I’m honored to introduce this week’s Meet A Mom, Jennifer Conforti, local Special Needs’ Mom of a beautiful little girl, Owner/Publisher of Fayette County Lifestyle magazine, and Founder of a local Non-Profit, Two Sparrows Village, which is building a community for Adults with disabilities. Jennifer’s story has inspired me and I hope it will you too!
Q & A
Hi Jennifer, where are you from? I grew up about 35 miles NW of Chicago in, what was then, the quaint town of Palatine, IL.
How many kids do you have? I have one girl, Abby, who is 11 years old and was diagnosed with a congenital brain defect and severe autism when she was 2. She is the light of my life and the most challenging work I’ve ever been charged with. Love her more than anything.
What do you love about Peachtree City and surrounding areas? I am a HUGE fan of Fayette County, GA, so much so that I started a magazine called Fayette County Lifestyle to showcase the stories of our people and places. This community and the people who have embraced our special needs family are precious to me.
What’s your favorite restaurant and/or place to shop in Peachtree City and/or surrounding areas? Favorite restaurant? Oooo, that’s a tough one. I love to eat! I’d have to say City Cafe in Fayetteville has become my go-to lately… love their vegan power bowl!! As for shopping, that is hands down, Tribal Chick in Fayetteville. Jamie and her girls have completely changed the way I style myself. I’m in love with it all!
Tell us about your career? I am the owner/publisher of the Fayette County Lifestyle magazine franchise. I am ultimately responsible for every story, every advertisement, every networking opportunity, every organization membership… Every page has my stamp on it. They may not all be 100% correct (I am human, anyway… lol!), but FCL is my other baby. One of my heroes, Joyce Beverly, former publisher of Fayette Woman said, “Publishing a magazine is like giving birth every month.” She was right, whew!
I am also the founder of a Fayette County-based nonprofit, Two Sparrows Village. We have partnered with Christian City in Union City, GA, for the purpose of building a community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Our first cottage which will provide independent living for 4 adults with I/DD and day service programming for up to 16 adults with I/DD is opening this spring. I am still pinching myself!
How did you decide on this Business? (For the magazine) My husband had to talk me into it. His past was in advertising sales and consulting and he heard about the opportunity from a former business colleague. He thought this would be a great opportunity to start our own business and 2 1/2 years later, he was right!
(For Two Sparrows Village) I did not decide to start this organization, rather, I was called to it. The Holy Spirit gave me a clear direction when, on a Saturday morning in January of 2017, I heard Him say, “You need to build a community for adults with disabilities.” To which I answered, “What?? I don’t know how to do that!” To which He replied, “Yes, but you know people who do.” All I did was answer, “Yes, Lord.”, and He did the rest. He put the right people in my path. He provided the partnership with Christian City who had the grant funds ready to go. HE directed my path, 100%.
What is the best thing about your job? Telling stories. I love it.
Advice for Mom’s or a Mom hack you would like to share? Advice: Get the sitter and go out! Buy the plane tickets and take a trip! Getting away from your kids is not only fun, it’s time needed for you to regroup and replenish so you are better equipped to handle mom-life. Don’t miss the opportunity to hold yourself in high regard. Every mom needs her mom-time.
For more information about Fayette County Lifestyle Magazine, visit www.citylifestyle.com/fayettecounty/ and to learn more about Two Sparrows Village, visit www.twosparrowsvillage.org.
