It started with a dream.
The biggest fear that parents of children with special needs have is “What will happen to my child when I am no longer able to care for him or her?” For so many, Promise in Brevard is a dream come true.
Established in 2009, Promise, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was designed to provide affordable, independent housing for adults with cognitive and physical disabilities utilizing public and private partnerships to develop a model community.
Located in West Melbourne, Florida, the Promise in Brevard affordable housing community, founded in 2014, is enhanced by Promise’s Resident Community Program, which incorporates a variety of programs and services that seek to provide a fulfilling life for each of its residents.
Our Resident Community Program offers vocational training and employment opportunities; transportation services; independent living courses; health, fitness and nutrition classes; and more. Participating residents have more than 60 activities per week to choose from.
One of the main facets that sets Promise apart from other planned communities is employment. One of our core goals is for all residents who want to be employed to have the opportunity to do so. We are proud to say over half of our residents are employed at 30 different area businesses, including Promise social enterprises.
Currently, Promise is the first of its kind in the state of Florida to combine all of these elements and amenities. We believe it will serve as a model that can be replicated in communities across the country.

Betsy & Luke Farmer
Co-Founders
The Promise Concept
Located at 4105 Norfolk Parkway, West Melbourne, on 39 acres, adjacent to the Hammock Landing Shopping Plaza, Promise houses 125 adults with special needs, ranging in age from 19 to 60; although, the average age of our residents is 32. Rent at this affordable housing community is calculated on a sliding scale based on the resident’s total income.
The Promise concept was developed with the help of a special group of young individuals, known as “The Dream Team.” From the amenities to the floor plans, this team of future residents worked closely with our designers since day one, sharing their thoughts and visions about everything the Promise lifestyle should offer.




What Promise Offers:
1, 2, 3 & 4-BR Apartments
160-Seat Dining Room/Event Space
Zero-Entry Pool and Therapeutic spa
Outdoor Courtyard & Game Court
Media Room
Fitness Center
Creative Arts Center
Disability-Friendly Hair and Nail Salon
Promise is blessed to have continuous community support in ensuring the lives of our residents are filled with a sense of freedom and fun for years to come.
When community works
together, anything becomes possible
Testimonials
Promise in Brevard has opened doors of opportunity for our daughter that we never thought possible. We are now watching Rachel’s dreams unfold – dreams we once thought life had stolen from her; the adventure of independent living in a community of neighbors who have become friends, family.
~ Becky Rodrigues
When I walked in the building, the first thing I felt is overwhelming joy knowing that special needs adults are given an opportunity to live life and do everything that a non-special needs person does. It is very inspirational, and I really think we need a Promise in every state - possibly more than just one in each state.
~ Sarai Elaine Hensley
As a relatively newcomer to Promise, I can’t begin to realize the possibilities this place will bring to our loved ones. I always thought my daughter would be with me. Now, her journey is about to begin. Living independently has been her dream and her dream is coming true. Thank you so much for all you have done. I will be forever grateful .
~ Donna Doncaster-Fenty
Promise has given Michael the ability to be independent. If he was still at home, he would be at the mercy of us, full-time working parents, to be around to drive him where he needs to go, we often felt guilty and he was often bored. At Promise he has friends to hang out with and activities he can attend and a plethora of other services that aid him in his independence. My husband and I are thrilled to have a place that allows Michael this life. It also gives us peace of mind in the event that something should happen to us.
~ Michelle Reed
Promise in Brevard is a community unlike any of its kind. Residents are treated as adults, not children. They are shown respect by staff and one another. Promise is the forever home that my son needs to flourish and shine!
~ Gayle Ruffing