Brevard County is one of the largest counties in the state of Florida and a community called Promise in Brevard is helping put a smile on everyone’s face. 

Promise in Brevard stems from a nonprofit organization called Promise Inc. which was created in 2009, to provide housing opportunities for adults with disabilities. They wanted to have a fun and inclusive place to live, while also offering vocational training and employment opportunities with access to an on-site Employment Services Manager, the first in the state to combine these amenities and opportunities. 

In 2014, Promise in Brevard was founded and is an affordable community where the residents live. To help hit on the fun of living at Promise in Brevard, the organization offers tennis clinics to its residents. Thanks to an Equipment and a Wheelchair Grant from the USTA Florida Foundation, they can make it affordable for all. 

With all the health benefits of tennis, Promise was eager to encourage their residents to get involved with the sport. “We understand that tennis has many benefits for everyone,” Promise said. “These benefits are so much more important for those with special needs.” 

Throughout the first year of offering a program, Promise in Brevard had more than 25 participants aged from 20 to 60 years old. An Equipment Grant from the Foundation helped provide the program with balls, racquets, and other necessities to run smoothly.  

Promise in Brevard stands by USTA Florida’s mission to provide tennis for all and expanded their program to include wheelchair tennis. A Wheelchair Grant from the foundation aided with their decision to include wheelchair play. “This allows us the ability to provide our wheelchair residents with the use of adaptive equipment and provide opportunities not usually available,” they said.  

The program is offered twice a week and brings tons of joy to the people of Promise in Brevard. “The ability for our residents to learn and come to enjoy the sport of tennis has been a wonderful addition to our fitness program,” Promise in Brevard added. “The grant [from the USTA Florida Foundation] has provided the ability for our residents to learn new skills, develop social competences, and understand team play.” 

Promise in Brevard already has many residents that participate in the Special Olympics, and now they have the gateway to get more involved with tennis, the lifelong sport. 

To learn more about applying for an equipment grant or any other through the USTA Florida Foundation go to ustafloridafoundation.com/apply-for-grants. The 2024 Grant Cycle opened on February 20 and will remain open until October 25, while funding lasts.  

ABOUT THE USTA FLORIDA FOUNDATION      

With a mission of “Changing Lives through Tennis,” the USTA Florida Section Foundation provides financial support to organizations that help people of all ages and abilities improve their health and quality of life through the great game of tennis. To learn more or to apply for a grant go to ustafloridafoundation.com.