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.