Born and raised in Mulberry, Laura Bautista has been a classroom leader at Parker Street Ministries since the spring of 2023. Laura works with the fourth and fifth graders and is currently pursuing a degree in elementary education from Polk State College. Earlier this year, Laura was given more responsibility becoming the Whimsy team lead. This group oversees fun extracurricular activities such as birthday and holiday celebrations and craft projects, like making birdhouses. In her spare time, Laura volunteers at Grace City Church where she helped launch Grace City Español. “Now, every 10:45 a.m. service is translated in Spanish,” says Laura, grateful she can finally attend the same church as her mom, thanks to the live translation. Learn more about Laura below!
Favorite PSM memory: Making it up to the kids who missed the water ride at the zoo last year due to rain. This summer, Laura made it her mission to be among the first in line. “Sure enough, we got on! It was so fun!”
Life advice: “It’s okay to ask for help.”
Favorite Scripture: “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” – Psalm 46:5
Can’t-Stop-Watching TV: “A National Geographic show called ‘To Catch a Smuggler.’”
Which restaurant do you hope will come to Lakeland next? “Raising Cane’s.”
What has God taught you because of your connection to PSM? “I’ve learned to be open to different possibilities. It’s all about my willingness to be open to what God has for me.”
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Parker Street Ministries (PSM) is a 501c3 in Lakeland, Florida, that follows a Gospel-centered model characterized by living, listening, affirming dignity, and building community together in and through the Parker Street neighborhood. Parker Street Ministries is committed to Gospel-centered community development through the focus areas of: Fostering Spiritual Growth so Christ and His Gospel are front and center, Supporting Lifetime Learners through educational opportunities, Stabilizing the Neighborhood by addressing the quality and availability of housing, and Cultivating Connections so gaps in relationships and services are bridged.