Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheldon Neal.
Sheldon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
House of Compassion (HOC) opened in 2012. The founder, Erika Peterson, had dreamed of a program that would improve lives and make a significant impact in the community. After 14 months from the time HOC opened, the founder lost her battle with cancer. Her family and friends, including her son Sheldon, committed themselves to carrying out her vision and legacy.
HOC is a non-profit residential treatment facility for young men ages 12 to 21 who are in foster care and have experienced various forms of neglect, abuse, and trauma.
Sheldon was in his early 20’s when HOC was founded. He was exploring a career in technology. Once his mother passed away, he was determined to continue to support his mother’s dream and provide quality care to young men in the foster care system. Sheldon had seen his mom in action, but did not have any background in the social services field. Over the last 12 years, Sheldon has become a strong leader for the organization and a mentor and role model for each boy who passes through the doors. Sheldon is an advocate for individuals working in the social service field and strives to provide a safe, supportive environment for all staff. Sheldon often spends time in the community with boys to help them experience normalcy by attending activities such as bowling, visiting arcades, and eating meals out at various restaurants.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Over the years, House of Compassion (HOC) has faced multiple challenges due to policy changes. A few of these were that HOC had to pursue accreditation, which entailed significant expenses beyond the program’s small budget. This was mandated in order to continue being licensed by the state to provide residential services to youth in foster care. Billing practices changed, impacting consistent, timely payments needed to care for and continue caring for the boys, as well as to pay qualified staff who worked closely with the boys.
Despite any challenges that arose, Sheldon was determined, often using creativity and problem-solving skills to identify ways to manage and overcome them. Due to his determination, House of Compassion faced and overcame these obstacles. Sheldon is forward-thinking and often identifies ways to improve services, increase benefits to staff, and support the boys in achieving success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Each day, much of my time is spent supporting the leadership team and helping develop creative strategies to navigate the ever-changing challenges of the foster care system. I specialize in quick problem-solving and thrive on tackling complex issues—challenging puzzles are where I do my best work. I’m also known for leading facilities that consistently execute with quality and a strong spirit of excellence. We obsess over the small details that ultimately create an exceptional experience for the youth we serve.
In the last two years, I also helped open two early education schools to address the growing need for quality child care in our community. During a time of significant workforce challenges in the field, I worked alongside a dedicated team to build a supportive, values-driven environment for educators. Today, those schools serve approximately 120 students each day.
I’m most proud of the nearly 15 years House of Compassion has provided high-quality care for youth in foster care, as well as the culture we’ve built along the way. We’ve become a reliable, supportive employer where team members feel valued and led by people who prioritize a positive work environment.
What sets me apart is a willingness to challenge the status quo, and I thrive on pushing the boundaries of the industries I work in, using creativity to drive thoughtful, innovative change. The youth we serve deserve the very best, and I’m passionate about continually improving how we support them. In early education, that approach has led to creative solutions that meet real community needs and expand access to high-quality child care for families.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
What often surprises people about me is how deeply creative I am outside of business. I enjoy cooking and baking—most recently perfecting homemade cinnamon rolls—and I love playing the piano and learning new pieces in my personal time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://compassioncare.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houseofcompassionkc/
