PO Box 2102, Greenville, NC 27836
About Lives of Purpose, Inc.
Where it all began...
Lives of Purpose (and eventually Awaken Coffee) 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 additional baristas and connect with the medical community.
Our Goals
Creating Employment Opportunities
Creating Employment Opportunities
Creating Employment Opportunities
Provide meaningful, paid employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a workplace where their strengths and contributions are valued.
Modeling Inclusive Employment
Creating Employment Opportunities
Creating Employment Opportunities
Demonstrate what is possible when businesses recognize the abilities of people with disabilities—and encourage other employers to create more inclusive workplaces.
Building Skills for the Future
Creating Employment Opportunities
Serving as a Community Resource
Offer hands-on training and job development that help employees strengthen workplace skills, build confidence, and prepare for continued growth.
Serving as a Community Resource
Creating Employment Opportunities
Serving as a Community Resource
Connect individuals, families, employers, and community partners with opportunities, support, and practical guidance that advance disability inclusion.