Children’s Volunteer Health Network helping one child at a time

By Kerri Parker

Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) works tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of children in need in Walton and Okaloosa Counties. CVHN has a network of nearly one hundred providers who volunteer their time to provide medical, dental, vision and specialist care to local children in need. Their mission is solely dependent upon the private sector for funding. CVHN is a non-profit organization that has aligned their financial strategy with those who have the innate desire to do good as a society.

In 2005, one caring adult recognized a child in pain, and she took her first step to help him. Step by step that child received the care he needed, and from that life-altering process, CVHN was established. A faith based organization, their mission is to ensure that all God’s children in Walton and Okaloosa Counties envision their future as limitless; a never-ending mission to do good.

Due to the overwhelming dental need in our community, CVHN operates a mobile clinic and a dental office staffed with full time dental and client care professionals working year round to make sure our kids have the care they need and deserve. 93 cents of each dollar of funds raised each year directly supports CVHN programs. The “do-gooders” in our community allow CVHN to provide this essential care at no cost to our local kids in need.

Among an army of volunteers who relentlessly recruit throughout our community are also those who serve as board members. The board and staff at CVHN are held to the highest ethical principles as they strive to be pillars of moral character. CVHN has numerous supporters, from individuals, small businesses, to one of the most influential charities in the region, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF). Major community developments such as Alys Beach and St. Joe have contributed to the success of CVHN fundraising events as event sponsors, year after year. Our community need is so great that CVHN has implemented a program called the Circle of 100 that essentially provides monthly contributions through membership. You can become a member online at CVHNKIDS.org. Look for the donate link, and find out more about how you can become a Circle of 100 member. Your help is needed. Please contact Kelly Thompson, development director of CVHN to learn more about how you can help our local children who need medical, dental, vision and specialist care. (850) 622-3200.