A CITY’S GREATEST RESOURCES

It truly is impossible to capture all those who give back to Lakeland and the organizations that advocate for the people who comprise it. There are many who have continued to dedicate their time and resources to the welfare of others. In this issue of The Lakelander, we’ve highlighted many who have done just this, but we could not create this issue without mentioning these additional organizations, too.

FLORIDA BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME | ONE MORE CHILD

Since opening their first orphanage in 1904, Florida Baptist Children’s Home and One More Child have been providing life-changing services to vulnerable children. Annually, the organization impacts more than 200,000 children and individuals domestically and globally at more than 50 locations worldwide through efforts in anti-trafficking, foster care, child hunger, family support services, and single moms programs. Whether it’s providing clean diapers to a newborn baby, food for a hungry child, safety for an abused child, or foster or adoptive homes to children in crisis, this organization works to share with children who have been abused, neglected, and abandoned the protective and healing love of Jesus.

fbchomes.org | onemorechild.org

1015 Sikes Boulevard

Lakeland, FL 33815

863.687.8811

VISTE

Started in Lakeland in 1983, Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) is a community-based nonprofit organization with a primary goal to help frail senior citizens continue living independently and safely in their own home. By providing the elderly with resources that help them remain in their homes, VISTE is able to greatly support the fastest growing, and often financially unprepared, age group. This United Way agency is primarily volunteer-driven and partners with schools, churches, civic groups, and local businesses.

viste.org

1232 East Magnolia Street

Lakeland, FL 33801

863.284.0828

DREAM CENTER OF LAKELAND

The Dream Center of Lakeland is a Christ-centered community center that serves the at-risk neighborhoods throughout Lakeland. Through programs including Street Reach and Adopt-A-Block (programs where volunteers distribute hundreds of bags of food), cleaning and mowing neighborhoods, hosting kids’ carnivals, and distributing clothing, the Dream Center of Lakeland serves the community by meeting real needs and offering resources for positive change. Additional programs are also available at the Dream Center campus and surrounding area for kids, teens, adults, and seniors.

dreamcenterlakeland.org

635 West 5th Street

Lakeland, FL 33805

863.413.0088

PARKER STREET MINISTRIES

Since 1996, Parker Street Ministries has been committed to Gospel-centered community development. This is done through advocating for Lakeland’s Parker Street neighborhood by helping facilitate individual, family, and community restoration, reconciliation, and revitalization. There are a number of programs and services offered through Parker Street Ministries. Those interested in volunteering can serve through their academic enrichment program as tutors or enrichment leaders; facilitating drives for toys, snack, backpacks, and uniforms; neighborhood or facility workdays; participating in community gatherings; and classes for adults on a variety of topics.

psmlakeland.org

719 North Massachusetts Avenue

Lakeland, FL 33801

863.682.4544

PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS

Founded in 1985 in Jacksonville, Florida, PACE Center for Girls provides girls and young women with an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy. PACE serves more than 3,000 at-risk girls annually in 20 centers throughout the state of Florida by providing appropriate counseling and education in a nurturing environment. PACE has received national recognition for its research-based and gender-responsive model of program delivery, including academic support, counseling, and life-skills training.

pacecenter.org/locations/polk

213 Tyler Avenue

Lakeland, FL 33801

863.688.5596

LVIM

Lakeland’s Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM) is a volunteer-run medical clinic that provides primary medical care, dental, and counseling services for the working uninsured. LVIM provides a medical home for medically underserved in our community and offers access to doctors’ visits, diagnostic testing, lab tests, ultrasound scans, and x-ray at no charge. They also offer more extensive diagnostics, such as CTs and MRIs. Funded by the United Way of Central Florida, LVIM also operates a full-service pharmacy and fills approximately 30,000 prescriptions a year. LVIM is funded through a capital campaign, grants, and ongoing fundraising.

lvim.net

1021 Lakeland Hills Boulevard

Lakeland, Florida 33805

863.688.5846