By Jim Hilley — United Way of Chaves County recently named Barbara Yehl as its 2026 Community Volunteer Service Award recipient.
The 2026 Kick Off Campaign for The United Way of Chaves County (UWCC) began with a luncheon and continued with an awards ceremony at the Gala Events Center on Oct. 1.
At the luncheon, UWCC presented Barbara Yehl with the 2026 Community Volunteer Service Award in recognition of her outstanding dedication to children and families throughout Chaves County, according to United Way of Chaves County Executive Director Rita Camacho.
“The Community Volunteer Service Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional volunteer service and a strong commitment to improving the quality of life in Chaves County through their time, talents, and dedication to serving others,” Camacho said. “Yehl’s commitment to helping others has made a meaningful difference in the lives of local families. Through her volunteer leadership, she has helped develop programs and support systems for mothers, foster families, adoptive families, and children in need.”
Yehl played a key role in launching Grace Refresh, a community program offering mothers encouragement, connection, and resources, Camacho said, and she later co-founded Lighthouse Foster and Adoption Support to assist foster and adoptive families.
“Her compassion and dedication to service reflect the values celebrated by this award,” Camacho said.
At the luncheon, Mark Green of Harvest Ministries was presented the 2026 Margie Boles Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and longstanding commitment to serving the Chaves County community.
“The Margie Boles Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual whose extraordinary dedication and service have made a significant impact on the Chaves County community,” Camacho said. “Green has served as the executive director of Harvest Ministries for 13 years, providing compassionate leadership to an organization dedicated to helping those facing hunger, homelessness, and financial hardship. Under his guidance, Harvest Ministries has expanded its reach and impact, offering food, clothing, financial assistance, encouragement, and hope to thousands of people in need.”
“Green has also been a strong advocate for addressing homelessness in Chaves County,” she said. “He was instrumental in establishing the Roswell Homeless Coalition, helping strengthen community efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness.”
Through his years of service, Green has helped provide hope, stability, and support to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances throughout Chaves County,” Camacho said.
Camacho said the United Way sent out applications for the awards to numerous local nonprofit organizations that use volunteers and or provide services to the people of Chaves County and the United Way Board of Directors picked the recipients.
The 2026 Kick Off Campaign began the UWCC’s annual drive to raise funds, which will be distributed to various local nonprofits, Camacho said.
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