Urban Sanctuary Provides Safe Space for Yoga

Urban Sanctuary, a wellness center located in the heart of Five Points in Denver, just announced the official launch of its charitable arm, Urban Sanctuary Denver Nonprofit.

The 501, which was formed in June of this year, was created to establish a safe space for people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. The nonprofit will provide access to tools, resources, and positive culture through yoga, meditation, and movement courses—all in a nurturing environment free of judgment and shame.

The nonprofit will build upon Urban Sanctuary’s mission of promoting diversity and inclusivity, which was born out of a desire for a community that did not exist when Urban Sanctuary owner Ali Duncan was growing up.

“How I was raised gave no room for safe self-expression. How one was supposed to think, speak, and even feel was loosely interpreted by the church and its take of the bible,” says Duncan. “I took those same values and attempted to raise my own children in the same way, and I have to say with much relief, I was not successful.”

The nonprofit supports organizations such as Women of Welton, a Denver-based support group that provides resources for single moms and combats youth violence. As well as PREP Academy, an intensive pathway school and the only Denver Public School that is required to accept and serve the district’s expelled students. In addition to educating these local organizations on the power of healing, Urban Sanctuary offers free yoga classes for black, indigenous, and people of color, which are available in-person and online.

“I believe that true lasting healing starts in the home and will eventually spread out into the communities,” says Duncan. “But in order to accomplish that, the community must support the home. I see the future of this radical healing supported by the opening of several Urban Sanctuaries.”

For more information about the Urban Sanctuary Denver Nonprofit, or to find out how you can donate, visit here.