By: Peyton Dufour, Coordinator of Communications, Family and Community Engagement
Breanna London, affectionately known as "Bre," is a shining example of how the DOVE (DeSoto Occupation/ Vocation Educational) Program in DeSoto Parish Schools embodies its mission to inspire students to "learn, grow, and become their best" while fostering independence and practical skills for life. Bre’s journey, particularly through her on-site job training at We Care Day Care Center, where she started in August 2023, showcases the transformative power of education tailored to individual needs. The DOVE Program is designed to prepare LEAP Connect and Alternative Jumpstart students like Bre for the future by equipping them with the skills necessary to live, work, and thrive independently as they transition into adulthood.
Bre’s time at We Care has been nothing short of inspiring. When the DOVE program had the opportunity to provide Bre real-world experience in childcare, her life took a positive and purposeful turn. For Bre, the days spent at We Care were not just about learning tasks; they were about making meaningful connections with the children under her care. Bre’s positivity and light hearted attitude make her an integral part of the We Care Team.
“My favorite part of working at We Care is loving on the kids,” Bre says enthusiastically. Her words reflect her deep affection for the children and her dedication to making them feel safe and cared for. It’s this nurturing nature that has endeared Bre to both the staff and the young ones at the daycare.
The partnership between the DOVE Program and We Care Day LLC is built on a shared vision: to empower students with hands-on experiences that develop confidence, competence, and compassion. Under the guidance of DOVE Transition Specialist Teacher Charlie Pate, Bre has blossomed in her role. Pate has seen firsthand the incredible progress Bre has made since starting the program.
“Bre has learned childcare skills here in DOVE, such as being nurturing, giving bottles, changing diapers, and just showing kindness and compassion towards the kids she cares for,” says Pate. “Bre went from being told what to do at the daycare center to being a self-motivator. We strive to teach independence in order for our students to be successful.” This growth in Bre’s self-motivation and independence is a direct reflection of the DOVE Program’s core mission—to prepare students to function as independently as possible in their communities.
The DeSoto Parish School System's core values of fostering a positive, caring culture and making a difference align perfectly with Bre’s story. Bre not only learns practical skills at We Care, but she also embodies the heart of DeSoto's mission by creating a nurturing environment for the children she works with. Every day, she demonstrates the values of kindness, responsibility, and a desire to make a difference, traits that the DeSoto Parish School System actively encourages in all its students.
The transition to adulthood can be challenging for many students, but Bre’s journey highlights the power of supportive education programs in making this shift smoother and more impactful. Six years ago, when Pre-Employment Transition Specialist Ashleigh Whitman first met Bre, she was a shy and reserved young woman, unsure of her place in the world. The DOVE Program, however, opened doors that allowed Bre to grow in confidence.
“Six years ago, when I first met Bre, she was shy and timid,” recalls Whitman. “But over time, she has really come out of her shell, especially with the job skills she has learned since being in DOVE.” Whitman’s observations echo the sentiments of everyone who has seen Bre flourish in the program. The journey from shyness to confidence is one of Bre’s greatest achievements, and it is the kind of growth the DOVE Program aims to cultivate in all its students.
Bre’s work at We Care has not only been a personal success but has also positively impacted those around her. Donesia Jacobs, Assistant Director at We Care Center LLC, has been impressed with Bre’s work ethic and passion for the job. “I knew from my experiences with Bre that she possessed great qualities. She always works with a high level of trying to be the best in the job that is given to her,” Jacobs explains. “Bre brings a bright light to We Care.”
Jacobs’ words embody what makes Bre so special. It’s not just the tasks she completes or the skills she’s learned—though those are undoubtedly important—it’s the joy, warmth, and dedication she brings to every interaction. It is a testament to her resilience and the success of the DOVE Program in preparing students not just for jobs, but for meaningful roles within their communities.
The partnership between DOVE and We Care represents the best of what education can achieve when schools and local organizations work together to support students with diverse needs. It reflects the commitment of DeSoto Parish Schools to ensure that every student, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to succeed. By providing Bre with this real-world experience, the DOVE Program has helped her develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
At the core of Bre’s journey is the foundational support she’s received from the DOVE Program, her teachers, and the staff at We Care. But more than that, it’s Bre’s own determination, compassion, and willingness to learn that have set her on the path to success. Bre’s story is a reminder of what can happen when students are given the tools, encouragement, and opportunities they need to thrive.