Mike Henshaw, who has spent more than 15 years volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Owensboro-Daviess County, was honored Friday with the 2025 AARP Kentucky Andrus Award for Community Service, the organization’s highest state-level volunteer recognition.
The award, named for AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, celebrates individuals who embody her motto: “To serve, not to be served.” Henshaw was recognized during Habitat’s latest home dedication ceremony at the Carter Community Court neighborhood.
“Mike’s years of dedication have changed lives, filled many gaps for people in need, and built local community … quietly and humanely, yet with a powerful and lasting impact,” said AARP Kentucky State President Gary Adkins.
Henshaw retired from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife after 30 years as a biologist before devoting much of his time to volunteer work. Since 2010, he’s been a fixture on Habitat build sites and also lends a hand at RiverPark Center and the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden.
“I enjoy building things,” Henshaw said. “I’m a woodworker, too, and we’ve got a good crew, a lot of camaraderie. It’s been fun, it’s been challenging, and it’s been awfully rewarding to see folks move into their new homes.”
Henshaw said he was surprised when former Habitat Director Jeremy Stephens called to say he’d nominated him for the award.
“Truthfully, I’m not into awards or recognition. That’s not what I enjoy doing,” he said. “But it’s a good feeling to be recognized for something. We can always use more volunteers out here, and it’s just nice to be part of something that helps people.”
Stephens said nominating Henshaw was an easy decision.
“The criteria was someone who gives their talents unto others, and there was no one better than Mike,” Stephens said. “He was the first volunteer I met when I came to Habitat, and he’s been faithful and steady ever since. There’s just no one else I’ve ever known who gives so much of his talents to other people.”
Accepting the award before a crowd of fellow volunteers and Habitat supporters, Henshaw kept his remarks short and humble.
“It’s been a privilege to help homeowners get a hand up,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed it.”
