History
The Parker Street neighborhood is a low income, high crime area just north of downtown Lakeland. Its people are, for the most part, broken, forgotten and marginalized.
Parker Street Ministries, Inc. (PSM) is a Christ-centered, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to individual, family and community restoration, reconciliation and revitalization in Lakeland’s Parker Street community. For 13 years PSM has ministered to this community and currently employs three full-time and seven part-time staff. A Board of Trustees and an Advisory Committee volunteer their time to oversee ministry budget administration and offer strategic advice respectively. Their membership comprises a variety of business backgrounds and Christian denominations. Parker Street Ministries is a member of the Christian Community Development Association and a strategic partner of Desire Street Ministries. Both partnerships provide opportunities for PSM to impact a national network of urban ministries as well as benefit from the experiences of similar ministries. Tim Mitchell has been the Executive Director of PSM since 2002.
Parker Street Ministries utilizes a holistic approach characterized foremost by a staff that intentionally lives in the neighborhood to bring transformation from the inside out. This staff is committed to Gospel-centered community development beginning in the Parker Street community and spreading to other impoverished neighborhoods.
Our programs include:
- an afterschool academic enrichment program (for K-Gr. 8) to maintain adequate yearly progress;
- an academic summer camp (for K-Gr.8) to close the devastating summer learning gap;
- revitalizing neighborhood homes to protect assets;
- a home ownership initiative, partnering with city government and other non-profits, to improve financial stability;
- neighborhood mentorship to facilitate meaningful relationships and develop indigenous leaders;
- neighborhood mercy for help in crisis situations;
- an annual Christmas store for neighborhood residents to help them provide gifts for their children;
- weekly Bible studies for spiritual development; and
- regular block and neighborhood parties to build a sense of community.
Through the support of individuals, churches, foundations, and businesses as well as the efforts of staff and 691 volunteers, Parker Street Ministries impacted more than 200 children and their families during 2009.