Редакция журнала «Позитивные изменения»
Позитивные изменения. Том 4, №1 (2024). Positive changes. Volume 4, Issue 1 (2024)
• 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 in September 2022. Founder Oksana Sarina champions the healthy eating movement by crafting properly nutritious desserts. The initiative partners with cafés, secures loyal clientele, and arranges healthy-eating-themed parties.
https://vk.com/ksunya_radost
PROBLEM ADDRESSED
Approximately 5 million Russians are officially diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, and an equal number remain unaware of their condition, reports the National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology under the Russian Ministry of Health. Russia diagnoses over 240,000 new diabetes cases among children and adults annually. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing globally, not just within Russia. Research published in The Lancet suggests that by 2050, around 1.31 billion people worldwide will live with the condition.
Diabetes manifests in two primary types.
While Type 1 diabetes remains incurable, Type 2 diabetes – often a consequence of lifestyle choices, such as poor diet and lack of exercise – can be prevented through weight management, a healthy balanced diet, and regular physical activity.
Allergies, another modern epidemic, affect approximately 40 % of the global population, according to the World Health Organization. While only up to 2 % suffer from food allergies, food intolerances affect 80 %, as noted by the Pirogov National Medical Surgical Center. Symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea can overlap in these conditions. Common food allergens include cow’s milk, chicken eggs, peanuts, soybeans, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts.
Furthermore, a study revealed that 57 % of Russians (68 % women and 32 % men) have dieted at least once. Forty percent were concerned with aesthetics related to being overweight, while 37 % cited health issues stemming from excess weight. Around 60 % of the participants preferred diets eliminating sugar and flour. The study was conducted by the Sbermarket delivery service together with ResearchMe analytical company in June 2021.
Contrary to popular belief, sweets aren’t entirely off-limits for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, allergies, food intolerances, or those on a diet. These people can afford sweets from time to time. It is crucial for Type 2 diabetes patients to avoid foods with a high glycemic index routinely rather than shunning sweets altogether. Recognizing the difficulty many face in completely abandoning sugary treats, there exists an alternative: healthy, sugar-free, and wheat flour-free desserts that don’t compromise on taste or appearance compared to traditional sweets.
This vision inspired Oksana Sarina’s venture in Kaliningrad. “The field chose me,” Sarina reflects. During her maternity leave with her second child, she delved into healthy eating to shed the extra pounds without giving up her sweet tooth. Dermatologists advised her against sugar, which aggravated her skin conditions, and her mother’s diagnosis with Type 2 diabetes solidified her resolve. “The demand for healthy eating and wholesome desserts is clear. People are increasingly conscious about their diets, opting for products with a healthy composition. Thus, I decided to cater primarily to those facing dietary restrictions,” shares Oksana Sarina.
METHODS USED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM
Pastry chef Oksana Sarina has introduced a line of wholesome food desserts, encompassing cakes, eclairs, cupcakes, rolls, marshmallow treats, and other confections. For individuals unable to consume dairy, she offers cream puffs made with plant-based milk. Her low-calorie and low-carbohydrate offerings exclude sugar, wheat flour, and butter/margarine, catering to those on strict diets. For those allergic to chicken eggs, she presents a Japanese dessert, mochi, which is also sugar- and gluten-free. The desserts utilize natural colorings: berries, fruits, isomalt candies, coconut cream, rice flour, natural sweeteners, and other healthier alternatives to traditional “harmful” ingredients.
Interested parties can browse the assortment, select a healthy dessert, and place an order through the “Ksyunia’s Delight” project page on the VK social network. Additionally, Oksana provides consultations regarding the ingredients, fillings, and caloric content of her products, assisting customers in choosing desserts that accommodate their dietary restrictions.
Beyond crafting wholesome cakes and desserts, Oksana Sarina conducts master classes and hosts arranges healthy-eating-themed parties, during which she shares her recipes for tasty, nutritious sweets. These gatherings aim to facilitate networking, giving each participant a platform to introduce herself and forge valuable connections. A distinctive feature of these events is the inclusion of a special guest, such as a psychologist, writer, or astrologer.
Another facet of Oksana Sarina’s work involves collaboration with the Kaliningrad-based charity, “I Believe in Miracle,” which supports children facing life-threatening illnesses and those deprived of parental care. The charity regularly celebrates the birthdays of its patients and organizes various events, to which Oksana contributes cakes and desserts. “Many confectioners in our city engage in this project, but it’s heartwarming to know my desserts too bring joy to children and families navigating tough circumstances,” Oksana remarks.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS
Participant and winner at the regional stage of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia’s federal grant program “Mompreneur” aimed at women planning to start their business (Kaliningrad, 2023).
Finalist of the federal stage of the “Mompreneur” contest (Moscow, 2023).
FUNDS RAISED IN 2023
Secured a grant of 100,000 rubles for business development from the “Mompreneur” program.
WHAT WAS DONE LAST YEAR
Completed training in the “Mompreneur” program, devised a business plan for her project, and successfully presented it at the federal level. The presentation was held as part of the “Russia” exhibition-forum at VDNKh in late 2023.
Became a mentor at Christina Ozerova’s wholesome desserts online school, assisting novice pastry chefs in crafting healthy desserts, establishing sales, and enhancing their market presence.
Initiated collaborations with two cafés to supply wholesome desserts.
DIRECT RESULTS FOR 2023
Held two healthy-eating-themed parties and one online marshmallow making workshop, attracting over 20 participants in total.
Fulfilled more than 350 orders throughout the year, including over 100 cakes, 100 rolls, and more than 1,000 pieces of marshmallows.
Partnered with several private events, including a graduation ceremony at a model school.
SOCIAL EFFECTS ACHIEVED IN 2023
“The main social impact of my work, I believe, is contributing to my clients’ health. Given that many of them have dietary restrictions, they had thought their days of enjoying desserts were over. It brings me joy to see feedback about no allergic reactions or blood sugar spikes after consuming my desserts, and that these treats don’t compromise their figure. Parents are satisfied, and children are delighted. The majority of clients return to relive the experience and emotions,” Oksana Sarina shares.
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY MODEL
Revenue is derived from three sources: sales of healthy desserts, hosting masterclasses, and mentoring at the online school.
