Children's Volunteer Health Network opens doors in South Walton

Children’s Volunteer Health Network finally has a home to call its own.

After five years of operating out of the founder’s home and donated office space, the organization purchased property in October.

The new property is located at 82 Lynn Drive, part of the Santa Rosa Square office complex just off U.S. Highway 98E.

The grand opening was held Feb. 9.

“We just outgrew our donated space,” said CVHN office manager Kim Pall, “and the board of directors committed themselves to finding a home that CVHN could call its own.”

CVHN also purchased at the same time the unit next door, which it is renting to Shelter House, the domestic violence office serving South Walton.

“We are only just beginning to combat the health care crisis for the many uninsured and underinsured kids in Okaloosa and Walton counties,” said CVHN founder Tricia Northcutt. “The need is growing like kudzu. This building is a testament of faith and love in action.”

The organization held a volunteer appreciation luncheon Feb. 26 at Christ the King Episcopal Church to recognize the many volunteers and hours of service donated to helping children get needed health care they cannot afford.

“Volunteers are core to the mission and it would be impossible for us to operate without them,” said CVHN Executive Director Alice Stapleton.

Since its inception, the organization has made more than 2,000 medical, dental, and mental health appointments for children without insurance. This number does not include work done in dental clinics.

Receiving the organization’s silver award for 250-499 volunteer hours were Dr. Oliver Broutin, and Dr. Carol Merkle.

The gold award for 500-plus hours went to Northcutt.

Northcutt presented an award of her own, the Spirit of Giving Award, to Anna Comer. Comer could not be present and Northcutt accepted on her behalf.

“Anna started the outreach program at Point Washington United Methodist Church and lured me in. I was hooked after that,” said Northcutt.

As Northcutt addressed the volunteers gathered before her, she choked up.

“I can’t talk about CVHN without tearing up thinking of the joy we receive from them (the children who are helped),” she said. “You are the people who set their tomorrows. You make a difference.” 

For more information about CVHN or how to volunteer and make a difference in a kid’s tomorrow visit www.cvhnkids.org, e-mail alice@cvhnkids.org, or call (850) 622-3200.