Case Study:
Building Community Health Capacity in Seattle & King County
Community Partner:
Public Health – Seattle & King County (Best Starts-funded organization)
Duration: 3 Years
Challenge
Organizations funded by Best Starts within Public Health – Seattle & King County encountered challenges with limited resources, structural barriers, and a disconnect between staff capabilities and community needs. These issues impacted the ability to effectively serve BIPOC, immigrant, and refugee communities, contributing to widening health gaps. An approach centered on balanced support systems was essential to address these challenges and create long-term solutions that align more closely with the needs of these communities.
Solution
Attemla Consulting’s work centers on a health-centered framework that recognizes and addresses the systemic challenges impacting BIPOC and underserved communities in capacity building. We focus on fostering supportive, welcoming environments by encouraging representative governance, culturally attuned leadership practices, and customized support systems. Our approach integrates strategies that address biases to ensure organizations are prepared to serve their communities effectively and sustainably.
Our core services include:
Community-Centered Board Development: Enhancing governance structures to represent a range of perspectives and encourage collaborative leadership.
Health and Awareness Training: Facilitating a deeper understanding of systemic influences on health and their impact on the well-being of staff and the broader community.
Executive Coaching & Strategic Alignment: Empowering leaders to incorporate principles of holistic health and well-being into organizational strategies and daily operations.
Organizational Needs Assessment: Collaborating with teams to identify capacity gaps and co-create solutions that build stronger, more connected organizations.
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Our health-focused initiatives supported organizations in enhancing their internal strength, alleviating burnout, and building strong networks of mutual support. Through somatic-based practices—such as breathwork, mindfulness, and healing-centered care—employees reported feeling more connected and supported. These practices offered meaningful spaces for open dialogue and personal renewal, promoting deeper trust and effective teamwork across the organization.
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In times of uncertainty, burnout has become a widespread issue that heavily impacts BIPOC and historically marginalized communities. Our work assists organizations in cultivating environments that are attuned to cultural needs and focused on well-being and restoration. By addressing the underlying causes of burnout, we help organizations create spaces where individuals feel their experiences are acknowledged, valued, and honored.
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Our approach provided organizations with intentional pauses to reimagine well-being as a central component of their operations. By integrating somatic-based practices and frameworks focused on balanced and inclusive health, we enabled leadership and staff to connect more meaningfully, reflect on the impact of systemic challenges, and develop strategies for long-term cultural vitality. This emphasis on pausing to prioritize wellness resulted in increased staff engagement, reduced burnout, and a more effective, community-focused organization.