In the connected world of grief support, there are individuals who shine like radiant threads, weaving compassion, dedication, and resilience into the lives of those dealing with loss. Meet Breana Crenshaw, a glowing example of someone who not only brought professional expertise but also a heart deeply touched by personal loss when she joined Bridges of Hope in the fall of 2021.
Breana’s journey with Bridges of Hope started as a response to her own grief. She had lost her beloved grandmother to COVID in March of that year. Amidst her own sorrow, Breana found purpose in helping others navigate the challenging landscape of grief, particularly children and families coping with devastating loss.
A student in the Master’s School Counseling program at Liberty University at the time, Breana’s passion for working with children and her previous volunteer experiences made her a perfect fit for Bridges of Hope. With the support of her mentor, Ms. McCoy, from her internship at Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary, Breana became a camp facilitator for the “Mighty Minis” at Shannon’s Hope Camp.
After completing her master’s program in May, Breana seamlessly transitioned into her role as a school counselor at Oakbrook Elementary. Despite her busy schedule, her commitment to Bridges of Hope remained steadfast. She continued to advocate, pushing for the expansion of the Sand Dollar Club into Dorchester District 2.
Breana’s life took a new turn when she became a mother to her daughter, Hunter, in January 2023. Despite the demands of motherhood and her school counseling job, Breana’s dedication to making a difference persisted. In the summer of 2023, she took a temporary step back from her role as a School Counselor to become an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) with a focus on a capacity-building project for Bridges of Hope.
In her role as a VISTA, Breana played a crucial part in shaping the future of Bridges of Hope. She was instrumental in developing a robust evaluation system for Shannon’s Hope Camp, creating school profiles to identify community needs and service gaps, and establishing new funding opportunities. Notably, Breana was a driving force behind the inception of “Hope, Hooves, and Healing,” showcasing her ongoing commitment to finding innovative ways to support those in grief.
Breana Crenshaw’s journey with Bridges of Hope is a shining example of the transformative power of turning personal grief into a force for good. Her resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment continue to be a beacon, guiding Bridges of Hope toward brighter horizons and offering solace to those on the journey of healing. We celebrate Breana as a true difference-maker, a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on an entire community.