We Changed the Way We Looked at Things, now the Things We Looked at Changed

Urban Sanctuary

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Urban Sanctuary

Urban SanctuaryUrban SanctuaryUrban Sanctuary
Home
About
The US RETREAT
The History
LACorp
Gallery
Donations
More
  • Home
  • About
  • The US RETREAT
  • The History
  • LACorp
  • Gallery
  • Donations
  • Home
  • About
  • The US RETREAT
  • The History
  • LACorp
  • Gallery
  • Donations

Community Knowledge. Measurable Impact.

Community Knowledge. Measurable Impact.Community Knowledge. Measurable Impact.Community Knowledge. Measurable Impact.Community Knowledge. Measurable Impact.

Change Begins With Us!

Donate Now

Urban Sanctuary 2026

Strategic Focus & Flagship Initiative

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In 2026, Urban Sanctuary is operating with clear strategic focus. At the center of this work is the Community-Led Research Group (CLRG), which serves as Urban Sanctuary’s flagship initiative. CLRG anchors how we design, observe, and evaluate all other programs.

Rather than treating programs as isolated efforts, Urban Sanctuary uses CLRG to ensure that community experience, outcomes, and learning inform everything we do. This approach strengthens accountability, improves effectiveness, and supports continuous learning grounded in lived experience.


 

Flagship Program: Community-Led Research Group (CLRG)

The Community-Led Research Group is a community-centered initiative that supports understanding, documenting, and evaluating health and wellbeing outcomes affecting Black communities in Arkansas. CLRG brings together community members, practitioners, and partners to observe programs, translate findings, and assess what works in real-world settings.

CLRG does not operate as a traditional research unit. Instead, it functions as a community accountability and learning body, ensuring that Urban Sanctuary’s programs are responsive, ethical, and effective. Members receive training in observation, data interpretation, and evaluation practices that prioritize community knowledge and relevance.

Through CLRG, Urban Sanctuary is building an internal system for measuring efficacy, refining program design, and sharing insights with partners, funders, and the broader community.


 

Programs Informed and Observed by CLRG


Excertrition

Excertrition is a culturally grounded nutrition education program integrating cooking, food literacy, gardening, sustainability practices, and movement. CLRG observes participant outcomes related to food confidence, skill development, stress reduction, and program accessibility, helping refine the program over time.

Anti-Blackness Awareness Training

CLRG supports evaluation of training outcomes by documenting participant understanding, shifts in awareness, and practical application within organizations and institutions.

Language Liberation Lab

CLRG examines how language awareness influences stress, perception, and engagement, supporting continuous improvement of Lab content and delivery.


 

Why This Model Matters

By centering CLRG as the flagship initiative, Urban Sanctuary ensures that:

1. Programs are grounded in community-defined outcomes
2. Learning is continuous rather than episodic
3. Impact is documented ethically and transparently
4. Community members remain central to evaluation and interpretation
 

This structure allows Urban Sanctuary to grow responsibly, strengthen partnerships, and demonstrate impact without losing accountability to the communities it serves.


Looking Ahead

Urban Sanctuary’s 2026 work reflects a coordinated, intentional approach. With CLRG as the foundation, our programs are designed not only to serve, but to learn, adapt, and improve in response to real community experience.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. We offer a variety of opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Change Begins With US

Partner with Urban Sanctuary

 

We’re Building a Place Where People Can Learn, Heal, and Feel Supported — and We Need Your Help

Urban Sanctuary is working to create the kind of space our community deserves: calm, safe, welcoming, and full of opportunity. We want people to have a place where they can learn new skills, connect with others, and take care of their wellbeing.

To make this possible, we’re launching a community-led research group so local voices can guide the direction of our work. We’re preparing survival skills and wellness training to help people feel more confident, grounded, and ready for emergencies. And we’re working to pay off the land that will become our permanent home — a place where all of this can grow.

We are also seeking donations of campers, which will help us offer temporary living space, offices for our team, and flexible outdoor learning areas.

Your support brings this vision within reach.
Your donation helps us build a space where people can breathe a little easier.
A space where knowledge, healing, safety, and togetherness come first.

If you’re able, please donate — and if you have a camper to give, it will make a lasting impact.
Thank you for helping us build something meaningful.

Spread the Word

Help us raise awareness of our mission by sharing our website, social media pages, and events with your friends, family, and colleagues.

About Urban Sanctuary

Our New Mission

Our New Mission

Our New Mission

At Urban Sanctuary,    

our mission is to create networks of Safe Havens to uplift and affirm Black Humanity.

Our New Vision

Our New Mission

Our New Mission

  Urban Sanctuary envisions advancing community-led health and wellbeing through shared learning, research, and accountability. 

Contact Us

Better yet, see us in person!

We love our community, so feel free to give us a call. 

Urban Sanctuary

Little Rock, Arkansas 72206, United States

501-222-8811 manager@usofar.org

Hours

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