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Parker Street Ministries Blog
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. – Psalm 136
Staff Spotlight – William Wainwright
William Wainwright’s connection to Parker Street Ministries goes back to 2008 when he first began volunteering in the after-school program. “I would show up Tuesdays and Thursdays to read and hang out with students every week,” he shared. “Tuesdays and Thursday...
Support the 2025 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 – Hannah Hardin
This June marked 16 years for Hannah Hardin at Parker Street Ministries. Over that time, she has faithfully served in roles ranging from Tim’s assistant to front desk, volunteer and neighborhood events, HR, and finance. Today, she serves as Operations Director,...
2024 Best Places to Work Recipient
Parker Street Ministries (PSM) has been recognized by CareerSource Polk as one of the 2024 Best Places to Work in the Small Business Category (1-50 employees). This recognition honors “employers who exemplify best practices in their workplace and who are committed to...
New Staff Spotlight – Meet Jaycee Harris
Meet Jaycee Harris—Parker Street Ministries’ Property Manager! Originally from Hampton, Virginia, Jaycee has called Lakeland home since 2017. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and comes to PSM with a background in church music ministry. “I’m...
New Staff Spotlight – Meet Diana Cruz
Meet Diana Cruz—Parker Street Ministries’ Finance Associate! Raised in Manatee County, Diana moved to the area about two and a half years ago. She’s currently working toward her accounting degree at the University of South Florida and brings experience in bookkeeping,...
Summer Camp 2025
This summer, about 100 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...
Students Start Smart
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, 168 kids from the Parker Street and North Lake Wire neighborhoods started school fully prepared—89 in Pre-K...
Summer Leadership Program Graduates
Congratulations to Joy Williams (Volunteer & Events Coordinator) and Paige Connell (HR Generalist) who graduated from the Lakeland Economic Development Council’s Summer Leadership Program! SLP connects interns and new hires (ages 21-32) through a 5-week experience...
Workforce Lab Celebrates 10 Years
Workforce Lab celebrated 10 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 soft job skills and financial...