Awaken began as a conversation between Carol Preston and Jennifer Dyson in 2018. Knowing that Greenville's differently abled community deserved a place to shine, they embarked on the journey of starting a non profit organization.
The co founders established a Board of Directors and began the rigorous task of spreading the word about Awaken. In 2021, discussions began regarding an unused space in Heart for ENC's Nonprofit Business Center. Those discussions turned into a natural space for Awaken Coffee to open their store. Upon receiving generous donations of a variety of talents, hours of time and renovation funding, Awaken Coffee opened to the public on April 29, 2023 and became the space you can visit today.
In February 2025, Awaken Coffee opened a second location in the Health Sciences Student Center on the campus of East Carolina University. This additional shop has allowed us to hire five new baristas and connect with the medical community.
Today, Awaken is offering hope and changing lives.
Awaken currently employs 14 differently abled individuals as baristas and cashiers, known as the BREW CREW. Awaken also has 22 volunteers serving in the dining area, known as the AWAKEN ALLIES.
We are constantly working to improve communication and job skills where needed, prepare both groups for employment in other industries, and promote their inclusion within the Greenville community.