From Mounting Debt to Making a Difference

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Despite his professional success, Michael Sheldon, a former Hewlett-Packard executive turned software entrepreneur, didn’t always make all the right moves.  “I know what it’s like to be in hell,” he says, after suffering and rebounding from staggering credit card debt years back.  With so many people in his community facing severe financial distress, Sheldon knew he could offer hope and help.  He just needed to get connected. 

Enter Connecting to Serve.  “Their message just resonated with me”, says Michael, a dedicated husband, father, and self-described “Boomer.”  Sheldon always knew he wanted to serve others, but like many, he didn’t know where to begin.  Scanning the bulletin at church one Sunday, he noticed an appeal asking for volunteers with an interest or background in finance to serve on a taskforce helping people facing foreclosure or other debt-related stress.  Michael contacted Connecting to Serve, and his new mission as a financial advocate was launched.

Partnering with banks, local government agencies, such as Arizona Saves and Consumer Credit Counseling, and faith-based financial organizations such as Thrivent, Sheldon began to work in tandem with a dozen other private sector professionals, offering free financial counseling, workshops and education to the community.  The workshops covered a range of topics including crisis budgeting, reading credit reports, managing job loss and obtaining mortgage loan modifications.  Last spring, the taskforce invited the community to a live webcast at Mountain View Lutheran Church featuring prominent financial coach, Dave Ramsey.  Their work had begun to gain traction, and the community took notice.

Like every new taskforce, this one faces some challenges as their mission continues to evolve. According to Sheldon, the stigma attached to debt prevents people from getting help, so a critical component involves propelling people to action. But Sheldon isn’t daunted. “The banks love what we’re doing,” he says.  “If we can get the word out that people aren’t alone, that help is available, and that financial institutions want to work with them, we have a better chance of creating lasting solutions.”   

Today, Michael juggles his role as a CEO for a new start-up company with living his passion to help others.  Many days, he can be found knocking on doors.  His mission is to establish partnerships with banks who can offer funds to market their efforts, with churches and businesses willing to lend space for hosting workshops, and with non-profits working toward similar goals.  Further, Sheldon is involved in fundraising for Connecting to Serve, helping to further the mission is to create solutions in housing, finances, health and education by building bridges between people with a passion to serve and those in need. 

“It really appeals to me, the notion of giving back.  I’ve struggled and overcome, and now I want to share what I’ve learned to help others.”  

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-Michael Sheldon, Volunteer, Financial Education Task Force