June 16, 2022 by Angela

New Board of Directors Chair and Vice Chair Appointed

Schurig Center is honored to have an engaged, caring Board of Directors at our helm with expertise from an array of fields, including finance, healthcare, legal, human resources, civic leadership, and philanthropy. Throughout the year, Board members volunteer their time to ensure Schurig Center is offering high-quality services that meet the community’s needs. As we know all too well, life brings change. Our long-time Chair Kim Strub resigned from her post after 12 years of leadership. We thank Kim for all she has done for Schurig Center and the people we serve. Her positive impact will be felt for many years to come. We are honored to announce Catherine Way and Ellen Takayama have been appointed as the new Board leaders, guiding Schurig Center to more great things this year. Please join us in welcoming Catherine and Ellen to their new roles!

Photo of Catherine Way

Catherine Way, Chair

Catherine joined Schurig Center’s Board in 2016. She is a retired registered nurse and former managing partner of a surgical-legal consulting firm. As the daughter of a stroke survivor, Catherine brings personal knowledge of the unique challenges that brain injury survivors and their families face to regain their best quality of life after an injury. Catherine is also an active community volunteer and a dedicated public servant who currently serves on the Larkspur City Council.

Photo of Ellen Takayama

Ellen Takayama, Vice Chair

Ellen has been a Schurig Board member since 2012, and she has led the planning of our Annual Gala event since its inception. Ellen brings a wealth of business management and human resources experience built during her 37 years with Macy’s, Inc. in various positions, including VP of Human Resources. In retirement, Ellen now enjoys travel, reading, socializing with friends, taking care of her pup, and volunteering with Schurig Center.

Thank You for Your Service Kim Strub

After 12 years of service, Kim Strub has resigned from her role as Schurig’s Board Chair. Kim joined the Board in 2010 as the organization was transitioning from the loss of founder Karen Schurig. Over her term, Kim led the organization through multiple transitions and donated hundreds of hours of her time to ensure Schurig Center is a successful, respected organization that provides high quality care to everyone served. Kim creates connections in all that she does and truly offered her heart and soul to this community. We are deeply grateful! Kim will continue to support Schurig Center as an Advisory Board member.

July 6, 2021 by Angela

Schurig Center’s Board President Honored with Picnic Table in Larkspur

National Association of Realtors^® singled out Schurig Center’s volunteer Board President Kim Strub as one of their national Good Neighbor Award recipients in 2019 and provided a $20,000 grant for the organization at that time in partnership with Wells Fargo Foundation. They also decided to dedicate a picnic table to her in recognition of her decade-plus of volunteer service to Schurig Center. The NAR Good Neighbor Awards recognize REALTORS who make extraordinary commitments to improving the quality of life in their communities.

The picnic table dedicated to Kim and Schurig Center is located on the walking path along Corte Madera Creek by Bon Air Center in Larkspur. The public is invited to enjoy the table. An inaugural picnic was held at the new picnic table in June 2021. In attendance from the Schurig Center were Executive Director Patricia Gill and Board member and Larkspur city councilmember, Catherine Way.

“I’m thrilled that the work of Schurig Center continues to be recognized for the important role we play in helping individuals and families rehabilitate after traumatic brain injuries. The center looks forward to reopening our doors to in-person classes in the fall, while our remote support continues to be offered,” said Strub. “We are hopeful that the picnic table can be enjoyed by the public and brings awareness to the need for the services we provide in our local community.”

Since the organization’s founding in 1985, Schurig Center’s mission has been powered by community support. We are deeply grateful for the loyal support of our community of friends, like Kim, who have been helping us improve lives and abilities for over 35 years.

If you’d like to join us in celebrating Kim’s service to the community, we hope you’ll consider making a donation to Schurig Center in her honor today.

Congrats, Kim!

October 21, 2020 by Angela

Your Generosity Ensures No One is Alone

As I reflect on Schurig Center’s 35 years, I am inspired and energized by the healing power of a caring community. I hope this note will also lift your spirits by reminding you of the good that you personally help make possible even in these toughest of times. Because of you, no one is alone.

“I’d be terrible.” That’s how John, a stroke survivor, described what life would be like for him without you.

John has severe aphasia, a paralyzed arm, and is unable to read and write. He also lives alone and is confined to his apartment during shelter-in-place. But, happily, John is able to stay connected and continue his recovery in Schurig Center’s speech group, computer class, and art therapy, which are now offered remotely and are powered by your generosity. In the words of his sister, Augusta, these services you help provide are “lifesaving” for John and a “huge relief” for his family.

Together, we’re helping more people.

Despite the pandemic, people are still getting brain injuries. We are still receiving new calls for help. And, the costs to provide services has not changed. Remote services have enabled people outside the Bay Area to attend our programs, and we’ve added a second survivor support group. Over 455 people this past year have been helped by our array of services. While we are serving more people than ever before, 70% of our clients live on a low income and rely on scholarships funded by community members, like you, to access care.

There is much need right now, and I know you are likely receiving many asks. But, if you are in a position to help, I hope you will donate to Schurig Center today as you make your holiday charitable gifts and give as generously as you can.

Your gift by December 31 helps ensure that your fellow community members living with a brain injury stay healthy, connected, and knowing they are not alone. Thank you!

With gratitude,
Patricia Gill, MS
Executive Director