Vision

Mission

Parker Street Ministries, Inc. 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.

Facility Vision

PSM’s facility-use action plan is the culmination of a 14-year commitment to the spiritual and physical wellbeing of the adults and children living in the Parker Street community.  It represents the recommendations of the core staff, four of whom have lived and worked in the neighborhood for a combined total of 32 years.  This core staff provided much of the anecdotal and observational needs assessments.  Other needs assessments factors include:

  • Neighborhood Statistics
  • Local Unemployment Statistics
  • Nat’l Stats on Latchkey Kids
  • Community Listening Project
  • Business Regulations
  • Policies of Similar Organizations
  • Feedback from Parents
  • Feedback from Partners
  • Digital Divide Statistics
  • Strategic Partner Assessments

With the acquisition of the 179 N. Massachusetts Avenue facility, it becomes necessary to formalize a plan for continued ministry as PSM moves Further into the Neighborhood. The central goal for this action plan is that Parker Street neighborhood residents benefit from expanded usage of the community center, family life center and offices. Following are nine objectives identified to achieve this goal.  Each objective correlates to identified needs and to Parker Street Ministries’ mission commitment to Gospel-centered community development beginning in Lakeland’s Parker Street neighborhood.

  1. Establish a clean and safe environment for programs—involves a rehab of facility while continuing with $450k+ growth operating budget–Completed September 2011.
  2. Expand year-round academic enrichment program from a capacity of 38 to serve 100 students kindergarten through 8th grade–On target for completion summer 2012, currently 80 students are enrolled with plans for final expansion summer 2012.
  3. Expand academic enrichment program to serve students grades nine through college-Implement January 2012
  4. Provide program space with planned activities for all age groups-Began in November 2011 with Polk’s Weatherization Day, ongoing…
  5. Provide a site for Christian spiritual care. Currently administered through programs and managed by Director of Spiritual Development
  6. Offer a wide variety of services that revitalize the neighborhood-Ongoing…
  7. Utilize sanctuary for larger neighborhood programs–First event held September 2011, Second: December 2011, ongoing
  8. Provide constant staff presence at relocated office at 719 North Massachusetts-Moved in September 2011.
  9. Ensure services and facilities are accessible to neighborhood residents, to include Spanish speakers and cultural considerations-Ongoing

Catch our vision as we look beyond the building acquisition and rehabilitation to a neighborhood that glorifies God. We are committed to the following vision for Parker Street Ministries and are currently finalizing our long-range goals for each vision bullet point below.

Long-Range Vision

We desire that our residents are:

  • financially healthy and generous through dependence on God and responsible stewardship;
  • influential lifetime learners who reach their full potential;
  • living in a beautiful, mixed-income neighborhood with housing considered among the best.
  • faithfully and joyfully showing off the glory of Jesus Christ as they increase their dependence on Christ;
  • celebrating all people as created in God’s image;
  • redeemed to biblical standards for family life; and
  • benefitting from exceptional neighborhood businesses.

It is our hope that you will support our vision as we move forward with a bold presence in the Parker Street neighborhood.

Ways YOU can help us …

  • Remember we continue to need your financial support of our annual budget;
  • Consider how you can introduce us to your friends–lunches, tours, speaking engagements, etc. ;
  • Keep informed of our ministry through updates, newsletters, Facebook etc.;
  • Plan to support us through volunteer groups; and
  • Pray for our staff, ministry and families.

PSM programs reaching more children and families IS EXCITING! We look forward to working with you as we join in God’s transformation of this at-risk Lakeland neighborhood.

The PSM staff values your input and participation. If you have questions please feel free to contact us.  We welcome your feedback and gratefully anticipate your support.

Contact

Kim Schell, Development and CommunicationsDirector

863.682.4544

development@parkerstreetministries.org