Page 3 - 2016-2017 Annual Report

It is a normal day at the CVHN office. Phones are ringing, emails are assembling into
my inbox full of requests that urgently need my attention. The Dental Clinic Staff next
door is hard at work and has a full lobby of anxious parents waiting on their children. I
just received a call from Denise, our Mobile Dental Clinic Program Manager, who tells
me that we are going to need significant repairs done on the dental bus amounting to
thousands of dollars in unexpected expenses. Then I receive a text from another CVHN
staff member who must stay home today because their child is sick. It is one of those
days you wish you could just go back home and hit the restart button and start fresh.
Suddenly, I hear a knock at the door. In walks a Grandmother with grey hair, wrinkled
skin, and tired eyes. I welcome her inside and ask how I can help. She says, I have 5
children outside in the van who were left on my doorstep last night and they need
help. When I look outside, there are 5 small children between 10 months and 7 years
old. They look helpless and lost. I am completely broken hearted, but also thrilled that
we are going to be able to help!
Yes, we live in a paradise here in Northwest Florida, however, there are children right
here in our back yard who do not have basic care. Thankfully, CVHN exists in our
community and these 5 children will have medical, dental, vision and other specialist
care for as long as they need us. God has led certain members in our community to
FROM THE CEO
take a stand and not rely on government programs to fill these needs and I feel so
blessed to be a part of this organization and a community who cares so much for our
ZACH BILLINGSLEY
local kids.
Since inception, 18,234 children’s lives have been changed. 5 more lives just got added
to that total. When I look for motivation on tough days at the CVHN office, I will always
remember the eyes of these 5 children. Because the look of being lost and hurt in their
eyes is now changing to a look of love and hope. And that is why the tough days at
CVHN sometimes turn into the best.
Thank you for being a part of our CVHN Family. The past year has certainly been
successful as you will see in the pages ahead. However, we will continue to need your
support more than ever as we continue to shield our children from the broken health
care system that exists today.
With gratitude,

Children’s Volunteer Health Network 3