Promise

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 is no stranger to big challenges when faced with limited options for her son, Luke, who has Down syndrome. In 1987, Betsy created 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. Since it's inception in 2005, the BLN has provided Luke and dozens of other young adults with the opportunity to learn specific job skills in diverse business environments.