Tolson Center in Elkhart welcomes new leadership with transfer ceremony

ELKHART, Ind. – The future of a once-troubled Elkhart staple is looking brighter. On Thursday, April 7, management of the Tolson Center will be officially being transferred from the city to a non-profit organization after years of ups and downs.

The Tolson Center has been operated by the city of Elkhart for years. Now, the building will no longer be run by the city, instead, it’ll be its own independent organization.

“This just embarks on a wonderful opportunity where we’re able to remember the past, the history, rich history of the Tolson Center. So, we want community members to come out share, reminisce about that, while building the future,” Breanna Allen, the Executive Director of the Tolson Center for Community Excellence.

The local staple first opened its doors in 1991 and since then, it’s seen its share of struggles. A lack of funding almost forced it to shut down several times in years past. Sparking a series of meetings and conversations on how to save it in 2018.

In August, the city gave its approval for the Tolson Center to be its own independent organization.

Allen said the move is necessary so the facility can be run by a board of directors that represent the Elkhart community.

“Speak into what could it be, what could it bring to Elkhart and the south-central neighborhood and so through that is what really generated the conversation to the process to apply for the 501C3 for it to become an independent organization,” Allen said.

The Tolson Transfer Ceremony is taking place on Thursday April 7 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Community members will have the opportunity to see renderings of the new Tolson Center building. It’s expected to be fully operational by fall of 2023.

The groundbreaking is taking place on April 24. For more information on the Tolson Center for Community Excellence or want to volunteer visit here.