Nonprofit Program turned Catering Business helps Disabled Community in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - John McGrath of Santa Barbara is cooking up a big dream.

“My hope is to eventually maybe have a successful restaurant somewhere," said McGrath.

In order to make his dream come true, McGrath turned to the nonprofit Momentum Works to get more experience in the culinary arts.

Now, he’s a participant of the organization’s sub company, Mo’s to Go.

"The goal is to help them get jobs in the colunary field in and around Santa Barbara," said kitchen coordinator Emily Edah of Mo's to Go.

Between catering orders, participants focus on honing new cooking techniques.

This week, they’re creating handmade sweet potato gnocchi.

“I like coming here because it gives me a chance to cook new food. I enjoy it very much," said McGrath.

The Mo’s to Go team hopes to rotate a new group of participants in the next few months.

“I have two people gone right now out looking for jobs … we have s guy who works at SB Pho so it’s going well," said Edah.

Thanks to a state grant, this recipe for success is increasing employment for California residents with disabilities.