Second Harvest of the Big Bend will receive full funding under a local Community Human Services Partnership, or CHSP grant. The move comes after the organization struggled to find funding in recent years and just in time for a new CEO to lead the organization.
The financial struggle began when a former Second Harvest Director failed to turn the organization’s grant application in on time. Second Harvest received no funding in the 2014-2015 fiscal year and had its dollars capped last year. Now, outgoing interim CEO Jim Croteau says that cap has been removed.
“This year we just got notice of $185,000 which restores us into the graces of CHSP, but also allows us to really implement our local program here in Tallahassee, Leon County,” Croteau says.
Meanwhile, Second Harvest has named a new CEO. Tallahassee political fixture Rick Minor is the new CEO for Second Harvest of the Big Bend. And while Minor says he’s committed to the job, he admits it won’t stop him from eyeing another run for office. Minor says he’s looking toward a city commission run in 2020.
“I plan to focus my efforts whole heartedly on Second Harvest during that time and then run for and win a seat on the city commission then. And when I do, I do feel that the two can coexist. In fact they can complement each other. I think there’s a lot to be said for having a voice on the city commission that understands the needs of non-profits that are doing good work in this community to serve families in need,” Minor says.
Minor says he began talking with the Second Harvest board about the job before he recently dropped out of the race for a city commission seat. He also spent time volunteering with Second Harvest before agreeing to work for the organization. He says he wanted to be sure the work there is something he can be passionate about.
