When asked about a woman who has influenced her upbringing, Molly happily answered her mother, Kim LaForest.
For most of Molly’s life, she’s known her mom as a stay-at-home mom. But before that, Kim went to school for special education and worked in banking. Only after having three children, her eldest showing signs of Tourette’s and other disabilities, did she decide to become a stay-at-home mom.
“And she truly was the best mom. In all the craziness of our family, she always made sure that us kids felt loved and appreciated,” Molly said as she talked about her mom’s impact on her life.
Having a son with special needs and raising two other kids comes with its own set of challenges, but against all odds, Kim managed to create an environment that welcomed everyone. “My mom has always been that mom that everyone felt comfortable around, and I think that’s because she has always unapologetically been herself.” Kim has always pushed the people she loves to be the best versions of themselves. One of the biggest lessons Molly said she learned from her mom is to never apologize for who you are. People will always have opinions or judgments about you, but that should never dictate your path in life.
In her hometown, she was active in her community, from volunteering in her children’s classrooms when they were young to running her church’s vacation bible school and sharing tree. She worked hard to advocate for children with disabilities within the school system, and now she is working with her husband to create “Jaxon’s Gift,” a nonprofit organization focused on helping the families and caregivers of those with special needs. The proceeds raised will go to families who are unable to pay for adequate care for their child(ren) when they need time for themselves. Whether that be going out to dinner, grocery shopping, etc.
“Most people don’t consider being a stay-at-home mom a job. However, I think it may be the hardest and most important job of all, and my mom not only raised 3 amazing children but is constantly driven to help others every single day.” A mother, wife, advocate, and philanthropist, Kim LaForest is an exceptionally inspiring woman.
