CUs in the News

Supporting military families, helping teachers, and strengthening communities—Dakota credit unions are living “people helping people.”​

CUs in the News is a new spotlight series celebrating the incredible work happening across our Dakota credit unions. From standout promotions and community giveback efforts to innovative programs and member-focused initiatives, this series will showcase how our credit unions live out the “people helping people” philosophy each and every day.

Sentinel FCU Teams up with the Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition
Sentinel Federal Credit Union (SFCU) is teaming up with the Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition (BHMAC) to support the Ellsworth Community Food Pantry, an essential resource for military families at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Originally created during the 2025 federal furlough, the pantry continues to meet a steady need for food and household items.

To help keep shelves stocked, SFCU has placed donation bins at its Ellsworth Air Force Base, Box Elder, and Rapid City locations. Community members are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food, baby items, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and pet food.

“Although the federal furlough has ended, the need for food and household support has not,” said Cheryl Chapman, Chair of BHMAC’s Quality-of-Life Committee. “This partnership helps ensure the pantry can continue serving families who rely on it.”

“This reflects our shared commitment to supporting military families and strengthening the communities we serve,” added Beth Hottel, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at SFCU.
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Coteau Valley FCU Gives Back to Local Schools
In northeastern South Dakota, Coteau Valley Federal Credit Union is once again rallying around local educators with its beloved classroom supply donation drive. Each year, the credit union allocates part of its budget to purchase essential school supplies and invites members to join in throughout August. Over the years, donations have been delivered to Sisseton Elementary School, Tiospa Zina Tribal School, Browns Valley Public School, and the Rosholt School District. This year, staff brought supplies to Wilmot Public School, continuing a tradition that employees say is one of their favorite community support projects.

BHFCU 2025 Community Impact
Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU) reported an impressive $479,000 community impact in 2025, supporting 371 organizations across the region—further proof of the credit union’s deep commitment to the “people helping people” philosophy. Through 173 events, nearly half a million dollars in donations, and the dedication of its Community Action Team, BHFCU led four major giving drives, collecting 5,263 items and raising $57,300, which the credit union matched dollar for dollar.

Education also remained a top priority. BHFCU funded classroom wish lists, school improvement projects, and helped reduce lunch debt through its School Support Drive, in addition to awarding $20,000 in VIBZ Scholarships to first-year college students. Across 25 communities, BHFCU contributed more than $357,000 in sponsorships and donations while also delivering 144 financial education sessions to 1,450 participants.

From supporting military families and empowering educators to driving meaningful community impact, Dakota credit unions continue to make a positive difference across the region—one project, one partnership, and one member at a time.

As we continue rolling out our new CUs in the News series, we’re excited to feature even more stories that highlight the cooperative spirit thriving across the Dakotas. Whether it’s leadership announcements, community initiatives, staff achievements, or innovative programs, each update reflects the strength and heart of our movement.
 
If your credit union has exciting news to share, we’d love to highlight it—please send items to Annie Elhard.

About Sentinel Federal Credit Union
Sentinel FCU strives to support members and communities in their journey toward financial well-being. SFCU understands that connectivity is key to building stronger communities and helping South Dakotans reach their goals. SFCU is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving over 9,500 members, including both individuals and business owners. SFCU has branches in Box Elder, Custer, Ellsworth AFB, Hill City, Rapid City, and Winner, SD. Since 1955 the SFCU mission has remained the same; to protect the financial future of its members— just like a sentinel. Learn more at https://www.sentinelfcu.org/.
 
About Coteau Valley Federal Credit Union
Coteau Valley Federal Credit Union was founded as a federally chartered credit union in November of 1950. The initial field of membership was to include any local famers that belonged to the Farmers Union Cooperative Association in Sisseton, SD. Today our charter has expanded to include any one who lives, works, or worships within Roberts County, SD, as well as, immediate family members of a current CVFCU member. 

About Black Hills Federal Credit Union
Established in Rapid City in 1941, Black Hills Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving more than 115,000 members. The credit union has 18 locations in South Dakota and two in Montana. For more information, visit bhfcu.com.
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