting them know we are there for them.

When Good Life Chiropractic opened its doors in 2021, Dr. Elijah Johnson was looking to establish a connection with a local financial institution that was close, rooted in the community, convenient and had online banking. And all he had to do was look across the parking lot in Sartell to find a local credit union that checked all of those boxes: St. Cloud Financial Credit Union.

Omni Training Facility is far more than just a training facility. It is space that is inclusive, provides a sense of belonging, brings the community together and much more. When owners Colin and Leah launched the business in 2019, they turned to their local credit union, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, to help them every step of the way. And to this day, SCFCU continues to be a proud partner of Omni Training Facility throughout its journey.

This year, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union proudly stood alongside St. Cloud Subaru and Sartell Sabres Athletics and Activities in teaming up in the fight against cancer during three powerful cancer awareness nights filled with pink, purpose and a whole lot of heart.

What a year it was in 2025! A year of impact, a year of passion and a year of making a meaningful difference — together. Thank you to our members, our employees, our partners and our communities for making the year one that we will never forget! We can't wait for another incredible year ahead in 2026!

At SCFCU, we are here for you as your local credit union beyond your financial needs. One way of doing that is through our Meaningful Difference Initiative, which encourages employees to deepen connections with members. After an unexpected surprise in our Sauk Rapids branch in August, SCFCU had the honor of surprising Bethie with a $2,000 donation for her non-profit, Grey Face Rescue & Retirement, so they can continue to make a meaningful difference for animals in need and families who adopt them.

As part of Minnesota Credit Union Network's CU Forward Day, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union employees displayed their passion of giving back by participating in our 11th annual Community Day on Oct. 13 while supporting five organizations in different pockets of the Central Minnesota community.

This year, SCFCU is once again teaming up with Sartell Athletics and St. Cloud Subaru in the fight against cancer. But just for Sartell football this season — we are also supporting Sabres volleyball and boys hockey! Let's pink out the stands at all three events while we raise money in support of the Randy Shaver Cancer Research & Community Fund and our TriUnity Foundation!

What a special night on Aug. 26 in Sauk Rapids during our 2025 Changemakers Award Ceremony, a night dedicated to honoring all of those who make a meaningful difference throughout our community! Changemakers is presented by St. Cloud Financial Credit Union and St. Cloud Live.

Congratulations to one of our 2025 Changemakers finalists, Adrian Washington of St. Cloud! The 2025 Changemakers Award is presented by St. Cloud Financial Credit Union and St. Cloud Live. Learn more by visiting scfcu.org/changemakers.

Congratulations to one of our 2025 Changemakers finalists, Julie Leikvoll from Little Falls! The 2025 Changemakers Award is presented by St. Cloud Financial Credit Union and St. Cloud Live. Learn more at scfcu.org/changemakers.

Coil's Flags and Flagpoles has been at the center of the Central Minnesota community for decades. As Tim and Karen Coil continued their journey as owner-operators of the company, that grew into an opportunity to expand their business ownership. The Coils purchased MN Tarp and Liner in 2023 with the intention of their sons operating the business, and they knew they could count on St. Cloud Financial Credit Union to assist in making that dream come to life.

Baking has always been a passion for Robin Hoeft, and she took that passion to the next level during the pandemic while specializing in baking macarons. When her skills and pastry making on the side resulted in an up-tick in production, she decided it was time to pursue her passion full-time, starting Midwest Macarons and now opening up a store in Annandale. And that's when she turned to St. Cloud Financial Credit Union for help every step of the way.

After starting her career as a Registered Nurse, Rachelle Wirtzfeld took a leap of faith and shifted focus in her career, starting Oolala Chic Aesthetics alongside Megan Theisen. When an increased interest resulted in the expansion of their business, that's when they turned to St. Cloud Financial Credit Union to help them every step of the way in growing their small business to continue to an impact in the community.

St. Cloud Financial Credit Union is proud to partner with many great businesses, organizations, charities and individuals throughout our communities — one of which is Joah's Ark Petting Zoo. Hear from Joah's Ark owner Joanna Olson, who talks about the partnership with SCFCU, how SCFCU has helped her on her farm and beyond, and what this partnership means to her and her business.

A native of Somalia, when Shirwa Adan came to the United States and made St. Cloud his second home as well a place he would start a family, he also gained another family when he chose St. Cloud Financial Credit Union as his local, trusted credit union.