FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Parker Street Ministries begin?

Parker Street Ministries originated in 1996 and was called the Parker Street Project. PSM received non-profit 501(c)(3) status in 2000.

What results do you see in the academic enrichment programs?

During both the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 school years every student enrolled in our Academic Enrichment Program was promoted to the next grade level!

What are the geographic boundaries of Parker Street Ministries?

The geographic boundaries are Memorial Boulevard to the north, the In-town Bypass to the south, Florida Avenue to the west and Ingraham Avenue to the east.

What are the demographics of the Parker Street neighborhood?

Within PSM’s boundaries there are 960 addresses. Although many homes are unoccupied and in serious disrepair, many other homes house two or more sets of families.

The 2009 AEP students are 82% black and 16% multiracial; 93% are eligible for the Federal Lunch Program; 75% live below the federal poverty level

The Parker Street Neighborhood is in the Delta patrol zone for the Lakeland Police Department. They received 12430 calls for assistance in 2009. The breakdown was: alcohol 132; disturbance 3977, drugs 210, drugs 210; fire 8; other 5133; property 1030; prostitution 86; tobacco 1; traffic 1695; and violent 158. These numbers represent a significant reduction from 2004.

How many students do you serve?

38 with plans to increase capacity to 58 in 2010.

What is PSM’s relationship with Desire Street Ministries?

Parker Street Ministries enjoys a strategic partnership with Desire Street Ministries, giving us access to mentorship, training and support from their staff. It also gives PSM the chance to share its programs with other urban ministries in the Desire Street network.