Newberg, OR, March 24, 2025 – Today, A-dec, George Fox University and Northwest Christian Church announced their partnership to develop Northwest Early Learning Academy, “NELA,” a child development center serving residents of Newberg and Yamhill County.

The newly constructed 25,000 sq ft facility will be located in Newberg on the corner of East Mountainview Drive and Villa Road and will aim to serve two hundred children, ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Construction will begin June 2025, with a planned opening for Fall 2026.

“At NCC, we believe that real life change happens in community with others,” said David Case, Lead Pastor of Northwest Christian Church. “I see NELA as the beginning of a cornerstone for how we continue to support families in our community through this collaborative partnership.”

The project began with A-dec and GFU during the COVID-19 pandemic, who joined forces to identify a solution to the shortage of childcare providers in Newberg and Yamhill County. The childcare sector was hit hard during the pandemic recession, with the majority of Oregon counties considered “childcare deserts.” In recent studies, Yamhill County had only 1 open childcare slot for every 10 children aged 0-2, and only 2 slots for every 10 children aged 3-5.

Northwest Christian Church joined the collaboration in 2024.

“We are so pleased that these three fine Newberg institutions can create such an innovative partnership” said Robin Baker, president of George Fox University. “One of George Fox’s strategic goals is to serve our community and helping provide affordable childcare is a tangible way to improve the lives of our neighbors. We’re grateful to all those who are supporting this effort. I believe this project will make a big difference to families in our city and region.”

The project has garnered additional attention and support from the Yamhill County Board of Commissioners, The John and Ginger Niemeyer Foundation, Business Oregon, and The City of

Newberg. NELA will seek to address primary challenges associated with Oregon’s “childcare desert” status: limited access to childcare, high cost, and shortage of workers.

“A-dec’s purpose is to provide opportunities and care for people,” said Scott Parrish, A-dec Chairman of the Board. “I’m very excited that we can contribute to a center that will help provide greater access to high quality, affordable childcare. My hope is that we’re creating a center that will benefit families in our community for many years to come.”

Press Contact:

Jordan Beanblossom PR@a-dec.com

503-537-2772

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About A-dec: A-dec is one of the largest privately-owned dental equipment manufacturers in the United States, recognized as a global leader in dental solutions. A-dec dental chairs, delivery systems, dental lights, dental furniture, mechanical room equipment, A-dec 360 infection control products, and connected solution platforms embody the company’s mission to work for the betterment of dentistry worldwide. A-dec has been named one of the top workplaces in the United States, with global headquarters in Newberg, Oregon, and distribution centers in Nuneaton, United Kingdom and Mascot, Australia.

About George Fox University: George Fox University is Oregon’s largest private college. It is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best National University” and by The Wall Street Journal as one of the top private colleges in Oregon. More than 4,000 students attend classes on the university’s campus in Newberg, Oregon, and at teaching centers in Portland and Redmond, Oregon. George Fox offers more than 60 academic programs at the undergraduate level, accelerated online degrees for working adults, and 21 masters and doctoral degrees.

About Northwest Christian Church: Northwest Christian Church is a multigenerational, multicultural, and multisite church with a weekend attendance of nearly 2,000 adults, students, and children. We have physical campuses in Newberg, McMinnville, and Tigard, Oregon, as well as an Online Campus. Our heartbeat is to serve the community in a variety of ways by meeting physical, mental, and spiritual needs. We accomplish this through intentional outreach to individuals, families, students, and children by providing high-quality, safe, and fun facilities and programs.