November 14, 2022 by Angela

Holiday Fund Drive 2022

Give a gift this holiday season that helps ensure no one is alone after a brain injury, concussion, or stroke.

It’s estimated 1 in 3 people will experience an acquired brain injury in their lifetime. Despite this prevalence, there are few services available to help people adjust to life after injury. This is where YOU can help.

When you give to Schurig Center, you help fill gaps in care, inspire renewed hope and open the door to new possibilities for survivors and their families. You let survivors know they are valuable members of our community who deserve access to the support they need to not only survive, but thrive after brain injury.

If you are in a position to help, please donate by December 31, 2022 and give as generously as you can. Your donation will help provide rehabilitation, support, and connection for over 400 people in the new year. Thank you!

The People Schurig Center Serves are All of “Us”

Brain injury is an equal opportunity disability that does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone, to professionals, parents, daughters, sons, friends, and neighbors… our community. Although the circumstances of their injuries may differ, they all share a common experience. They have each survived an injury that has dramatically changed their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Meet Marc & Sharon

“Retraining the brain is different from retraining a muscle. It can be very unpredictable and not linear. The team helped connect us to support and resources that have made a big difference in Marc’s life and our life as well. We are very grateful.” – Sharon, family caregiver

After a lifetime of dedicated volunteer service to his community, Marc found himself needing some help after his life was changed by a hemorrhage during post-surgery care. With you and the rest of Schurig Center’s community of friends by their side, Marc and his family are not alone as they adjust to the life changes that come after brain injury. [Read more about Marc’s journey here.]

Ways to Give

Make a Donation
No matter how large or small, every gift is meaningful! Donate online here. Give by phone at (415) 461-6771 or mail a check payable to “Schurig Center” to 1132 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA 94939.

Become a Monthly Donor
Deepen your commitment to caring and provide the sustained resources we need to strengthen and grow our services. [Learn more]

Give From Your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
An increasingly popular charitable vehicle, DAFs are an excellent way to simplify your charitable giving and facilitate your philanthropic goals. Schurig Center is pleased to accept grants from DAFs. [Learn more]

Give a Tax-Free Gift from Your IRA
Are you 70½ years of age and older and have an IRA? If so, we hope you’ll consider making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) to Schurig Center from your IRA account. [Learn more]

Give Stocks
Gifts of stock can be made easily as an electronic transfer (DTC) from your brokerage account to Schurig Center’s account. [Learn more]

Give at Work
Employer matching and giving programs are a great way to increase your impact. California state and Bay Area city/county employees can give as part of the Combined Charities Campaigns. [Learn more]

Make a Legacy Gift
Make a lasting impact for survivors and their families for years to come when you include a bequest to Schurig Center. [Learn more]

Give in Honor or Memory of Someone
A tribute gift is a meaningful way to recognize the people and life events that are important to you while helping others. [Learn more]

Fundraise for Recovery
Bring together your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to make a difference with an online fundraiser or community event. [Learn more]

Give While You Shop
Change lives every time you shop at local and online grocery and retail stores, including Amazon, Sports Basement, and Mill Valley Market. [Learn more]

Questions?

Please contact Executive Director Patricia Gill at (415) 461-6771 x101 or email or Director of Development Angela Abbey at (415) 461-6771 x103 or email.

October 31, 2018 by Angela

November is National Family Caregivers Month

At Schurig Center, we know how important family caregivers are! Every day, we see the love, commitment, time, and support family caregivers provide their loved ones as they navigate life after brain injury.

It’s wonderful that an entire month is dedicated to honoring family caregivers and providing education to the community about how much caregivers offer those in need of help.

Did you know?

Family members provide over 75% of caregiving support in the United States.

44 million Americans care for a family member, friend, or neighbor.

When a person experiences a brain injury, it can affect the entire family. Providing physical, emotional, and financial care is a daily reality for millions of American families and it poses a great strain on the caregiver, many of whom are struggling to balance work and family responsibilities. Caregivers are heroes that deserve honor and recognition for all they do.

Please join us this month in celebrating and thanking these heroes who do so much to keep our families and communities strong, each and every day.

Here’s just a few ways
to celebrate your family caregiver…

Start by saying “thanks.”

A “thank you” can go a long way in showing your love and appreciation. It can be as simple as sharing a heartfelt “thank you” in person or in a card, poem, letter, or note.

Give them a day off.

Plan a date to give your caregiver a day to do whatever they want. If it’s challenging to manage your daily tasks without your caregiver, consider hiring temporary help as an alternative or ask a family member of friend to help out for the day.

Give a thoughtful gift.

Think about what your family caregiver would appreciate most. Flowers, a gift card, a book or even a favorite coffee drink are all wonderful gifts that show your appreciation for all of their hard work.

Spend some quality time together.

Quality time with your caregiver can be a great way to remember your shared bond beyond the daily routine of caregiving. Watch a favorite movie together, play a board game, look through old photo albums, or sit together in the park. Spend some time together doing something that brings you both joy.

Remind them to take some time for themselves.

Family caregivers are less likely than non-caregivers to practice preventive healthcare and self-care behavior. Give your family caregiver the nudge they need to take some time out of the day for themselves. Whether it’s 15 minutes or a couple of hours of taking a nap, reading a book, or exercising, a little bit of ‘me’ time will go a long way to help your caregiver recharge their battery.

If you are a caregiver, please remember…
You are not alone. We are here to help!

Schurig Center offers services to support family members in adapting to the life changes that result from a brain injury, including resource referral assistance, consultation and a Family and Caregiver Support Group.

For more information, contact our Resource & Intake Specialist at:
(415) 461-6771 x100
resources@schurigcenter.org

July 31, 2018 by Angela

Honoring Caregivers with Sunshine & Summer Fun

Schurig Center began because of the vision of a caregiver – Karen – who believed being with others who understand and who truly care, leads to a better life than being alone. Over 30 years later, that vision carries on.

At this year’s Summer Solstice Social, we celebrated the amazing community that has grown around our center and honored caregivers for their love, support, and caring. On June 23, our “tribe” gathered on the center’s serene deck to enjoy tasty BBQ hot off the grill and homemade ice cream while listening to the soulful live music of Joey Wolpert and Bob Hahn from the B Sharp Blues Band. Plus, caregivers were treated to gifts and some much-deserved pampering and relaxation, including massages from Chrissy Kors.

The highlight of the afternoon was the sharing of appreciation by staff and guests for the contributions that caregivers make each and every day in the lives of their loved one or client.

Executive Director Patricia Gill kicked off the love fest, “We have witnessed the strength of caregivers, and the challenges faced in being there always, for the ones you love. It is probably the toughest role a person has in life, caregiving, and one of the most rewarding. To make life better for someone we love – is a gift and purpose that brings tears of heartache at times, and tears of joy.”

Art Program Director Midge Casler echoed these sentiments, “Over the years, I have met a lot of caregivers. It’s clear to me they are very special people. Some are born knowing they want to do this work and come into the role as a job and some are caregivers out of necessity to care for a loved one. But, they are all special and require an ability to care with patience, love, attention, observation, and focus – just to name a few of the qualities. Often times, the caregivers may see some of the worst or most difficult times and behaviors from their loved ones, but let me assure you that here at Schurig Center we witness the immense love and appreciation they feel for all of you.”

Program Coordinator Sara Chambers was pleased to read “Like a Sunflower,” a moving poem conceived and collaboratively written by Therapeutic Program clients in honor of each of their family members and caregivers.

To read “Like a Sunflower” click here or to download and print a copy of the poem featuring original sunflower artwork created by Schurig artists, click here.

Thank you family members and caregivers!

For being here, for staying strong and resilient for your loved one, for allowing Schurig Center to be part of your journey and for allowing us to support you as well. Our work, and our lives, are enhanced by knowing you and being witness to your love and caring.

Thank you for helping to make this year’s Summer Solstice Social so memorable!

Thank you volunteers: Sandy Gilpatrick, Ellen Takayama, Jessica Thompson, Ramona Xenakis, and photographer Debbie and Todd Wright. Special thanks to Karen Halvorsen and Gwen and Martin Gans for helping to create a beautiful garden setting for all to relax and enjoy.