ASSUMPTION, Ill. (WCIA) — Families in Christian County will now have more resources for their youngest family members, and community members said they’re excited for the newest addition.

For the past two years, Kemmerer Village, a nonprofit organization in Assumption, has been working on a project which will help fill a void in the community.

“It’s just a thrill to be able to bring just a much-needed program to this great community,” said Schales Nagle, executive director at Kemmerer Village.

Monday morning, they celebrated their ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Assumption community childcare center.

“And it’s been really exciting because it’s been such a buildup and our communities, both communities, and all the surrounding ones really have really needed this,” said Aimee Younker, childcare teacher. “And so, it’s been such an excitement to watch it grow.”

Fundraising efforts include more than $300,000 raised to open their doors. Younker has four children of her own and she said she remembers when it was hard to find childcare herself.

“I stayed home with my younger two boys because it was hard to find childcare,” she said.

Younker said being able to help the next family who may be struggling with the same scenario means a lot to her. Nagle said they’ll be working with infants to age five.

“For us to have that here in the community and to take a little bit of that stress off of them and not have to drive up to Decatur or drive to Pana or Taylorville or wherever it may be,” Younker said. “It’s very fulfilling to know that we can provide that service.”

Twelve children are currently enrolled at the center. For more information click here.