Parker Street Ministries Inc

Parker Street Ministries is a great organization that is working to create systemic change within Lakeland, FL. I interacted with the organization through a week long mission trip. Our group of college students worked with different aspects of the organization all week--from working with the after school program to outreach to assisting in lot clean up. The week was powerful. The Parker Street staff was all so welcoming. They were in communication with us before our arrival and planned our time well. I am so thankful for what this organization is doing and that I got to experience it for even just one week! God Bless!

My name is Terrica Hendree and I first found out about Parker Street Ministries during my twelfth grade year of high school. In the beginning of the year I was unable to ride the bus because my house was close to the school, but it was not in walking distance. Every morning I'd have to wake up an hour early in order to be able to make it to school on time and I'd also have to walk from school in the scorching Florida heat. One day one of the Parker Street vans stopped me while I was walking home from school and the educations director Mr. Arthur told me how I could ride the van from school if I signed up for the after school program. He also told me how the program provided a place for me to study, do homework, or just decompress from a stressful day at school. After a week of walking to and from school I decided to finally visit the Parker Street Ministries office to sign myself and my younger brothers up for the after school program. It was the best adult decision I've ever made because not only am I able to finish homework but so are my brothers. Parker Street has many volunteers that will sit down with younger children and walk them through their homework. Whenever I want to slack off on school work the Educations Director Ms. Christina would politely tell me or others to get to work. They will never leave you to your own devices. My brothers grades aren't as bad as they used to be because now they are doing their homework and once they get home from the program they're too tired to wreck havoc around the house. Not only did I find help with my schooling but I also found help with managing money and finding a job. After I graduated I was able to work as a Micro Intern for Parker Street Ministries where I'd help with daily office requirements like data entering, cropping photos, sorting files, cleaning up unnecessary office equipment, and answering phone calls. I had no experience so my Parker Street family took their time and taught me how to work with data files and cropping photos among other office techniques. They did not rush me but allowed me to work at my own pace. Whenever I made a mistake they'd laugh and would always tell me it would be okay. There are so many skills and experiences that I became exposed to while being a part of Parker Street Ministries enrichment program and working for them as a Micro Intern. I would absolutely recommend anyone who wants to improve their grades in school or would like to gain experience in the workforce to become part of the Parker Street Ministries family.

The staff and leadership at Parker Street are all amazing! They have big hearts for the people and community they serve and they give tirelessly of their time and resources. They are honest, humble, passionate and so generous. I can't say enough about PSM, it's one of the best non-profit organizations in our city!

This place is unbelievable! Parker Street took us, a crew of college students on spring break, and loved on us, equipped us, served alongside us, and even served us during our time with them. They are making a tangible, worthwhile investment in the community they live in, and I'm honored to have spent a week with them.

God is MOVING in Lakeland, FL! This organization is on fire for Jesus and showing His love to a community that desperately needs it. The staff are so genuine, passionate, and helpful. Not only does Parker Street Ministries make an impact on the community, a long lasting impact will be made in your heart by the Holy Spirit as He uses your talents and abilities to serve this neighborhood.

I just love everything about Parker Street Ministries.I adore all the staff.I volunteer as much as I can.

Parker Street Ministries continues to provide holistic support to the residents of the Parker Street neighborhood in Lakeland, Florida. In the past year one area that they have focused on is financial fitness for all ages. The ministry understands the need to begin with children in helping them understand the importance of sound money management. As the children grow they will have better skills to have a strong financial foundation. The ministry helps adults understand how to manage their money and work towards their personal financial goals. This practical support will go a long way in ensuring the stability of the neighborhood and bring confidence to the residents.

This nonprofit is filled with staff who genuinely care about the people they are serving. I have volunteered and worked with various staff members and felt the compassion they have toward me and the residents involved in the program. Each staff member looks for specific ways to help-from teaching residents to cook to showing kids how to multiply two-digit numbers. I can testify that this nonprofit is making a difference.

I have volunteered with Parker Street Ministries since 2007.
Parker Street was my introduction to volunteering in our community and got me involved in volunteering in general.
I have continued volunteering with other organizations within our community, outside our state and internationally, and I am always impressed when I volunteer with Parker Street by the impact they are making in the community, the variety of fun social events they facilitate, and the overall organization they are able to maintain in the midst of so many projects!
The annual Christmas Store is an example of the Parker Street Ministries ability!

I've been able to donate and volunteer for this ministry over the years, and I absolutely love to see the difference that the people of Parker Street Ministries make in the community.

I especially appreciate what's done during the annual Fall Festival and Christmas Store, though I look enjoy seeing perennial effects as well.

What an awesome charity! Parker Street Ministries does such a wonderful job of making a real difference in the community. The staff is incredible and very dedicated to the city of Lakland!

Parker Street is an asset to our community! Their mission focuses on all aspects of the people they serve - their physical, educational and spiritual needs.

So glad to be a part of such an effective ministry that loves its neighbors in so many ways. As a board member, I am always aware of how blessed Parker Street Ministry is to have such committed staff members who live their faith and dedication every day. It has been amazing to watch the neighborhood grow together over the past few years by taking pride in their neighborhood, by learning how to be financially fit, by helping their children succeed in education and by growing in their relationship to Christ and to others. Our ministry could not succeed without our staff, without the prayers and financial support of our community, and without the grace of God. I look forward to continuing to serve this wonderful nonprofit.

The functionality and commitment of Parker Street is exceptional. They not only have a heart towards everyone that walks though the door of Parker Street, but a heart to reconcile and revitalize the community surrounding. They have a great structure and the kids who come into Parker Street for the after school care program, are respectful and know the rules that are in place. Students coming from a below grade level capability have begun to reach their grade level and above grade level capability through the help and guidance of the teachers.

I spent a week volunteering at Parker Street Ministries this summer. It was great to see all the great work they do in the community and with the kids.
Furthermore, it was a true joy to watch them embolden our youth with the message of Christ. Glad to see the word moved into Parker Street's neighborhood and I hope other's will take the time to find out for themselves how great their ministry really is.

Parker Street Ministries is a blessing for me. My son, Elias, has been there for about 3 years now. With all the help of staff and volunteers, who take their time to tutor, he has been able to highly succeed in all his school acedemics. Parker Streets Ministries has also helped our family share wonderful moments together with events such as dinner and a movie night, summer splash event, and also the Easter Egg hunt. I cant forget the most important ways in which Parker Streets Ministries brings so much joy to me and the boys: the Christmas store. The Christmas Store makes me so happy that I can buy gifts for my children. And last but not least... The school supply and unoforms the give , not only to my child but to all children is such a blessing. O yea.. I cannot forget about the "make my money last" class. They are so helpfull and creative on how to spend money wisely and more important how to spend less and have more especially with food. Which also reminds me of the Meet up at the market. I can go on forever on how I love and very much appreciate Parker Street Ministies. Thank you..for everything!

This nonprofit has been great to volunteer with and see how they are making a difference in they children's lives. The children love to be there and are able to learn things along the way.

PSM does an amazing work in the community and is a mentor to several other similar organizations. Their approach is simple, yet outside the box and always results in positive impact for the residents of the Parker Street neighborhood. Thank you PSM for all you do!

Our organization partners with inner-city ministry leaders across the country, and have partnered with Parker Street Ministries for several years. We assess their leadership and organizational health, and their impact on their neighborhoods. I can honestly say that the team at Parker Street Ministries is outstanding and serves as a model for many other ministries across the country in terms of neighborhood revitalization. The love and commitment the team and volunteers have for the neighborhood is evident in everything they do. The residents are highly involved and have great ownership in the ministry, which gives them dignity and pride towards their neighborhood. We have asked the Executive Director, Tim MItchell, to advise other ministries that we work with because of the tremendous success Parker Street Ministries has had. They truly are living out their mission in an amazing way!

Parker Street ministries has played a critical role in my development as a ministry leader. CEO Tim Mitchell is prepared to invest in other leaders in the community and share his experience and knowledge because he cares about everyone involved and wants to see Christ transform our communities. He has been a tremendous mentor to me and I am very grateful for his friendship and the opportunity to be involved with Parker Street Ministries as a whole.

I became involved with Parker Street Ministries approximately 3 years ago when we moved into the neighborhood. One of my neighbors, that I met soon after told me about a great organization that offered an afterschool program and summer camp, that also picked up and dropped off! I was truly intrigued by this point and immediately called the program director, Christina Allen and after filling out all paperwork my daughter, Nani was able to start the following week and the best part was I didn't have a fee if I devoted a few hours each month of volunteering. This was an absolute blessing! We have been involved with the program ever since. I recently began volunteering in the office as an assistant, and my daughter is continuing in the afterschool program which also offers homework assistance and the students can use the computers for other school assignments, which has been amazing. The entire staff at Parker Street Ministries is a blessing. Each and every time we have been in need they have come through for us no matter what the need was and have done so graciously! I really cannot say enough about how awesome Parker Street Ministries is they go above and beyond for the families in the neighborhood.

Parker Street Ministries is an awesome organization that provides children, in the area, with guidance and support, in a safe environment, to encourage them to excel in life. They have helped to enrich the lives of numerous children and, through that, their families. Parker Street is all about giving back to the community. Their love for Jesus and their mission and values shape their organization and guide their programs. They have made such a positive impact in the community.

I started volunteer at Parker Street Ministries a few months ago, and I have absolutely fallen in love with it. Parker Street adds this sense of individualism and integrity. The children there are so loved by the staff, and they are encouraged to express their individualism. It is a beautiful thing to watch these kids run up to the staff with a huge smile on their face and give the biggest bear hug possible.The children are also encouraged to figure things out on their own, to make a stance for themselves. A sense of integrity is given to the children and the families. Parker Street Ministries allows these kids to feel at home, feel safe and loved, and allows them to build a personal, independent view.
I love volunteering at Parker Street Ministries because of the atmosphere they create for the children. It is a beautiful feeling.

I have been volunteering at Parker Street Ministries since 2009 and was granted the opportunity to serve as intern in the summer of 2015. The staff have a love for Christ which shows in their commitment to their work. I have worked in both the after school program and community events where the staff have shown exceptional love and care for the neighborhood they serve. This past summer I worked with their data and I was impressed by their desire to accurately capture a statistical picture of their neighborhood. This statistical picture illustrates the great need of the area, but also the impact Parker Street Ministries is having on the neighborhood and the greater Lakeland area. It is truly a privilege to volunteer and serve alongside this ministry for so long!

Wow, what can I say about Parker Street Ministries that no one has. I am a non-profit as well and just love what Parker Street provides and what they stand for. Our core values are very similar to theirs in helping hurting people, especially children.

We have a residential program for men, women and women with children who live with us from 14-24 months. As women and children come into our long term residential program, we strive to give both parties the best care we can. Most children have endured years of inconsistency, instability, and, in many cases, abuse and neglect. The love that they receive from us as well as Parker Street Ministries is priceless.

We have been working with Parker Street Ministries for a number of years. Our resident children go to the Parker Street Summer Camp every year and they thoroughly enjoy it and come back excited about going the next day. The staff goes above and beyond to assist other non-profits as well as the community surrounding Parker Street Ministries Inc.

From one non-profit to another, Parker Street Ministries Inc. deserves all the stars, hands down.

Parker Street Ministries is a real effort to help people find Jesus and figure out life as a healthy thriving community. They live and work within the urban downtown Lakeland neighborhood, being a beacon and living by example. I have personally known the director since the birth of the ministry. I couldn't be prouder of this young man, his wife, and their staff. At PSM, passion runs high and if you get involved you will experience their bond with their neighbors. They are truly missionaries.

I cannot say enough good things about the good work this non-profit provides. My passion centers around the children, who are fed, nurtured, tutored, and exposed to Christ. Their parents are also tutored, their homes are often rehabbed; stable families actually move into the neighborhood to bless the less fortunate. Parker Street Ministries truly exemplifies the love of Christ in many tangible ways.

I've followed and have been involved with Parker Street Ministries for around 8 years. They continue to be a caring and effective organization with strong leadership and a capable staff. On top of that, they run lean, operating well below the overhead of many other ministries I've encountered. Great people, and a clear focus on the people they serve.

We need a ten star rating for Parker Street! I remember when I didn't have a job and I was down and depressed. I was able to come up to the office and hangout and they helped me get out of that. When my son had got into some trouble, they came over and set me down and talked to me and encouraged me not to give up on my son. I love how they encourage people not to be afraid, but to drop by the office when there's a need.

I have watched the transformation of lives and the neighborhood that Parker Street Ministries serves for the last 15 years. It is an honor for me to help in any way I can to encourage such leadership and dedication of the team who has given their lives for this ministry. I hope anyone who has not participated in this ministry would choose to join with them in the many areas they serve. They are unique in the way they serve in our community.

I have had the great pleasure of seeing the incredible change that Parker Street Ministries has created in our greater community. With an energized staff, deeply committed to providing lasting and loving change in this neighborhood, Parker Street has created an environment where families, children, and the greater community can thrive. I am in awe of the work they do every day to improve the quality of life for all people and their example of hard work, tenacity, and strong commitment to service is one in which we should all aspire. Parker Street is a beacon of hope for not only those they serve, but for all of us who want to see change and impact!

I have visited and volunteered Parker Street Ministries each of the last 4 years from Michigan, beginning on a college mission trip. Even over those few weeks, I felt a part of the neighborhood, a part of the vision, and a part of the kingdom. PSM moves at the speed of people to help residents flourish and the neighborhood become more beautiful. Real people doing real ministry that encounters people and families holistically.
This year, my wife and I spent some time in the office and let it be known that things behind the scene are run a) efficiently b) professionally c) personally d) genuine...pretty much everything you'd hope for.

Our family has worked with Parker Street over Christmas and in restoring a home. Tim Mitchell has an incredible heart for his community. The daily work they do in the lives of children and families is a miracle of God. They understand how to serve and engage as Jesus would to empower real life change. God's hand is on Parker Street and He is active in all they do. Giving and serving alongside Parker Street is a joy. We have worked with a number of non profits over the years, but none have the heart, sacrifice, understanding, insight, and wisdom like Tim and his staff.

Parker Street Ministries has been such a blessing to my family. The staff has created such a loving and serving environment that it is easy to join in and volunteer. Their approach to living and loving their neighbors is amazing and truly a picture of the hands and feet of Jesus. EVERYONE on staff is dedicated to helping the children and families involved in the program. Every neighborhood in Lakeland should be as caring as Parker Street Ministries!!

It is such a privilege to be part of Parker Street Ministries. The staff is so hard working and selfless. I have seen this first hand. I have met people who's lives have been transformed through the love and service of this ministry! There are so many stories of how God has used Parker Street Ministries in incredible ways. I believe that once you see for yourself the evidence of what God is doing (and has done) in this neighborhood that you, too, will be drawn to be part of it.

I am volunteer and I live in the neighborhood over the past 7 years I have see them be the hands and feet of Jesus help us and other in so many ways I have seen them take in kids who removed from home from children's services. given women baby shower I have seen kids come to summer camp the did not there they're alphabet reading by the middle of the school year I have seen them go graduation for a teen dad and go to the funeral for a teen who died for cystic fibrosis I have seen them find a home for a family who home unlivable

i consider time away from my family very carefully before making a commitment to serve. With Parker Street Ministries i did not hesitate to make time for this amazing ministry. The benefits of this ministry to the Parker Street neighborhood and the city of Lakeland is consistently recognized by civic organizations as "irreplaceable." Parker Street Ministries is making an impact on the generations that will be joining the adult society in a few short years ensuring they will be productive and live God centered lives passing their beliefs and values on to future generations. I consider it a privilege to serve Parker Street Ministries.

It has been and honor and a privilege to serve on the Parker Street Board. This ministry is made up of a staff and group of volunteers that are amazing individuals who not only work daily but many also living in a neighborhood in need of hope and someone to see them and care. They care for the children with an amazing afternoon program designed to help kids thrive through tutoring and activities geared to keep them on track despite what other factors may be keeping them behind. As important as this program is to this neighborhood there is also much more going on......this entire community is touched daily by those serving being the "hands and feet" of Jesus daily through everyday acts of kindness and connecting.

Parker Street Ministries has greatly and deeply enriched our lives. We have nine children who have all greatly benefited in one way or another from the ministry. Whether it is coming by on a difficult night to help with the children, or volunteering to babysit while my husband worked long hours and I attended college, or sitting bedside holding my hand while our youngest daughter came into the world, or bringing by a meal when our grocery budget just wasnt enough, Parker Street Ministries, as the physical embodiment of Christ's love for us, has continuously met the many needs of our family. The staff has spent countless hours praying for us and tutoring our children and pursuing relationships and deep lasting friendships with each of us. The best part to me though is the fact that God used the ministry to bring both my husband and myself to Jesus. There are truly not enough words for me to write to adequately express the deep appreciation and love I have for the ministry and to describe the deep impact they have made on our lives. Its truly unlike any other non profit I've ever been in contact with.

I love this ministry! It's been a privilege to serve in this organization. Primarily, I volunteer in the after school academic enrichment program. The staff and volunteers do an amazing job working with high risk children to keep them on track for school. However, PSM goes far beyond academics. It is dedicated to strengthening the families and individuals in this community. Lives are changed through the work, love and faithfulness of its staff...my life included!

I became acquainted with Parker Street Ministries through my local church. My initial response to the slogan "the WORD became flesh and moved into our neighborhood" was positive, but when I learned that staff members actually moved into the area, I was totally stricken with the radical faith of these young families. What a mission of dedication!!! I am humbled and honored to walk alongside these precious folks and the dear children they serve. What a bright spot in our city's landscape of ministries to the needy.

I volunteered at Parker Street Ministries in their academic excellence program. I came to help teach kids, but instead the kids at Parker Street taught me so much more. Everyday, these kids come with smiles on their faces to learn, laugh and play. Despite the adversary of their home lives, and economic backgrounds, these children are some of the brightest and inspiring individuals I've had the privilege privilege to know and work with.

Parker Street Ministries is a beacon of light for the children and families that they serve in their community. It is a honor for me to be able to give my time to work with these children and the great staff.

Parker Street is focused and determined to meet the needs of those in their community. They live out their ministry by actually living among those in need to better understand the issues they face. They are true urban missionaries!

Parker Street Ministries is such an important organization for the Lakeland Community. It has helped so many families struggling to provide for themselves and especially their children. PSM does this in a way that doesn't take away a persons dignity or self worth. This year the children at my Sunday School are giving their offerings to support this worthy ministry that is right in their own back yard. Thank you, PSM, for all you do to help encourage those who need a helping hand.

Parker street ministries lives out its mission unlike most other non-profits. Their staff lives in the community they serve. That is a huge sacrifice and one that gives them instant credibility with the neighborhood. This is one of the best organizations I have ever worked with, and as a professional church worker, I have been involved with many non-profit organizations.

A little over a year ago, I was introduced to Parker Street Ministries by a friend. I was very impressed with the dedication, caring and hard work of the staff there. For the past year, I have volunteered there daily, working with their staff in the educational program, and see the positive impact they are having on the community. These are people who are truly invested in what they do and many choose to live in the area that they serve. Tim Mitchell doesn't sit in an office and direct others. He and his team are very hands on, doing whatever is needed whenever it is needed.

A local non-profit helping local residents and families in meeting their educational, social, economic and spiritual needs. In the process of reaching out to meet these needs, Parker Street Ministries is also building and/or rebuilding a blighted neighborhood and returning it to its residents with new life and hope.

I have volunteered for and worked with many non-profits over the past thirty years, and consider Parker Street Ministries a tremendously efficient and effective organization with a staff that energizes even the disengaged. What a blessing this ministry is to the Parker Street children and families, the Polk County school system, and the Lakeland community! It is a joy watching them in action - definitely worthy of your time and support.

I admire the people of Parker Street Ministries (PSM) for their faithful, effective, loving and courageous service to the people of the Parker Street neighborhood in the name of Jesus Christ. I have known Tim Mitchell for over eight years and, in that time, I have enjoyed the privilege of serving PSM as volunteer, advisor, friend and donor. The staff of PSM comprises some of the most wonderful and admirable people I know. Thanks to them and those who have helped them, the Parker Street neighborhood and our city are far better places to live and raise families.

I have been involved in Parker Street Ministries as a volunteer, financial supporter and board member for the last 10 years. The staff are the most dedicated people I've ever had the privilege of knowing and working with and the contributions of the ministry to the neighborhood have made profound and lasting changes in the lives of the children and families they serve. They are conscientious stewards of every dollar that is entrusted to them and work long, long hours to ensure the optimum level of service to the Parker Street neighborhood. The community of Lakeland is fortunate to have this ministry.

My wife and I have supported and volunteered with Parker Street Ministries for over 10 years. Their faithfulness in the Parker Street community is a powerful asset to the city of Lakeland and the kingdom of God. They make every donation count. The residents' lives are being changed because they are there!

Parker Street Ministries is a phenomenal, life-changing ministry that is committed to the very highest standards in urban ministries. Their leadership is very committed to transforming the neighborhood in what I consider the perfect example of holistic ministry. I am honored to be aligned with them.