OUR PROMISE
We serve BIPOC, LGBTQ, Disabled, and low-income communities, offering education and tools for nervous system regulation through safe physical touch. Our programs help individuals reconnect mind, body, and spirit post-trauma, promoting holistic healing and resilience.
Communal Touch is a Black and Trans led organization dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities among
BIPOC, LGBTQ, Disabled and low-income populations in King County, focusing on holistic health and wellness.
Communal Touch provides education and tools to those struggling with chronic pain, somatic disembodiment,
and other challenges regarding self-regulation. Through our comprehensive education, and usage of safe physical
touch as a modality to teach regulation of the nervous system, we provide an opportunity for individuals to
reconnect the mind, body and spirit post-trauma. Individuals will have access to safe touch and healing practices
that empower them to heal themselves independently, and communally.
Who we are
Deeply Experienced Practicioners
Over the past eight years, before establishing Communal Touch, CEO Romeo Nguyen, a Black Vietnamese Trans Man, has actively sought feedback from the communities served as a Somatic and Chronic Pain Specialist Massage Therapist. Going beyond cultural competency, Nguyen engaged deeply with patients, addressing their trauma on a cellular and holistic level. His unique perspective as a member of multiple marginalized communities has shaped his approach to care. Consistent feedback revealed significant challenges in accessing adequate treatment for chronic pain and trauma. Many individuals reported feeling misunderstood or neglected by conventional healthcare providers. This gap in understanding holistic care among marginalized communities became increasingly apparent to Nguyen, who illustrates the issue with a poignant analogy: "Prolonged activation of the biological stress response leads to illness and chronic disease. Imagine you're fighting a bear; your body responds by bringing inflammation to stabilize a wound because it perceives danger. But what if you had to go to bed every night with that bear? Now, apply this to people facing structural and medical racism, poverty, homophobia, and similar adversities." When treating his patients, Nguyen approaches their care not only through their individual experiences but also from a structural, cultural, and scientific lens. His comprehensive approach underscores the urgent need for healthcare that acknowledges and integrates the complex interplay of individual and systemic factors affecting health. Through Communal Touch, he aims to create an environment where all individuals feel seen, understood, and empowered in their healing journeys.
Donate
As a newly established organization, we are currently operating with a volunteer-based staffing model, with our passionate CEO and board members working tirelessly to develop educational materials and programs for our communities. However, we are facing a funding shortfall that limits our ability to expand our reach and enhance our offerings. We welcome any support you can provide, whether through financial contributions or by sharing our mission with your network. Your generosity is vital to helping us create a healthier future for all.
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NEW YEAR, NEW NERVOUS SYSTEM
TESTIMONIALS FROM THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE
"As a Black woman navigating the challenges of systemic oppression, I often felt like my body was in a constant state of alert. When I found this nonprofit, I was skeptical but hopeful. The somatic techniques taught here have transformed my relationship with my body. I’ve learned to connect with my breath and release tension in ways I never thought possible. This space is a sanctuary where I feel seen and understood. It's not just about healing; it's about reclaiming my power and my peace. I can’t thank this community enough for the tools and support they provide."
"Coming out as non-binary in a world that often feels hostile was overwhelming. I carried so much anxiety in my body, and traditional methods just didn’t resonate with me. Discovering this nonprofit was a turning point. The somatic practices have allowed me to embrace my identity and connect with my body in a safe, affirming space. I've learned to listen to my body’s signals instead of fighting against them. It’s been liberating and has helped me cultivate self-acceptance and joy. I finally feel like I’m not just surviving, but thriving."
"As someone with a disability, I often experience the world differently, and that includes my relationship with stress and anxiety. I was looking for something that understood my unique needs, and this nonprofit has been a beacon of hope. The somatic techniques they offer are accessible and adaptable, allowing me to engage with my body in a way that feels comfortable. The facilitators are compassionate and truly understand the importance of creating an inclusive environment. I’ve gained tools to manage my nervous system that have made a real difference in my daily life. This journey has helped me cultivate resilience, and for that, I am incredibly grateful."
Community Partners & Sponsors
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