News from the Neighborhood

CHRISTMAS STORE WRAP-UP

Christmas Store was back on campus this year with lots of volunteers! The community abounded in generosity, and more than 1,200 benefited—parents, kids, family members, volunteers, and donors. Everyone participated in The Gift of Giving! Here's a recap:

77 families shopped for 231 kids, purchasing more than $35,000 (retail value) in new toys at 75% off their cost
32 businesses, churches, organizations, and countless individuals donated toys and wrapping paper supplies while 386 volunteers filled various activity slots, totaling 1,015 volunteer hours throughout Christmas Store
97 children and teenagers purchased 485 gifts for their family members at Kids’ Corner (all items were $1 or less!), and excess toys and gifts were donated to local nonprofits to round out their holiday ministries

JOIN OUR TEAM

We're looking to add several new team members in 2023! Now hiring for:

Full-Time: Administrative Assistant, Academic Enrichment Program Assistant, and Young Adult Program Director
Part-Time: Academic Enrichment Program Classroom Leaders

VIEW JOB OPENINGS

VOLUNTEER AT PSM

Volunteers are needed for the after-school Academic Enrichment Program Mondays-Thursdays from 4:15-5:45 p.m. If you are interested, email Hannah Scruggs at volunteer@psmlakeland.org or call (863) 682-4544.

LEARN MORE

PANCAKE FESTIVAL

It’s all about the flip! Do good while enjoying pancakes, sausage, and the unique atmosphere of Flipping for Charities, the Annual Kiwanis Pancake Festival. Citrus Center Kiwanis organizes the effort that benefits many local charities—including Parker Street Ministries!

Event Details:

Saturday, February 11, 2023

7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

BUY TICKETS

LONG-RANGE PLAN & IMPACT GOALS

Jesus’ command to "Love your neighbor" was demonstrated throughout the formation of PSM's new 5-year plan—the culmination of a 7-month process led by an organizational development expert. Seventy stakeholders took time out of their busy schedules to participate in many capacities, from attending visioning sessions to providing subject matter expertise. They represented staff, trustees, clients, donors, volunteers, education professionals, nonprofits, government, and churches.

VIEW 5-YEAR PLAN (2023-2027)

VIEW 2023 IMPACT GOALS

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

Staff passing out milk and snacks to program families in preparation for Hurricane Ian!

Tie-dye t-shirts in art class!

Thanks to an Impact Polk grant from the George W. Jenkins Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation, Project Room sparks creativity and innovation!

134 neighborhood residents attended November's Fall Festival. The afternoon included glitter tattoos, horse rides, popcorn, trick or trunk games and goodies, and many participated in a health fair!

Two SEU social work interns, under the supervision of a Licensed Therapist, incorporated important practices such as regulating emotions, conflict resolution, and stress reduction activities in the after-school program. Thanks to The Libertore Fund For Children and its grant!

Academic Enrichment Program year-end party!

PRAY WITH US

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Will you pray with us in 2023? January prayer focus:

Filling all open full-time/part-time positions and volunteer opportunities
Smooth transition into the new year with more programs/events added
Fruitful Academic Enrichment Program semester