South Side Sanctuary Launches 'Winter Wellness Series' in Bronzeville This January

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Bronzeville · January 19, 2026

Bronzeville residents seeking to jumpstart their 2026 with community connection and wellness activities have an exciting new option this month. South Side Sanctuary, the innovative 13,000-square-foot outdoor plaza at 47th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, is launching its first-ever 'Winter Wellness Series' featuring weekly outdoor yoga, meditation sessions, and entrepreneurship workshops throughout January.

The community-driven development, which transformed a long-vacant lot into a vibrant space focused on wellness, culture, and entrepreneurship, continues to fulfill its mission as a flexible community hub. Led by IAYV INC, the philanthropic arm of The Nascent Group, the Sanctuary has become a vital gathering space with art installations, wellness programs, and events that help revitalize Bronzeville. The Winter Wellness Series builds on the Sanctuary's four pillars of community-led programming: integrative wellness, entrepreneurship and innovation, arts and culture, and sports and recreation—all headed by people who live and work in the neighborhood. Participants can take an outdoor yoga class one day and join a skill-building workshop the next.

Bronzeville residents interested in participating in the Winter Wellness Series can register through the South Side Sanctuary website. The events are designed to be accessible to all community members, with special programming for seniors and youth. Local vendors will also be on-site during weekend sessions, supporting the Sanctuary's goal of stimulating economic activity and community engagement in the heart of Bronzeville.

Sources:
1. https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/an-architecture-and-design-tour-of-chicagos-bronzeville-neighborhood-and-beyond/
2. https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/08/07/south-side-sanctuary-community-plaza-opens-in-bronzeville/