After surviving a heart attack six years ago, Beverly Reeves felt called to return home to Milledgeville.
Since returning, Reeves has dedicated her time to serving her community and fostering relationships with new and old friends.
“I’ve been there where I had nothing and lost everything. So, my heart is just helping people that are in need. It’s not giving me anything because when I give to you, I’m smiling, I’m good, because I know I made you smile.”
About a year ago, Reeves had the idea to start a lemonade stand for her six-year-old grandson, Kayden. Since then, she and her daughter, Paesha Brown, have been under a tent in their driveway at Kayden’s Juice Bar every chance they get to serve the community with fresh flavored lemonade, coffee, baked goods, hot meals, and whatever delicious meat they are smoking on the grill that day.
“Everything we do is donations and it’s giving back…We don’t want folks to feel like they have to come and pay for anything…You can pay a dollar if it’s all you have and get you something refreshing. We love our people.”
Now, at 51 years old, Reeves recalls growing up in Milledgeville with a large, close-knit family.
“Out of 7 children, I’m a daddy’s girl…My dad was a musician, He would take me riding in the deep country in his old red Ford truck and show us where he used to play in the band and the juke joints…I remember a lot of things, but those memories stand out.”
Reeves’ home sits on a street corner surrounded by long-time neighbors and college student housing. She has watched Milledgeville grow and evolve throughout the years and welcomes new members to the community with open and energetic arms.
“You know it’s different. Years ago, none of this was here. We sit back and talk about the houses that used to be here, the corner store, the shotgun houses, just reminiscing on that. Even though it’s different, it’s still the same…when people come by and are waving and dancing with us on the porch, they know they can be comfortable.”
While Reeves loves having Kayden’s Juice Bar set up at her home, she has ambitious hopes for the future of her service to the community.
“My goal has always been to have a café, and I think this is going to take us there. I want something that has a lounge feel. A safe place where college students can come and study. A place where there can be poetry readings. That’s my future goal.”
Reeves’ infectious smile lights up when speaking of her future plans, which also include getting married to her fiancé Samuel Marcus. Her ultimate purpose though, is to serve her family, even after she is gone.
“I want to leave something for Kayden. He puts stuff together with us, and I want to leave him something for him to learn responsibility because when I am gone, and when his mother is gone, this is yours.'