For men

Black Men's Sanctuary

A space to breathe, connect, and be heard.

A safe, respectful space for brotherhood, honest conversation, and whole-man wellness.

A program of N.E.W. Fitness Wellness Foundation

Black Men's Sanctuary logo

About Black Men's Sanctuary

Brotherhood and whole-man wellness.

Black Men's Sanctuary is a program of N.E.W. Fitness Wellness Foundation centered on brotherhood, honest conversation, and whole-man wellness. It creates space for Black men to connect and be heard, with attention to the different parts of life that shape overall well-being.

The Sanctuary's focus recognizes that wellness includes emotional well-being, physical health, meaningful relationships, and financial stability. These four pillars guide the program's purpose: supporting connection, confidence, and resilience.

Our four pillars

Part of the foundation's charitable and educational mission serving Black and Brown communities throughout Cook County and the surrounding western suburbs.

Portrait of Jerry Newman in a navy jacket and shirt, glasses, and a gold chain

Meet Coach J

Jerry Newman

Co-founder & Director · Coach J

My journey has taken me through education, social services, fitness, and community work, but the common thread has always been helping people. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I started out working with young people in schools, later became a teacher, and then spent years supporting families through social services and adoption work. Eventually, fitness became another way for me to teach, mentor, and help people become healthier and stronger. One of the things I care about most is creating spaces where people feel comfortable, supported, and able to be honest. That passion led me to create Black Men’s Sanctuary, a place where men can connect, talk openly, build brotherhood, and strengthen their mental, physical, and emotional wellness. My goal is simple: when people come through our doors, I want them to feel at home, know that they are supported, and leave with something that helps them move forward.

Gather with us

Upcoming at the Sanctuary

Black Men's Sanctuary

Move your body. Clear your mind. Elevate your life.

A community gathering centered on strength, wellness, and brotherhood.

When

9–11 a.m. Central Time
Where
N.E.W. Fitness Wellness Studio
4413 Roosevelt Rd, Suite 101B
Hillside, Illinois
Contact
Jerry · Coach J
773-209-9108

Your next step

Ask about the Sanctuary.

Connect with Coach T for program availability, participation details, or a collaboration conversation.

Suicide & crisis support

Your foundation contact

Tanesha Travis

Coach T · Hillside, Illinois

708-372-5571Call Coach T Foundation contact details

Suicide prevention & crisis support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Support is available for you or someone you’re worried about. In the U.S., call or text 988 for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.