E.J. Strassburger to Be Honored for Contributions to The Branch

E.J. Strassburger will be recognized for his outstanding contributions to The Branch, formerly Jewish Residential Services (JRS), at its annual fundraising gala on May 8.  Strassburger will receive the inaugural Krause Award.

The award honors Corinne and Seymoure Krause, who were instrumental in the founding of JRS, which was created to offer residential options for adults with psychiatric disabilities in a Jewish setting. In 1993, the organization opened Leonard Staisey House, the first culturally Jewish housing program in Pennsylvania serving those with psychiatric disabilities, offering kosher food and observing Jewish holidays. Another property, Charles Morris Hall, established in partnership with ACTION-Housing soon followed, offering independent living opportunities to individuals with disabilities.

In 2006, EJ Strassburger, then serving as JRS board chair, took note of a small apartment building on Darlington Road that needed repair. Strassburger immediately thought of the JRS wait list and the many individuals in need of supported housing. Although the building wasn’t for sale, this did not deter Strassburger, who made a cold call to the owner. That inspired first step led to a second partnership between then-JRS and ACTION-Housing to purchase and renovate the building. Now, Jason Kramer Hall offers ten affordable, independent living apartments for adults with disabilities and The Branch provides essential supportive programming for the residents.

Strassburger was not finished. In 2012, he set his sights on what was then the abandoned eyesore at the entrance to Squirrel Hill, which had once been the iconic Poli Restaurant. Today a shining “Krause Commons,” another joint venture with ACTION-Housing, supported by the Krause family, sits at this important intersection. Krause Commons is the home to the Sally and Howard Levin Clubhouse, offices of The Branch, and 33 affordable apartments, half set aside for adults with disabilities. Strassburger’s determination and hard work, not the least of which was on the fundraising front, has ensured that a debt-free building will continue well into the future to serve as a vital space for individuals with mental illness and developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, providing social, educational, and recreational programming.

“EJ’s dedication to The Branch exemplifies the spirit of community service that began with the efforts of Seymoure and Corinne Kause,” said Nancy Gale, Executive Director of The Branch. “His leadership and generosity have provided opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive in the community, and we are deeply grateful for his unwavering support.”

Strassburger’s work has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues, clients, and fellow community leaders. His efforts continue to inspire others to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Branch, located in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, provides services, resources and advocacy to support people with disabilities and their families to thrive in their communities.

Strassburger will be honored at The Branch’s gala, Breaking Down the Walls, on May 8, 2025. For more information, visit thebranchpgh.org or contact Karen Oosterhous at koosterhous@thebranchpgh.org.

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