Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Wicoff.
Hi Sandra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I moved to Houston after college to attend law school and graduated from the University of Houston Law Center. I practiced law for several years, primarily in probate and mental health. I was always drawn to social services and changed careers to nonprofit work, starting with a grant writing position as I knew that fundraising would be integral to operations. I continued in the nonprofit world and have been in leadership positions for about 20 years. I’ve been with Target Hunger since April 2018 and consider it a privilege to be involved in food assistance at this time when there is so much emphasis on basic needs.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is not a smooth road! Personally, there were challenges related to working and raising a family and a health scare along the way. Professionally, it has been an interesting journey. In the non-profit world, things that influence decisions to make a move may be board-related issues, shifting funding priorities, and personal areas of purpose and passion.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am currently the CEO for Target Hunger, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to alleviate hunger and its root causes in vulnerable northeast and east Houston communities. I have been in my position since April 2018 and am proud of strengthening the organization in key ways. Target Hunger was in a temporary warehouse and office space due to Hurricane Harvey when I joined. We were able to move into our current location in Denver Harbor the following year. The facility allowed us to ramp up operations during the pandemic to keep up with the dramatic increase in need and we are now planning to purchase and renovate the campus – this will be the organization’s first permanent home. Target Hunger is also now addressing the root causes of hunger through a formal Navigation Services Program that uses certified Community Health Workers to help clients connect to critical community resources and help them on a journey toward greater self-sufficiency. This program began during the pandemic and has now expanded to include a 4-person team. Target Hunger is now in a position to have a greater impact in vulnerable communities.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The overall nonprofit industry has grown tremendously to address unmet needs and it’s likely that will continue. The trend is to collect and utilize data to make decisions about programs and operations and that will continue as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.targethunger.org
- Instagram: @targethunger
- Facebook: @TargetHungerHouston
- Twitter: @TargetHunger
