Lux in Tenebris
“A Light In The Darkness”
Services we offer
The Parklay Corps Companion Presence Service provides one-on-one, in-person companionship for individuals experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Parklay Advocates spend up to one hour sitting with community members to offer conversation, attentive listening, and human connection without agenda, judgment, or obligation.
While the service is especially beneficial for elders, it is open to any individual who desires companionship, including adults living alone, people recovering from illness, caregivers, veterans, or anyone simply in need of a friendly presence.
Advocates do not provide clinical care or counseling. Instead, they offer what is often most needed and least available, that being time, attention, and shared humanity. When appropriate, Advocates may also connect individuals to additional community resources or ongoing support.
The Hugging Helmet Initiative is a planned Parklay Corps outreach program designed to make compassion visible and accessible in public spaces. Under this initiative, Parklay Advocates would walk designated areas offering non-emergency assistance to anyone who appears lost, distressed, or in need of support. Community members could approach an Advocate at any time to ask for directions, request help navigating services, or simply ask for assistance.
Advocates participating in this initiative would also wear a distinct white “Hugging Helmet,” a universal, opt-in symbol indicating that the Advocate is available to offer a consensual hug to those who need one. For many people, especially those experiencing isolation, grief, or emotional distress, a moment of safe, human connection can be profoundly grounding.
This initiative is currently in development. By registering interest or contributing support, community members help Parklay Corps demonstrate need, build training protocols, and secure the resources required to launch this program responsibly and safely.
Parklay Corps is working to expand its capacity to serve as a flexible support resource for community organizations, nonprofits, and neighborhood initiatives. Through this future service, Parklay Advocates would be available to assist with events, outreach efforts, and mutual aid activities such as distributing food, water, supplies, or informational materials.
When a nonprofit or community group needs extra hands to meet immediate demand, Parklay Corps aims to respond with trained Advocates who can fill gaps, provide calm coordination, and support efforts already underway and always working alongside, not in place of, existing organizations.
This service is part of Parklay Corps’ long-term growth plan. Registering interest helps us identify demand, build partnerships, and plan Advocate training. Donations directly support staffing, coordination, and deployment, making it possible for Parklay Corps to show up when the community needs us most!
Look for the Lavender Uniform!
The Parklay Corps was created as a uniformed community service, rooted not in authority or doctrine, but in compassion, and advocacy. Parklay Advocates are a visible symbol of care in public spaces. We exist to respond where compassion is needed, to stand with those who feel unseen, and to bridge gaps between individuals and the support systems meant to serve them. Our uniform is not a mark of power, but a promise that help can arrive without fear, stigma, or judgment.
Make a Donation
Will you join us and be apart of the Parklay story! Please consider donating today!
Contact Us
You can email us here info@parklay.org for any questions or comments!