Edward Jones is a financial services company with more than 7 million clients in the U.S. and Canada.
Stephen P. Smith is an advisor in the Edward Jones Eugene office. He says every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to support individual investors. "We embrace the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of all the investing options available today."
Stephen shares that advisors with Edward Jones are also deeply invested in giving back to the community.
"Not only do we serve our clients in the office, but we also pride ourselves in investing our time and talents in the communities that we serve."
As part of his own commitment to giving back, Stephen supports ShelterCare.
"ShelterCare fills a great need in our community by offering a very holistic approach to [homelessness]. That’s something that I really like being a part of."
When an individual wishes to make a gift of stock to ShelterCare, Stephen donates his time to help facilitate the transfer, which means we can devote even more resources to our programs.
There is a drive-through coffee shop across from Stephen's office. He is struck by the sheer number of people driving through for coffee every day to spend a few dollars on a beverage, and it gives him an idea.
"Three dollars a day, five days a week adds up to about $780 a year. What if there were a booth in the ShelterCare parking lot? People could drive up every day and give a buck or two; just a buck or two a day to help another human being who is living on the streets in our own community."
Thank you, Stephen. While we don't currently have a drive-up donation booth, we do accept donations of any amount. Donations can be made in-person at our administrative office, at 499 W. 4th Ave. in Eugene, or on our donations page.