In November 2013, John Dalen enrolled in Rising Entrepreneurs, a former SARRC program designed to teach adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) how to bake and design a product to potentially introduce to the marketplace.
“With God’s inspiration and SARRC’s help I was able to design a healthy and satisfying energy bar,” says John.
John, and seven other students, graduated from the Rising Entrepreneurs program where three new businesses were formed and are still flourishing today.
The entrepreneurial guidance provided by SARRC and the classes he was taking at Paradise Valley Community College helped John launch his business, Essential Nourishment LLC, which produces energy bars of all varieties.
In addition to taking orders from customers, John also sells his Essential Energy Bars at SARRC’s Beneficial Beans Cafés.
When John joined SARRC’s Legacy Circle, he said, “I was motivated to share my blessings and earnings from my business so that others can believe that they can accomplish their dreams.”
John was born and raised in Phoenix. Besides keeping busy with his small business enterprise, he also works at Arizona Center for Comprehensive Education and Life Skills. John is active in his local church community, and supports Reach Global, Compassion International and Expected End Ministries.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Legacy Circle member and ensuring the continued vitality and growth of SARRC’s services from one generation to the next, please contact Beth Salazar at [email protected] or 602-340-8717, ext. 1039.
