Myrtle Beach Celebrates Local Hero: Kate Curran
Myrtle Beach, we have a big reason to celebrate! This August, we’re shining a spotlight on a truly amazing member of our community, Kate Curran, the executive director at Fresh Brewed Coffee House. Kate has been making waves in our city, helping those in need and transforming lives across the Grand Strand.
Making A Difference One Cup at a Time
Kate was recently named the HTC Community Hero of the Month for her incredible work at Fresh Brewed Coffee House. For over 14 years, she’s been pouring her heart into this local gem, which has been around for more than 22 years. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Fresh Brewed is a safe haven for people who are homeless or just struggling to find their way. Kate and her team provide not just coffee but also care, assistance, and valuable resources to those in need.
But it’s not just about handing out a cup of coffee. Kate and her group believe in promoting dignity and inclusion. She shared, “We’re a place that people know if they need help, they can come in and we can connect them with resources.” It really is that simple yet impactful.
A Little Bit About Kate
Kate, originally from Washington state, made her way to North Carolina and settled in Myrtle Beach 19 years ago. She’s not just a community hero; she’s also a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother! Having juggled her way through various jobs, including bartending and cleaning condos, she finally graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2017 and earned her law degree from Elon University School of Law in 2021. Talk about inspiring!
Helping Hands and Healing Hearts
Under Kate’s leadership, Fresh Brewed Coffee House offers a service you might not expect: free food for those in need! Thanks to two local grocery stores, Fresh Brewed runs grocery deliveries every week, ensuring that nobody goes hungry, especially on weekends when many shelters are closed.
She also mentioned that the coffee house has become a mailing address for around 300 people struggling with housing insecurity or homelessness. That’s a significant commitment to the community! One major challenge Kate has noticed is the lack of identification among many individuals, making it hard for them to secure jobs or even enter shelters. That’s where she steps in, helping people obtain IDs so they can take strides toward a better life.
A Hub for Recovery and Community
Fresh Brewed doesn’t stop at food and resources. They host recovery groups and various church groups throughout the week, giving a home for healing and connection. Plus, the space is transformed for music and arts events like open mic nights—definitely a hub of creativity!
Join the Movement!
Kate encourages everyone to become a part of this thriving community spirit, saying, “It’s just fun to see people making new friends and the community taking care of each other.” So whether you’re a local or just passing through, Fresh Brewed Coffee House welcomes you to come in, grab a cup of coffee, and connect with others.
As recognition of her hard work, HTC will donate $350 to Fresh Brewed Coffee House in Kate’s honor, plus a $100 Amazon gift card for her personal use. That’s a little something for a lot of big efforts!
If you’re looking to lend a helping hand, Fresh Brewed is always accepting donations and volunteers. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get involved and support our community.
So next time you find yourself in Myrtle Beach, swing by Fresh Brewed Coffee House at 933 Broadway St. Not only will you enjoy great coffee, but you’ll also see firsthand the positive impact they’re making in our community.
