We are thrilled to share that Angie Yilling has been recognized as the recipient of the 2026 North Carolina Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service for Wake County! The highest volunteer award our state awards.
For 23 years, Angie has been faithfully supporting the heart of Able to Serve — and now our community had the opportunity to celebrate her incredible impact in a special way.
This honor recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding commitment and service to their communities through volunteerism! Angie’s life has been a picture of faithful, humble, behind-the-scenes service that has impacted countless participants, families, volunteers, and staff at Able to Serve.
Since the beginning of Able to Serve in 2003, Angie has been part of the journey. From the early days when programming took place in a small one-room building to the thriving ministry and nonprofit organization Able to Serve is today, Angie has consistently shown up with love, creativity, encouragement, and servant-hearted dedication.
Over the years, Angie has worn many hats — volunteer, activity leader, mentor, encourager, board member, event coordinator, auction helper, and friend. She has helped lead crafts, games, social activities, and life skills opportunities for participants while also investing personally in families and fellow volunteers.
Along with volunteering weekly on Friday’s, one area where Angie’s impact especially shines is through our annual Benefit & Silent Auction. Several years ago, Angie recognized the importance of helping participants play a meaningful role in the event and began developing participant-made silent auction items. Today, these creative and heartfelt items have become a treasured part of the auction each year. Angie spends countless hours helping participants create pieces they can take pride in while also organizing item details, descriptions, and displays behind the scenes
“I cannot think of anyone more deserving than Angie Yilling! She always has a smile on her face. She made such a huge impact on our auction and on Able to Serve as a whole. She puts so much care into every detail, even taking work home to make sure everything is done well. I love how creative she is, especially in highlighting items made by our participants. More than anything, her heart shines through—she truly cares about our mission and the people behind it, and that makes all the difference.”
In 2016, Angie also helped begin Able to Serve’s annual Mother’s Day Brunch — a special event designed to honor and encourage mothers and female caregivers in our community. What started as a small gathering has grown into one of the most loved and meaningful annual traditions at Able to Serve. Angie continues to personally help coordinate decorations, gifts, and details that make the event feel personal and welcoming for every guest who attends.
What makes Angie’s service even more remarkable is the way she continues to give despite carrying significant caregiving responsibilities in her own life. Yet through every season, Angie has remained faithful in serving others.
Angie often says that “Able to Serve is my happy place,” and anyone who knows her can see the joy and love she brings into every room.
“Angie Yilling is one of the most selfless people I know. For almost 23 years, she has given much of her time to ensure there is a place like Able to Serve. Few people dedicate their lives to serving others; Angie is one of the few.”
Angie’s heart for individuals with disabilities is deeply personal, but her service extends far beyond her own family. She has become a source of encouragement, wisdom, and support to so many people throughout the Able to Serve community.
This award is not simply recognition for volunteer hours. It is recognition of a life lived serving others with humility, faithfulness, compassion, and love.
Angie, thank you for helping create the culture of care and community that makes Able to Serve so special. We are incredibly grateful for you and honored to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.
Congratulations on receiving the 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for Wake County! We are proud, grateful & joyful as we celebrate you! – The Able to Serve Team
