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?

For the past four school years, 98% of students enrolled in our Academic Enrichment Program were 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 800 addresses. Although many homes are unoccupied and in serious disrepair, many other homes house two or more sets of families.

The 2011 AEP students are 68% black and 19% multiracial; 93% are eligible for the Federal Lunch Program; 72% live below the federal poverty level

The Parker Street Neighborhood is in the Delta patrol zone for the Lakeland Police Department. They received 10,819 calls for assistance in 2009. The breakdown was: alcohol 139, disturbance 3464, drugs 173, other 5467, property 832,  prostitution 45, traffic 566; and violent 133. These numbers represent a significant reduction from 2004.

How many students do you serve?

83 with plans to increase capacity to 115 in 2012.

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.