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 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 includes vocational training and employment opportunities; transportation services; independent living courses; health, fitness and nutrition classes; and more. Our residents participating in our RCP 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 of our residents who want to be employed to have the opportunity to do so. We are proud to say that currently nearly 60 of our residents are employed at 30 different area businesses, including our 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 and even the world.

Betsy & Luke Farmer

Co-Founders

At the very center of Promise is a group of dedicated parents and family members led by a long-time advocate for children with special needs, Betsy Farmer. Betsy was no stranger to big challenges when faced with limited options for her son, Luke, who has Down syndrome. In 1987, Betsy co-founded the award-winning Space Coast Early Intervention Center, which is now based in Melbourne, Florida. There, children with and without special needs, play alongside each other in a program designed to foster friendships, social acceptance and preparation for school life. As Luke grew older, Betsy realized that career options for her son were also limited and narrowly defined. Once again, Betsy fought stereotypes and worked with the business community to expand the employment opportunities for individuals with special needs by establishing the Brevard Business Leadership Network. As friends and family went off to college and began independent lives, Luke wondered when he, too, would be able to “move out and live on his own” like his older brother, Josh. After researching housing options, it was clear there was no such fun, socially stimulating and safe environment as the type she envisioned for Luke. With that realization, the idea for Promise was born.
“A place where young adults with special needs can live a life full of opportunities and freedom never thought possible.”

The Promise Concept

Located at 4105 Norfolk Parkway, West Melbourne, on 39 acres, adjacent to the Hammock Landing Shopping Plaza, Promise is home to 124 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 We Offer:

1, 2, 3 & 4-BR Apartments

160-Seat Dining Room/Event Space

Zero-Entry Pool and Therapeutic spa

Summer Kitchen & Wood-Burning Pizza Oven

Outdoor Courtyard & Game Court

Media Room

Fitness Center

Creative Arts Center

Disability-Friendly Hair and Nail Salon

THE PROMISE MAIN CAMPUS BROKE GROUND IN NOVEMBER 2015
IN SEPTEMBER 2018, PROMISE HELD A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY ATTENDED BY LEADERS & SUPPORTERS FROM THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF FLORIDA

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.

MAKE

A DIFFERENCE

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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!

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Promise in Brevard

To donate by check please make checks payable to
Promise Inc.
and mail to:

4105 Norfolk Parkway,
West Melbourne, FL 32904