Shake that idea that chocolate is all about sinful indulgence. Now it’s also about social services, thanks to Chocolate on a Mission, a new on-the-job training program run by River of Life Mission and its chocolatier, Ana Sagadraca.
Launched last month, Chocolate on a Mission makes confections filled with the likes of coffee beans, coconut and dried fruit, and dipped items such as Oreos, fortune cookies, pretzels and mango and ginger slices.
Sagadraca mixes dark and milk chocolates for a unique blend that’s creamy yet rich in flavor.
The program makes individually packaged favors for weddings and parties both large and small, as well as baskets that feature varieties of items.
For more than a year, the mission’s pastor, Bob Marchant, and its board pondered creating a jobs program for teaching residents life and job skills. Former board member Wendy Loh, Kona Paradise Candies’ former owner, thought chocolate-making would be ideal.
Sagadraca, once employed by Loh, also volunteered at the mission serving meals, so she was brought on to share the skills she developed over more than 20 years in the chocolate business. She currently teaches two men and two women.
"We knew Wendy and Ana, so we thought this would be a good place to start because we have people with expertise," Marchant said. "Most of our residents are coming out of prison, so they need education. Depending on how big this goes, we may need part-time and full-time workers. And the way probation goes, these folks need jobs."
Chocolate on a Mission made a big splash at its first chocolate event Nov. 6, Dessert Fantasy 2011, where it took first place for its product.
"I enjoy the work. I like that I can help others have a fresh start," Sagadraca said. "The people who are buying our chocolates are happy, and they are helping someone else, too."
Visit www.chocolateonamission.com or call Sagadraca at 524-7770.
