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DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Working with children often presents a mix of joyful and demanding experiences. For over 20 years, Vivian Lesure in Danville has concentrated on the positive. She dedicates her efforts to “Style, Charm and Grace,” an after-school initiative that transforms lives and boosts self-esteem among young women.
Recognized for her impact, a friend nominated Lesure for the WCIA 3 Remarkable Woman award. Amanda Brennan from WCIA 3 joined her for an evening at Danville’s Boys and Girls Club to witness the program in action.
“Every year, I start with a checklist,” Lesure shared, her face lighting up with enthusiasm.
This checklist encompasses lessons in etiquette, fostering friendships, and nurturing empowered, driven young women.
“‘Style, Charm and Grace’ makes me feel special and allows me to truly express myself. Plus, I’m making friends,” said Abella Nelson, an elementary student participating in the program.
The last few months, the girls have been focused on “being good friends,” Lesure said. She has even noticed the girls telling each other, “I will pick them up when they fall down.”
To her, hearing those kind words is a breath of fresh air. Besides, she formed the program while balancing a nursing career with a job at the Boys and Girls Club. That’s where she noticed some children treating others with disrespect.
“I started reading Emily Post on teaching etiquette, and I said, ‘I can do that,’” Lesure reflected.
In fact, she is doing it so well that many of the children she works with regularly are hoping to follow in her footsteps.
“I could teach somebody to make them be a grown woman because somebody made me be a grown woman,” Kaidence Evans, another young girl in the program, said.
Hearing that is good news to Lesure, as she’s looking ahead to her next chapter. After decades with the Boys and Girls Club, she is getting ready to retire and pass the torch on to her daughter-in-law.
“I can’t say I want to save the millions of them out there. I only want to help one,” Lesure said. “If I get that one, I’ve got all the joy and whatever I’ve intended in life in doing.”