Jennifer Elder: Mother on a mission

Jennifer Elder’s life is focused on showing her children, Michael, 8, and Carlie, 6, two things — work hard to achieve your dreams and give back. Between working full time as an office manager and being a single mother, Elder, 29, earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies in May 2015.

“It took me 10 years to finish my bachelor’s degree, but I made it,” Elder said. “… I wanted to show the kids when you want something you work hard for it.”

In 2013, she converted from Missionary Baptist to Catholicism at St. John Church in Hot Springs because it “felt like home” and married George Elder this past September. She teaches religious education and is a member of Catholic Daughters, volunteering at places like Safe Haven Shelter for Women and Children. 

“We really try to help the community,” Elder said, adding that she enjoyed making rosaries for groups like RCIA candidates. “Making something that was going to be given to someone and hopefully make their faith even more meaningful to them, that was something really special.”

She balances everything with “a lot of patience,” but volunteering for the Church is a priority as a mother.

“I’ve even taken them aside and told them there’s different ways to contribute to your community,” she said.

 

• What is at the top of your bucket list? Why?

“I want to go to England. As far back as I can remember I’ve just been fascinated by the British monarchy and the different castles over there … that’s my pleasure reading; I’ll get a biography on a king or queen and read up on them.”

 

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