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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;
• Organized 3 catering events;
• Facilitated 30 career guidance tours for families with children with disabilities from Moscow and Russian regions.
SOCIAL EFFECTS ACHIEVED IN 2023
As reported by the Different Grains staff, the operation of the cafe and the supported employment model have led to the following effects:
1. An increase in employment among individuals with ASD.
2. Enhanced public awareness about autism spectrum disorders and support measures for the employment of people with autism.
3. Improved quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families. Family members have more free time due to reduced caregiving demands; financial stability.
4. Increased self-esteem, independence, and social integration for people with mental disabilities.
5. Higher employee engagement, motivation, and morale in companies committed to diversity and inclusivity.
6. Employers recognize the distinct attributes of employees with mental disabilities: punctuality, discipline, adherence to instructions, and low turnover rates.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT
The Different Grains cafe not only provides employment for individuals with mental disabilities but also acts as a model platform for other initiatives. Parent-led initiative groups from cities like Voronezh, Tomsk, Orel, Rostov-on-Don, Dzerzhinsky, and Noginsk have adopted the cafe’s approach. Parents of special children and professionals are the most interested and motivated to ensure a quality life for their children and wards.
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY MODEL
The financial model is based on self-sufficiency and grant support. The project’s revenue consists of: sales of coffee and menu items, corporate orders, souvenir merchandise (t-shirts, socks, mugs), online orders made through the “Yandex. Food” service, ticket sales for events, and subscriptions (culinary school, communications group, “Alexei Iorsch’s Comic School,” etc.).
Ksyunia’s Delight: a Healthy Desserts Studio
Cakes and Desserts that Can Be Enjoyed While on a Diet or with Diabetes.
Ksyunia’s Delight Studio was inaugurated in Kaliningrad
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