MARBLE FALLS — Ark of Highland Lakes, based in Marble Falls, has been named a recipient of the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer awards, one of the State of Texas’ highest honors recognizing exemplary volunteer service. Ark of Highland Lakes received the Community Champion Award, which recognizes organizations that lead the way in advocating for civic engagement by mobilizing people to serve and make a difference in their community.

Presented in collaboration with OneStar Foundation, the Governor’s Volunteer Awards celebrate Texans whose service demonstrates the power of volunteering to bring people together, address pressing community needs, and create lasting change. By sharing these stories, the awards aim to inspire more Texans to take action on the issues they care about and to see service as a bridge that connects individuals, neighborhoods, and communities.

“I am honored to recognize this year’s Governor’s Volunteer Awards recipients as Texans whose commitment to service is making a lasting difference,” said Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “Their dedication reminds us that service has the power to unite communities, uplift neighbors, and inspire others to step forward. These honorees represent the very best of Texas.”

Ark of Highland Lakes is a faith-driven organization uniting churches, agencies, and volunteers to serve families in crisis across the Highland Lakes region. Born after the 2018 floods, Ark provides disaster relief, food, hygiene, dental care, donated goods, and long-term transformation. In 2025, Ark launched Valley View Village, a self-sustaining community that combines housing with income-generating opportunities and Christ-centered support to help families break generational cycles of poverty. Ark has also led the long-term recovery for Burnet and Llano County after the July 4th, 2025 flood, recruiting and training 840 volunteers. Ark works to unite hands in serving, heal hearts who are hurting and vulnerable, and transform communities through love and resilience.

“We have seen God work in our community exceedingly and abundantly more than we could have ever thought or imagined. We are so blessed by every church, volunteer, and neighbor we have had the privilege of serving beside as we love God and Love people together. Through uniting hands, we are healing hearts and transforming communities,” said Kevin Naumann, Executive Director at Ark of Highland Lakes.

“By recognizing organizations like Ark of Highland Lakes, we hope to inspire others to get involved and discover how service can strengthen communities and empower individuals to lead,” said Chris Bugbee, President and CEO of OneStar. “These stories show that when people step up to serve, they not only meet community needs—they build connection, understanding, and hope.”

Award recipients are celebrated during National Volunteer Month in April at a special reception hosted at the Texas Governor’s Mansion, honoring their service and the ripple effect it creates throughout Texas communities.

To learn more about the Governor’s Volunteer Awards or how to get involved in volunteer service across Texas, visit onestarfoundation.org/governors-volunteer-awards.