Habitat for Humanity honors longtime leaders at open house in Glasgow

GLASGOW, Ky. – Habitat for Humanity of Glasgow–Barren County honored two of its longest-serving leaders Tuesday night during an open house at the organization’s ReStore, recognizing their decades of service and contributions to affordable housing in the community.

Board President Stephen Hughes said the event was created to thank former board members Mark York and Gary May, who helped guide the affiliate from its earliest days. York, one of the organization’s founding members, served in multiple leadership roles over the years. May spent 25 years as treasurer, keeping the organization financially steady as it worked to expand its mission.

“They contributed many years, many hours to bringing the board and this chapter to where it is today,” Hughes said. 

During the ceremony, both men were presented with commemorative plaques. The board also announced two $250 donations made in their honor to local charitable organizations, including the Broadway United charity and the Barren County Veterans Association.

Executive Director Stephen Jones said the recognition was long overdue for two leaders who “basically did everything for years,” noting that both York and May volunteered their time while maintaining full-time jobs. 

York, who helped establish the Glasgow–Barren County Habitat affiliate and served in roles ranging from treasurer to president, said it was rewarding to see the organization continue to grow under new leadership.

“It’s great to see so many people carrying the torch… raising the money and building houses for those in need,” York said. “Habitat is about helping somebody for a lifetime, and that’s transformational.” 

Habitat for Humanity of Glasgow–Barren County has built three homes in the past five years, offering qualifying families interest-free mortgages and opportunities to build equity through sweat-equity hours. Hughes said continued support from the ReStore has helped the chapter strengthen its operations and create its first executive director position.

Jones said the ReStore remains essential to Habitat’s mission by providing both funding for homebuilding and a place for the community to give used items a second life.

Hughes told attendees the organization remains strong thanks to the foundation built by York and May.

“We’re grateful for all that they’ve done to keep this organization strong,” Hughes said.