Mishawaka council approves counseling center at 327 West Kfax amid tax-exemption concerns

The Mishawaka Common Council on June 1 approved a use variance to allow a counseling center at 327 West Kfax, voting 8–1 after members questioned staffing, neighborhood outreach and the fiscal effects of nonprofit uses in residential areas.

Dan Bridges, representing Missionary Church North Central Region and the property owner, told the council the plan converts an existing parsonage into office and group-conversation space and is not intended for residential occupancy. "We would like to convert a parsonage ... into a counseling center," Bridges said, noting the property is already affiliated with church operations and that two neighbors who initially voiced concerns had been engaged in a door-to-door meeting.

Julia Beam, vice president for student development and success at Bethl University, said the university will operate the site with existing campus counseling staff supplemented by one or two additional hires. "The current staff from the on-campus site will move over to this site," Beam said. She described the center as primarily referral-based (from regional missionary churches) and short-term in scope: free, limited-session counseling similar to the university's campus practice. Beam also said licensed therapists will supervise counseling interns and that liability insurance will cover operations.

Council members pressed for details on hours, clientele and safeguards. Councilor Vulker asked whether the service comes from the university or a different group; Bridges and Beam confirmed university counselors will staff the site and that the center will offer daytime hours with limited evening appointments. On transportation, Beam noted a bus line runs about two blocks from the site.

During deliberations the chair welcomed the service but raised a broader municipal concern: "transformation of income-producing property to nonprofit ... is always going to be of concern to municipal government," he said, asking Bethl and partners to balance growth outside campus against the city's tax base and school funding needs. That concern was noted in the debate but did not prevent approval.

The council approved Resolution 2026-21 with an 8–1 vote; the lone recorded dissent was by Councilor Beniki. No further procedural steps were specified at the meeting.

The action allows the counseling center to proceed subject to the terms of the approved variance and any subsequent administrative requirements.