About Us
Vision Statement
A foster care system that prioritizes normalcy and stability
for all children of all ages .
Mission Statement
House of Compassion provides quality care to youth by setting performance goals and offering emotional and mental support.
Leadership
Sheldon Neal
President/CEO
After spending 5 years at Hewlett Packard, Sheldon began volunteering at HOC. Nearly 9 years later, Sheldon leads the organization with something he learned from his volunteer days: treatment works better when youth feel safe and treated normal.
Phone: 816-761-2273
Michelle Greeley
Executive Director
Michelle joined HOC in July 2020, after obtaining her Master’s in Social Work from UMKC in May. She brings over 16 years of experience in social services to the organization. Her passion is working with and advocating for vulnerable groups of people, especially youth in foster care. She is excited that the new executive role allows her to empower our treatment staff, as well as support our youth.
Phone: 816-256-8546
Kandace Hamlett
Program Coordinator
Kandace started her journey at HOC as an office assistant in 2013 and instantly connected with the program. With a degree in education and passion for working with youth in need, she understands the importance of empowering teens in the classroom and in life. Today, Kandace serves the role of program coordinator.
Phone: 816-256-3318
The of HOC
Erika Neal-Peterson
1970-2014
House of Compassion opened on May 5th, 2012. Our founder, Erika Peterson “Miss Erika” dreamed of a program that would improve lives and make a significant impact in the community. Originally named D.A.S.E. House of Compassion, the program has embraced the simpler: House of Compassion (or HOC) but continues to operate with the same core values that our founder instilled into our culture. After 14 months from the time we opened, our founder, Miss Erika, lost her long battle with breast cancer. Her family and friends have committed themselves to carry out her vision and legacy.
When you visit HOC today, you feel the energy and warmth that Miss Erika desired for our program. In 2017, Sheldon Neal (Erika’s oldest son and Program Manager) expanded the program with an older youth home. To pay tribute to our founder, we nicknamed our main home Peterson House. Our newer home is nicknamed Beaird House after Amy Beaird, a CASA volunteer that inspires us with her enormous efforts.
HOC continues to excel in supporting children to reach their goals and overcome their obstacles. As we continue to expand, we thank you for your commitment to our program.
