Bennett was born in San Francisco, California, and relocated to New York City at a young age. Throughout his upbringing, he actively participated in a variety of athletic pursuits, both in and outside of school. He also spent significant time outdoors with his father, Brooks, engaging in activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping.

The challenges associated with relocating during a formative period, combined with the high expectations he placed on himself to succeed academically and personally, contributed to the development of depression and anxiety. In response, Bennett turned to drugs and alcohol as a means of coping, which led to increasing strain within his family and negatively impacted the relationships he had begun to build in his new environment. Although he and his family made several efforts to address these challenges, many were ultimately unsuccessful.

Bennett’s journey led him to Foundation House, where, upon his arrival, he was introduced to the sober community in Portland, Maine. There, he came to understand that a life free from drugs and alcohol was not only attainable, but also deeply fulfilling and sustainable. Through his involvement, he developed lasting and meaningful relationships both within the residence and throughout the broader recovery community, which continue to serve as a consistent source of support.

During his time at Foundation House, Bennett expanded his professional experience. In addition to prior work with his father in management, he worked as a farmhand during his time in Boise, Idaho, where he developed consistency, reliability, and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks in a variety of conditions. He later secured a position at a local coffee roastery, where he worked for a year and a half. This role provided him with a greater sense of responsibility, as well as the structure of a consistent weekly schedule, both of which were instrumental in helping him navigate the challenges of early sobriety.

Bennett firmly believes that genuine human connection is a cornerstone of effective, long-term recovery. Motivated by a desire to give back to the community that supported him, he chose to remain actively engaged in Foundation House programming as an alumni. He now serves as a Program and Operations Facilitator, where he is dedicated to supporting and guiding others within the same community that played a pivotal role in his own recovery journey.