Позитивные изменения. Том 4, №1 (2024). Positive changes. Volume 4, Issue 1 (2024)

Training cafe staff to interact with special individuals is another crucial aspect. Staff underwent a training course on mental disorders and developmental peculiarities led by Tatiana Yeskova, a specialist in supported employment.

Currently, the Different Grains Cafe employs 13 young adults with mental and/or intellectual disabilities. The project’s launch was supported by the Moscow Department of Labor and Social Protection as part of the “Moscow, a City of Kindness” competition. This enabled the organization of internships for special staff, providing them with essential foundational skills in the culinary, pizza making, serving, and barista professions. As of July 2023, all staff members are receiving salaries. Presently, all vacancies are filled, but a waiting list is available.

The Different Grains cafe’s concept draws the attention of visitors to each person’s uniqueness, and the interior design accentuates the individuality of each item. There are no two identical items in the institution. Plates, cups, cutlery — everything is unique.

“We take special pride in the cafe’s design, involving special artists from the OKOYOM workshop and participants from the “School of Professions” communication group,” says Yulia Volodina. Upon entry, visitors are welcomed by the “Meet and Greet” art bench, and the front door portal reveals how the artists have expressed their unique features. At the bar, guests can discover topics that deeply concern the artists. “Through art, we demonstrate that every one of us is unique and therein lies our appeal,” says Yulia Volodina.

Different Grains is an inclusive cafe. “Our mission is to foster a genuinely friendly environment for everyone, for inclusion is about paying attention to one another, about the opportunity to establish comfortable conditions for everyone’s life. My own experiences with inclusion have proven that integrating special young people into the socio-cultural fabric and nurturing their creative talents can resolve many issues almost instantly. I firmly believe that the opening of such a venue is crucial at this time, as it can unite us, endowing new vigor and purpose,” says Yulia Volodina.

The cafe is situated in the vibrant center of Moscow, in the former “Krasny Metallist” factory canteen, nestled between the “Dostoevskaya,” “Mendeleevskaya,” and “Maryina Roshcha” metro stations. Within a walking distance from the cafe are the Russian University of Transport (MIIT), the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center, the Museum Center “Moscow House of Dostoevsky,” the Esenin Center, the Museum of GULAG History, the Central Museum of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, and the All-Russian Museum of Decorative Art.

The cafe is frequented by local residents, business center employees, museum visitors, students, and guests who come for the welcoming atmosphere and signature dishes.

Yulia Volodina envisions the creation of an inclusive cluster, which will include tea packing, ceramics workshops, a flower shop, and new opportunities for internships and employment for special youths.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS

• Winner of the “Moscow, a City of Kindness” grant competition (2022).

• Winner of the second round of the 2023 Presidential Grants Fund competition.

• Recipient of the Grand Prix at the 2023 “Start Differently” competition organized by Rosbank and Impact Hub Moscow.

FUNDS RAISED IN 2022–2023

A small grant of 975,000 rubles provided by the Moscow Department of Labor and Social Protection as part of the “Moscow, a City of Kindness” contest (2022).

A grant of 1.8 million rubles awarded by the Presidential Grants Fund.

Crowdfunding contributions of approximately 1 million rubles on Planeta.ru.

400,000 rubles received from the “Start Differently” program for social business development.

Kitchen equipment was purchased for 1 million rubles with support from the Auchan Generation Charitable Foundation.

Volunteer assistance, along with goods and services donations (such as wall paint) from PPG Tikkurila.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAST YEAR

• The staff team expanded;

• Assistance provided with the launch of new projects and cafes employing individuals with disabilities;

• A catering menu developed;

• A marketing strategy devised;

• The number of seating spaces increased, and the average bill rose;

• Reviewed and expanded sales channels, found additional sources of sales, and introduced promotional offers;

• Conducted a financial model analysis and calculated the break-even point.

DIRECT RESULTS FOR 2023

• The cafe was visited by 16,000 individuals;

• Hosted 200 events;

• Employed 13 individuals with mental disabilities.

• 80 individuals with mental disabilities are on the job waiting list;

• 20 organizations and NGOs sought guidance for opening cafes;

• 6 Moscow coffee shops are ready to offer internships to special youth;

• 24 cafe employees received training on how to interact with individuals with autism;