News
Parker Street Ministries Blog
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. – Psalm 136
Giving Through the 2024 Christmas Store
It’s Neighborhood Christmas Store season! In December, Parker Street Ministries (PSM) hosts a fully functioning store for several days. The organization receives brand new toys and funds to purchase gifts from many individuals and groups. Toys are discounted 75% and...
Staff Spotlight – Meet Laura
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...
New Staff Spotlight – Meet Joy
Meet Joy Williams: Volunteer & Neighborhood Events Coordinator! New to Lakeland and the Parker Street neighborhood, Joy was born and raised in Rhode Island. “My father and stepmother are in my hometown where they pastor one church and oversee 60+ others,” Joy...
New Staff Spotlight – Meet Katie
Meet Katie McMullen: Program Support for the Academic Enrichment Program! Katie was born and raised right here in Lakeland. She has primarily worked in the childcare field, particularly in a preschool setting, for more than 17 years. In between these childcare roles,...
Record Number of Students Start Smart
Thanks to the faithful donors who assisted in the Start Smart Education Essentials campaign! Because of you (as of August 16), a record 168 kids started school prepared (97 in Pre-K through fifth grade; 40 middle schoolers; and 31 high schoolers/young adults). In...
Summer Camp 2024!
This summer, 106 youth in K-8 participated in Summer Camp! Campers in K-8 were offered: 40 Summer Camp days Breakfast, lunch, and one snack per day 64 academic hours consisting of reading, writing, math, and more At least 1 hour of physical activity outside and in the...
Workforce Lab Teaches Soft Job Skills
Now in its ninth year, Workforce Lab continues to prepare rising ninth and tenth graders who live in the Parker Street neighborhood for life beyond high school as they enter the workforce. Workforce Lab teaches soft job skills and financial capability in an...
New Staff Spotlight – Meet Mike
Meet Mike Prewitt: Facilities & Property Manager! While born in Homestead, FL, and a graduate of FSU, Mike comes to PSM all the way from Manila, Philippines, where he recently served with the International Mission Board as Logistics Directors for the Asian Pacific...
2024 Graduates
Ten current and former Young Adult Program participants graduated this year! And nine of them will have the opportunity to receive their stipend savings matches for completing the Workforce Lab program. Congratulations to Aiyanna, Camden, Don, Donavan, Ella, Henry,...
New Staff Spotlight – Meet Paige
Meet Paige Connell: PSM’s first HR Generalist! Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Paige has lived in Polk County since 2022. She graduated from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Human Resources Management. “I’m most excited to not only...