Sewickley Woman Dedicates Years to Needs of Region's Children

In 1975, Janet Kovac moved to Sewickley. The strong sense of community and the village atmosphere are some of the reasons she has stayed for 22 years.

For 14 years she has been giving her all to Child Health Association, where she is a six-year board member and is about to enter her second term as president. Kovac spoke with Sewickley Patch about the importance of the nonprofit she serves.

What keeps you living and serving Sewickley?

I enjoy the small-town atmosphere. Walking around the village I am almost certain to see a familiar face. I enjoy the abundance of parks and green space, the great restaurants and wonderful shops. is an evolving community but also remembers the historical importance of the area, the buildings and the homes. This historical aspect is the reason that the Child Health’s Sewickley House Tour is one of my favorite events, as I can tour some of the most architecturally or historically important homes in the Sewickley Valley.  

What made you decide to join Child Health?

Once my children began school, I wanted to give some of my time. I noticed the need for volunteers in the schools and became involved in my children’s classrooms. I heard about the Child Health Association of Sewickley and learned of the impact it had on Sewickley. I knew that I wanted to be a part of a dynamic organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of children.  

What is Child Health's background?

The Child Health Association of Sewickley rose from simple beginnings. Three women came together to provide fresh milk to undernourished Sewickley school children. Eighty eight years later, it has grown to an organization with more than 223 current members -- 63 active and 160 associate. Child Health is a female volunteer organization that focuses on supporting programs and services directly addressing children’s emotional, educational, physical and recreational needs.  

We are able to have an impact on children in Western Pennsylvania through myriad fundraising programs such as the Sewickley House Tour or Sewickley Valley Antiques Show and by providing grants to nonprofit organizations including . Child Health Members also volunteer thousands of hours each year, providing hands-on service to the Sewickley community.

Although Child Health continuously looks toward the future and how we can better ourselves as an organization, we have never lost sight of who we are and what we aim to do: support programs that nurture the whole child.

Why is a nonprofit organization of this nature so important?

Child Health solely focuses on programs that support the heath of the whole child, their emotional, educational, physical and recreational needs. Having an organization such as Child Health in the Sewickley Valley allows us to have an impact on children in our community. Although our efforts reach all over Western Pennsylvania, our continued focus on the children of Sewickley is an important attribute and is seen through various grants, endowments and hands-on projects.

Additionally, Child Health is unique because we fund multiple children-focused 501(c)3 organizations in Western Pennsylvania, allowing smaller groups that would not normally qualify for funding from foundations receive support from us.

What are some of Child Health's proudest accomplishments?

The impact that Child Health has been able to have thus far is quite profound. Since 1949, Child Health has donated more than $3.7 million to more than 300 children’s programs throughout Western Pennsylvania, including the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, the Children’s Museum, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Youth Pops Orchestra and Lydia’s Place, among many others. We recently funded larger projects at War Memorial Park and Legacy Fields at Bouchard Family Park. Other recent local grants include Nature Center, Youth Connect, Sewickley and The Laughlin Center.  Additionally, [Child Health] has provided seed money to help establish new programs that benefit many children in Western Pennsylvania.

Child Health has an extensive reach across the Sewickley community, more so than many realize. Each year Child Health Members conduct the Betty Galey Vision Screening program for all children in Sewickley pre-schools. Volunteers help identify children with vision problems so that the parents can have their children seen by pediatric ophthalmologists as early detection can make a difference in the treatment of many eye problems. The Dental Hygiene and Screening program is conducted in select grades at Quaker Valley elementary, middle and high schools.  Along with a dental hygienist, students are educated about daily oral hygiene, and some are referred for further evaluation or treatment.

Child Health also provides cultural enrichment grants to the seven schools in the School District. These grants allow the schools to provide a specific program tailored to the needs of their students.

One of the most well-known projects of Child Health is our "" series, with four volumes. With the first edition published in 1973, it’s a long-running and successful program for Child Health. Although many don’t make the connection between Child Health and the "Three Rivers Cookbook" series, it is one of our signature projects.   

As president, I’m extremely proud of the passion and commitment of our members. Last year alone our volunteers logged nearly 10,000 hours of service. It’s clear that our members truly believe in the mission of Child Health, and each woman works to ensure that every event, program and project is a success.

What events do you have planned for the upcoming year?

On June 27, Child Health will sponsor the CHAOS Golf Invitational at Allegheny . An activity-filled day of golf followed by a dinner reception and awards, all proceeds will benefit the mission of Child Health. For information on participation or being a sponsor, contact us at 412-741-2593.

October 15 and 16 will bring our 12th annual Sewickley Valley Antiques Show. Highly respected dealers from all over the East Coast will again gather in Sewickley to provide quality antiques from furniture to art to jewelry.

Child Health’s annual Child Health Ball will take place on Nov. 19. It is an evening of wonderful food, entertainment and dancing while supporting the mission of Child Health.

On May 4 and 5, 2012, Child Health will have its 35th Sewickley House Tour. Patrons are able to tour six to eight homes throughout the Sewickley Valley. The homes are chosen based on architectural or historic importance. The event attracts nearly 2,000 patrons.

As always, the "Three Rivers Cookbooks," Volumes I, II, III and IV are available for sale year-round and are a wonderful gift or addition to any cookbook collection.

What is the biggest myth about Child Health, and what would you say to dispel it?

One of the biggest myths is that Child Health is not an accessible organization in terms of becoming a member.  Our membership consists of women from various stages of life, from homemakers to professionals, single and married, those in their 20s through their 60s. We welcome women from all stages in their lives.

Also, that our members are overworked. Although we take pride in the number of hours our volunteers log and the accomplishments that come from those hours, we encourage members to balance volunteering with their personal lives. We are supportive of our members and recognize that members have commitments outside of Child Health.

Is Child Health looking for new members?

Yes, Child Health is always looking for women who have a passion for volunteering and support the mission of Child Health. New members are accepted into Child Health in September and January, with applications due August 15 and December 15 respectively. All members must live in the Quaker Valley School District and be able to fulfill all attendance, volunteer and financial requirements. We ask those who are interested to visit the Child Health website at www.childhealthassociation.org for additional information.

What is life going to be like for you after Child Health? Or do you plan to stay for awhile?

Although my role or extent of involvement may change, I can’t imagine not being involved in Child Health in some capacity. For the past 14 years Child Health has allowed me to give back to the community, help have a positive impact on Sewickley and build friendships with many driven and talented women. I truly enjoy it.