ALERT

We will never ask for private information. orsa credit union will never contact you to ask for private information like pins, one-time passcodes, account or card numbers, etc.

If you receive communication that you believe to be fraudulent or sounds suspicious, please end the conversation immediately and call our Care Center at (877) 937-2328 or visit us at any branch.

orsa Credit Union Logo

Get Inspired

From our latest impacts and financial tips to what it means to Belong, see how we’re making Impossible Dreams come true in the Michigan communities we serve.

Showing 22 results for Choose the Bear
Laura Killingbeck standing with Vanessa Owaski-Patzwald, Samantha Brown, Sandra Pilgrim-Lewis, and Stacey Ettawageshik of Uniting Three Fires Against Violence

Story

An Interview with Uniting Three Fires Against Violence (UTFAV): Part 1 of 2

On June 12, the Choose The Bear Tour took Laura Killingbeck to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan—where she spoke with Stacey Ettawageshik, Vanessa Owaski-Patzwald, Sandra Pilgrim-Lewis, and Samantha Brown of Uniting Three Fires Against Violence about women’s safety in Michigan’s native communities.

Laura Killingbeck on her computer in her tent

Story

An Interview with JoJo Dries, Founder of On The Wings of Angels

On May 20, while en route on the Keweenaw Peninsula, Laura Killingbeck interviewed JoJo Dries from her tent as part of the Choose The Bear Tour. This is the story of On The Wings of Angels.

Tiny purple flowers budding on the tips of branches

Story

The Community is Here for You: On The Wings of Angels

In this story from the Choose The Bear Tour, renowned author and adventurer Laura Killingbeck explores the impact of financial abuse on women and how On The Wings of Angels helps survivors pivot their trajectory.

Laura Killingbeck standing in front of her bike

Story

Choose The Bear Tour Begins

For eight weeks, solo cyclist and award-winning storyteller Laura Killingbeck will pedal over 1,000 miles across Michigan to ignite a movement to end gender-based violence and economic abuse. This is the start of her story.

Laura Killingbeck standing in front of her bicycle

News

Pedaling for Change: Choose The Bear Tour featured on 88.1 The Park

Meet Laura Killingbeck, an adventurer who is swapping solo wilderness trips for a purpose to help abuse survivors across Michigan. Tap to hear how her next bike tour with orsa credit union is turning miles into meaningful conversations about financial freedom and safety.

Laura Killingbeck emerges from her camping tent

News

Chasing the Impossible: A Conversation with Adventurer Laura Killingbeck

Discover how one woman's journey from hitchhiking across the country to leading a campaign for women's financial freedom proves that the "impossible" is just a starting point.

An icon of a chat bubble with a lock overtop, indicating privacy

Guide

Confidential Banking Options for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence

Safety starts with security. Discover how confidential financial options protect survivors of domestic and economic violence, offering practical steps to safeguard your finances and build independence.

A detailed drawing of a woman in an orange coat and a brown bear walking away on a path through a sunlit forest

News

Choose the Bear: Success Stories

When 1 in 2 women face abuse in their lifetimes and 99% of those also suffer financial abuse, is it any wonder that women chose the bear? See their stories.

A woman with dark hair and a faint smile looks forward, wearing a grey cardigan and black top

Story

Taking the First Steps with First Step

Nancy shares an emotional story about her work with First Step through Choose The Bear. Highlighting the partnership’s ability to help women in Michigan overcome abusive and unhealthy relationships.

Sweaty woman smiling, wearing earbuds, running near the Washington Monument at sunset

Thought Leadership

Choose The Bear

A personal story, the "Choose the Bear" movement, and highlighting our efforts to help women facing violence and economic abuse through financial tools and support for safer futures.

Page
of 2