GNFCC 2024 Nonprofit Award Winners: The Drake House and Brewable (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 96)
On this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider, host Rebekah Anderson welcomes the leaders of this year’s Nonprofit Award winners: Brewable and The Drake House. Brewable received the Small Nonprofit Award, and Nicky Rudd, Board President, discusses their impactful mission of providing employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Nicky also shares her own journey, which makes Brewable’s mission so personal for her. Nesha Mason, President of Large Nonprofit Award winner The Drake House, discusses the organization’s efforts to support single mothers experiencing homelessness by offering stable housing and career services. Both highlight the importance of community involvement, the challenges faced, and the upcoming events aimed at continuing their missions.
The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.
Nesha Mason, President, The Drake House
Nesha Mason is the President of The Drake House. The Drake House is a 501(c)3 organization that works to respond to the growing number of women and children experiencing homelessness in North Fulton. They involve members of our community in the effort to keep single mothers and their children united under one roof as they work toward self-sufficiency.
The Drake House helps women with children overcome the circumstances of homelessness with dignity while keeping their families intact. In response to the changes in our post-COVID world, The Drake House has adapted its programming to help the families we serve acquire housing and achieve financial self-sufficiency.
Graduates of their program work, pay taxes, rent apartments, purchase groceries, attend faith-based organizations, and hopefully, one day, become homeowners. They are equipped to be good employees, tenants, and neighbors. When given the opportunity, some even use their story to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and take advantage of all the services The Drake House has to offer them. As they continue their work to improve their program and campus, The Drake House does so with the expectation that the results will lead to more graduates, more resilient children and teens, and ultimately, a stronger community.
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Nicky Rudd, Board President, Brewable
Brewable is a non-profit organization based in Alpharetta, Georgia, dedicated to the employment and enrichment of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The company operates a coffee shop that serves as a platform for their mission, offering employment opportunities and fostering community connections.
Founded in 2019, Brewable initially opened its café in the lobby of the Alpharetta Community Center, next to the entrance of Wills Park at 175 Roswell Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009. A second location has been added in Roswell at 846 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell, GA 30075. Each Brewable café serves a variety of beverages, including hot coffee and tea, espresso, lattes, and cold brew, as well as scones, cake pops, and other treats.
Brewable’s primary focus is on empowering individuals with learning disabilities by providing them with meaningful employment opportunities in a supportive environment. The organization aims to create a space where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can gain valuable work experience, develop skills, and interact with the community.
As a social enterprise, Brewable combines its business operations with a strong social mission, using coffee as a means to foster inclusion, build connections, and promote understanding within the North Fulton region.
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Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:00 Introduction to GNFCC 400 Insider
00:59 Meet the Nonprofit of the Year Winners
01:21 Nicky Rudd’s Journey with Brewable
03:57 Challenges and Successes of Brewable
08:15 Nesha Mason on The Drake House
10:58 Addressing Homelessness in North Fulton
21:51 Community Support and Nonprofit Success
28:32 Discussing Financial Barriers and Personal Experiences
29:58 Biggest Accomplishments of Brewables
30:36 Impactful Stories and Personal Reflections
33:27 Challenges and Future Goals
37:11 Affordable Housing and Community Support
47:29 Volunteer Opportunities and Community Engagement
54:05 Conclusion and Contact Information
About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider
The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC.
The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.
As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.
GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.
For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.
