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.

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

May 1, 2020 by Angela

Schurig Center Welcomes New Board Member Lawrence Strick

[Download press release here]

Schurig Center is pleased to announce that Lawrence Strick has joined its Board of Directors.

Mr. Strick is a principle at Strick Schnasse Lawyers, representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a graduate of the University of San Francisco School of Law, and brings with him previous non-profit Board experience with Marin Interfaith Council, Community Media Center of Marin, and the Marin County Bar Association. Mr. Strick is excited to apply his talents as an ambassador for Schurig Center to support the organization’s fundraising efforts as well as acting as an advocate for brain injury survivors and their families.

“As a trial attorney, Larry Strick has represented people who have also been clients of Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery. His understanding of the challenges brain injury survivors and their families face, his role as former Marin County Bar Association President, and his non-profit experience make him a most welcome and knowledgeable addition to the Schurig Center Board of Directors,” says Kim Strub, Schurig Center Board President.