Mark & Jennifer Benjamin began their relationship with the Ministry of Children & Families in British Columbia in 1989 when they went through the in-depth process to become Foster Parents to children with intellectual disabilities. The first child placed in their home was a 17 year old boy with autism. At this time both worked full-time; Mark with Richmond School District and Jennifer in insurance administration. When the individual became an adult it was required that he move to an adult services facility or the Benjamin’s change their focus from children services to adult services. The family very much wanted their son to stay with the Benjamin’s and so in 1991 they became a resource providing services to adults with intellectual disabilities.

By 1995 both had resigned from their other positions outside the home and were working full-time providing services to several adults and were also employing several part-time staff. Services had expanded to supporting individuals living independently in the community, in family homes, and in staffed residences in addition to 2 adults living in HomeShare setting where individuals share their private home.

Over the years they served many individuals living with intellectual disabilities along with a diagnosis of a psychiatric illness or a personality disorder. As they became more proficient at successfully supporting these individuals they developed skills specific to this population and continued to expand their services to those with similar challenges.

In November 2013 they expanded services and opened a new residence to support two adult males. This new project required 5 new staff to be hired and increased hours for existing staff.

November 1, 2014 Benjamin Resources, a sole proprietorship, became BRAVO Inc. an incorporated company – Benjamin Residential and Vocational Options Inc. providing services to 16 individuals in a variety of settings including the 17-year old welcomed into their home in 1989. At this time there were 15 employees, some of whom have worked for with the Benjamin’s for 10 years.

In February 2017 BRAVO was awarded a 3-year Accreditation of all programs provided with the Council for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). CARF is an international Accreditation body which sets and maintains standards for agencies in the community living sector. This has made it possible for BRAVO to further expand services in all areas.

By spring 2018 BRAVO had expanded to 25 employees all dedicated to providing quality services with a focus on Positive Behaviour Supports. The plan for the future is further diversification and expansion of quality service to children and adults who may or may not have a Developmental Disability.