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Parker Street Ministries Blog
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. – Psalm 136
New Staff Spotlight – Meet Jeff Wright
Meet Jeff Wright—Parker Street Ministries’ Bookkeeper! Jeff was born in Victoria, British Columbia, and has lived all up and down the West Coast, predominantly in the Portland, Oregon, area. He and his family made their way to Central Florida nearly five years ago and...
Support the 2026 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...
2025 Best Places to Work Recipient
Parker Street Ministries (PSM) was again recognized by CareerSource Polk as one of the Best Places to Work in the Small Business Category (1-50 employees) for 2025. This recognition honors “employers that demonstrate exceptional workplace practices and a commitment to...
Staff Spotlight – Janee’ Jackson-Barnett
Meet Janee’ Jackson-Barnett—Parker Street Ministries’ new Young Adult Program Assistant Director! Janee’ is originally from Orlando but has called Lakeland home for the past 15 years after moving here to attend Southeastern University. She holds bachelor’s and...
Summer Camp 2026
This summer, 107 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, math, and practical life skills Daily Bible instruction and prayer A variety of...
Workforce Lab Prepares Future Leaders
Workforce Lab celebrated 11 years this summer! This program 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 durable job skills and financial...
A Smart Start to the School Year
Huge thanks to the faithful individuals, businesses, and more who made the Start Smart Education Essentials campaign a success! Because of you, as of August 11, 157 kids from the Parker Street and North Lake Wire neighborhoods started school fully prepared—78 in Pre-K...
New Staff Spotlight – Meet Tom Walker
Meet Tom Walker—Parker Street Ministries’ Facilities & Maintenance Technician! Originally from Monticello, Indiana, Tom moved back to Lakeland this past March. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana,...
The 2026 PSM Telethon Recap
Still can’t believe what happened a little over a week ago! So many people came together to support Parker Street Ministries through 24 hours of worship, stories, generosity, and community. In fact, 1,989 unique devices tuned in, and more than $200,000 was raised,...
The Gathering Place Ribbon Cutting and Telethon Updates
Parker Street Ministries (PSM) will host its first-ever 24-hour livestream Telethon from 6:00 p.m. on May 7 to 6:00 p.m. on May 8, 2026, inviting the community to take part in a day of stories, worship, generosity, and community. Marking 30 years of ministry in...