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

July 13, 2020 by Angela

Your tax-free gift from an IRA helps people stay healthy and connected!

When planning your IRA withdrawal strategy, you may want to consider making charitable donations through a QCD. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is a distribution of funds from your IRA account directly to a qualifying charity, like Schurig Center. IRA owners 70½ years of age and older are eligible.

Because the gift goes directly to the charity without passing through your hands, the dollar amount of the gift may be excluded from your taxable income up to a maximum of $100,000 annually, with some exceptions. These distributions can satisfy all or a part of your required minimum distribution (RMD). To learn more about QCDs, please visit IRS.gov or consult with your financial advisor.

How do I make a qualified charitable distribution to Schurig Center?

Your QCD must be made directly from your IRA custodian to Schurig Center on your behalf. Each financial institution has its own process for initiating a QCD. The IRA owner may take a check from the IRA custodian made out to the charity and deliver it, but cannot, at any time, have access to the funds.

Use this information when requesting a QCD:
Legal Name: Marin Brain Injury Network
Tax ID #: 68-0105213
Address: 1132 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA 94939

Make your gift by December 31 for your gift to qualify in this current year.

Common Questions

I am turning age 70½ in a few months. May I make a QCD gift now?
No. Legislation requires you to reach age 70½ by the date you make a QCD gift.

I have two charities I’d like to support. May I give $100,000 from my IRA to each charity?
No. Per legislation, you may only give a maximum of $100,000 in total. In this example, you might consider giving each charity $50,000 or any other combination that totals $100,000 or less. Any amount above $100,000 in one year must be reported as taxable income.

I have several retirement accounts. Does it matter which type of retirement account I use?
Yes. Direct rollovers to a qualified charity may only be made from an IRA. If you have a pension, profit sharing, 401(k) or 403(b) plan, you must first roll over all or a portion of that plan to an IRA. You may then use the funds from the IRA to complete a QCD to a qualified charity. Speak with your plan administrator for guidance regarding your specific situation.

Can I use a QCD to pay for tickets, item purchases, or a sponsorship?
No. Donors cannot receive any benefit for making a qualified distribution to a charity. For example, a QCD cannot be used to purchase something in a charity auction or purchase tickets for a charity golf tournament.

We’re here to help!

For additional questions or assistance, please contact either Executive Director Patricia Gill or Development Manager Angela Abbey at (415) 461-6771.

This information is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult your financial advisor or tax advisor.

July 3, 2020 by Angela

Thanks to you, people heal from the safety of home!

A Message from Executive Director, Patricia Gill

Three photos of participants Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you and your loved ones healthy and well. I write today filled with mixed emotions. I imagine you may be feeling the same way. These are challenging times for so many in our community. It’s hard to see and hear about the great difficulties people are facing in their lives right now. Yet, I find there is still much to be grateful for. I remain inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of a caring community.

I am grateful for you! With your help, we are still providing essential connection and care for people living with a brain injury.

A crisis, like coronavirus, can cause stress and uncertainty for all of us. For people with a brain injury, it can exacerbate challenges they already face. Isolation, depression, anxiety, disabilities, and a decline in overall health are common side effects. Social distancing can also result in a backslide of abilities due to lack of stimulation; added stress in domestic relationships; and, an increased need for support.

By supporting Schurig Center, you provide the only place in our area picking up where the healthcare system leaves off to help people adjust to life changes and thrive after brain injury.

While our doors are closed and our clients are at home, our hearts and services remain open.

I’m pleased to share our team was able to adapt most services to be offered remotely within a week of shelter-in-place. Speech therapy, computerized cognitive classes, art therapy, communication classes, support groups, concussion education groups, and resource referrals continue to be offered online or by phone. We’ve also provided home deliveries, helped clients access community resources, and supported caregivers. This ‘virtual’ offering of life-enhancing services would not be possible without you.

Thanks to you, people continue to heal from the safety of their home!

Photos of participants on zoom call You help improve the health and well-being of your fellow community members like Brandon, who suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car accident. With you by his side, Brandon is able to continue to recover and feel hopeful while sheltering-in-place.

Although we do not know what the coming days may hold, we do know that your generosity is the reason we are able to still provide services. Our programs are being offered in a new way, but the cost to provide them has not changed. And, with 70% of clients living on low income, we rely on community support to be able to offer care to all who need us.

If you are in a position to help, please give as generously as you can today.

I’m confident that with your help Schurig Center will be standing strong for years to come, helping survivors and their families live full and meaningful lives after brain injury. Thank you!

Photo of Patricia giving the thumbs up With gratitude,
Patricia Gill, MS
Executive Director