When did Parker Street Ministries begin?

Parker Street Ministries originated in 1996 as a ministry of one church seeking to bring change in one impoverished and crime-ridden neighborhood. It was called the Parker Street Project. Over the years more churches, community members, and businesses began participating. Parker Street Ministries was incorporated in 1999. PSM received non-profit 501(c)(3) status in 2000.

What results do you see in the academic enrichment programs?

For the past eight school years, 98% of students enrolled in our Academic Enrichment Program were promoted to the next grade level! 90% of Academic Enrichment Program students progress at least one intervention level benchmark during the school year.

What are the geographic boundaries of Parker Street Ministries?

The geographic boundaries are Memorial Boulevard to the north, the In-town Bypass to the south, Florida Avenue to the west and Ingraham Avenue to the east.

What are the demographics of the Parker Street neighborhood?

Within PSM’s boundaries there are 650 addresses. Although many homes are unoccupied and in serious disrepair, many other homes house two or more sets of families.

The 2015 AEP students are 61% black, 17% multiracial, and 10% Hispanic; 77% are eligible for the Federal Lunch Program; 87% live below the federal poverty level

The Parker Street Neighborhood is in the Delta patrol zone for the Lakeland Police Department. They received 15,845 calls for assistance in 2014. The breakdown was: fire 3, drugs 225, other 9963, property 859,  prostitution 58, traffic 1848; and violent 132.

How many students do you serve?

More than 115 students in kindergarten through grade 12 are served.

What is PSM’s relationship with Desire Street Ministries?

Parker Street Ministries enjoys a strategic friendship with Danny Wuerffel and Desire Street Ministries. Danny serves on our advisory committee, and Executive Director Tim Mitchell serves as a legacy coach to Desire Street Ministries’ partners. This networking gives us the chance to share our programs with other urban ministries throughout the southeast. It is important to note that PSM is a stand-alone 501c3 organization governed by an independent, local board of trustees and currently (2016) 96% of our funding source is local donors.

Is Parker Street Ministries a church?

No, Parker Street Ministries is a faith-based nonprofit with a 501(c)3 designation. We are blessed with a board and staff representing many Christian denominations.

Is Parker Street Ministries a homeless provider?

No. Parker Street Ministries serves residents only in our geographic boundaries. In order to avoid duplication of service and be faithful to our mission, we serve our residents and refer homeless individuals, with compassion, to the other nearby providers who we collaborate with often.

Did Tim Mitchell found Parker Street Ministries?

No. The Parker Street Project was started by Shepherd Road Presbyterian Church. Tim Mitchell  was an early volunteer and resident and later became an employee in 1999.