Teaching for Change
We are excited to honor William Pierrepont, Associate Wealth Advisor with First Foundation Advisors, as our Volunteer of the Month. William has made a remarkable impact by volunteering to teach financial literacy at the Orange County Rescue Mission and California State University, Long Beach. His dedication to educating others on financial fundamentals has empowered individuals from various backgrounds, equipping them with essential skills to build secure and stable futures.
William's journey as a volunteer is rooted in his personal values and upbringing. He shares, "Being altruistic aligns with my morals, and I enjoy building community. The motto at my high school was a Latin phrase ‘NON SIBI SED CUNCTIS’, Not for themselves but for all. Community Service was part of our everyday curriculum."
At the Orange County Rescue Mission, William took the initiative to educate those facing challenging life transitions. Rescue Mission students have experienced homelessness, addiction, or other difficulties and are working through the Mission's programs to take their first steps toward independent living. Along with colleague Neil Amor, William provided practical tools to help these individuals create sustainable financial plans for their future. His approachable and compassionate teaching style left a lasting impact on the class attendees.
During one OC Rescue Mission class, a crucial moment occurred for the participants struggling with the realities facing them after graduation. William reinforced that they are not alone in their journey, as a larger community outside their program is willing to offer guidance and hope.
To promote financial literacy among young adults, William joined fellow wealth advisor Jeff Eisfelder at Cal State Long Beach to teach college students. He also recently led a tour for his daughter's preschool class through the Westwood Branch to help them become familiar with money and basic concepts at an early age. "Financial literacy is about creating options and empowering people," William reflects, highlighting his belief in the importance of self-sufficiency and planning for a secure future.
William's dedication extends beyond the classroom. He is interested in educating his friends and family about financial skills, hoping to provide them with the resources and tools to feel more knowledgeable about their finances. Thank you, William, for your dedication to building stronger communities by empowering others through financial literacy.
William has chosen Give Well to receive a $100 donation from First Foundation on his behalf. Give Well is a nonprofit organization focused on identifying and promoting the most effective charities for donors who want to maximize the impact of their contributions. Its recommendations primarily target global health and poverty alleviation, directing funds to initiatives such as preventing malaria, treating parasitic infections, and providing direct cash to people in need.
