Today we’d like to introduce you to Lesle’ Honore.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lesle’. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am originally from Los Angeles, having moved to Chicago after attending College in New Orleans, in 1999. I have worked in the non-profit field here in Chicago for almost 20 years, always in divested neighborhoods, mainly on the West Side or in Spanish speaking communities.
My work has been with youth as well as with people who suffer from mental illness, people who, for the most part, are discounted as not being valuable enough to society to have a voice that is respected and heard.
What has always fueled my passion, is that on paper, I look like many of the people I have given direct services too, a single mother of color raising 3 children in what many consider to be a dangerous neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. Since moving to Chicago, I have always lived in proximity to poverty.
In areas with poor schools, food deserts, and violence. But it is in these areas that I have seen what is at the very heart and soul of Chicago; resilience, tenacity, talent, strength and hope. I know what has separated my success, and that of my children, from my neighbors, has been my education and access to programs that supported my family as well as enriching our lives. I know my purpose is to make sure I stand in the gap for the people in this city who do not always have the means, the education or the access to how to improve their lives, the lives of their children and the quality of their neighborhoods.
My position at KLEO as Executive Director has afforded me the opportunity to work in the community in which I live, shop, and my kids go to school. It has also been the perfect platform for me to incorporate my belief that exposing youth to the arts is a way to help them process trauma while developing a voice of their own.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road is never smooth, and that is the gift. I believe that in the difficult times are where we find the lessons that shape us. Surviving an abusive marriage and a difficult divorce has taught me how to support women and families who are going through similar situations. I am grateful for how the uncomfortable moments of my life have helped me become more aware and more compassionate.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The mission of the KLEO Community Family Life Center is Eradicating Violence, Bringing Opportunity with a vision of “creating a world where every person feels safe, loved, and has an opportunity to thrive.” Since KLEO’s founding ten years ago, violence reduction and intervention have been core tenets.
The Center initially acted as a safe haven for women experiencing domestic violence and grew to offer youth a space to come after school to engage in constructive, pro-social activities. Many KLEO mentors and staff come from the communities which the Center serves. Annually, over 500 youth participate in KLEO programs.
I am most proud of how we began. After the murder of his sister, Kleo Barrett, our founder Torrey Barrett was able to take his grief and create a space to serve his community. Every day, with every individual or family we help, we are honoring her memory.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Our city is dynamic and wonderful. Chicago is the perfect place to for any business to start and sustain itself. We are hardworking and supportive of each other. With all the bells and whistles of a big city and all the heart and familiarity of a small town.
Contact Info:
- Address: 119 E. Garfield Chicago IL 60637
- Website: thekleocenter.org
- Phone: 773-363-6941
- Email: l.honore@kleocenter.org
- Instagram: kleocenter
- Facebook: K.L.E.O Community Center
- Twitter: thekleocenter
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