It has long been suggested that “When you find the thing you’re passionate about, you should make that your business.” Well, that is exactly what Mary and Jay Wardlaw have done. Originally they opened their Niles location of The Children’s Center in 2004, creating impact on the lives of more than 1,000 children.
With the addition of the new St. Joseph location, where official ribbon cutting ceremonies with the Southwest Michigan Chamber of Commerce took place last night, they are able to provide care for 120 additional children aged from birth through 12 years old.
Owner Mary Wardlaw says, “We are excited about giving parents high-quality care, education, and love for their little miracles. We know we will breathe confidence into the St. Joseph community by opening here.”
After reaching out to Fiskars regarding available properties in the area, the Wardlaw’s were directed to the Miners Road location, one that Mary says is not only ideal but, “It also is a beautiful building and setting for our child care program.”
Joining the Chamber last night, State Rep. Pauline Wendzel welcomed the new Children’s Center to St. Joseph, presenting the Wardlaws with a special state tribute to commemorate the opening of their new location.
Wendzel told them, “I want to personally thank Mary and Jay for their commitment and dedication to the children of Southwest Michigan,” and added, “After the launch and success of their Niles location, we are incredibly excited to welcome them to St. Joseph. This new facility will allow them to help serve even more children right here in Berrien County.”
The Wardlaws officially opened the new St. Joseph location on August 1st, allowing the center to also offer the Great Start to Readiness free preschool program. Mary says, “As our vision to provide care and comfort for even more families grew, we decided it was time to expand our program. We’ll have a positive impact on this community and we look forward to sharing our heart with the families of St. Joseph and the surrounding communities.”
The new center operates Monday through Friday from 7am until 6pm and is closed on the weekends. The Children’s Center of St. Joseph is anchored at 1000 Miners Road in the Scottdale neighborhood of St. Joseph.
You can find additional information by clicking the link below:
http://www.thechildrenscenterinc.com
In the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market, State Rep. Pauline Wendzel presents the Wardlaws with an official tribute from the State of Michigan.
