Serving First Responders & Teachers in Douglas County!

Helping first responders & teachers live and work where they serve with housing & emergency funds.
Helping first responders & teachers live and work where they serve with housing & emergency funds.
🚨 Exciting News: 🚨
We're proud to officially launch the Back the Badge and Books Family Foundation—dedicated to supporting FIRST RESPONDERS & TEACHERS in Douglas County, NV!
💙 Our Mission:
We support Douglas County, NV first responders & teachers by raising funds to provide housing assistance and emergency funds for medical challenges, hardships, and other urgent needs, ensuring they can live in the community they serve.
💡 Point to Ponder:
IF just 5% of Douglas County voters donate only $10 a month, we could support 15-20 local heroes with their monthly expenses like rent and utilities— and/or provide funding and support during times of emergency, hardship, or medical challenges.
Join us in being part of making a difference in the lives of local heroes TODAY!!
OUR STORY
Jeff, Cindy, and Leah Schemenauer launched the Back the Badge and Books Foundation with a mission born from a troubling discovery: over 50% of Douglas County’s first responders and teachers commute 45–60 minutes to serve a community they can’t afford to live in. The disconnect was clear when we asked why. One teacher’s candid response said it all: “We can’t afford to live here. Housing and rent are too expensive.”
This heartbreaking reality echoed across teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, and military personnel—those who dedicate their lives to protecting the community and educating our youth.
Recognizing the strain of long commutes and the financial barriers keeping these heroes at arm’s length from the place they serve, the Schemenauer Family knew they had to act. With determination and a deep desire to give back, they set out to bridge the gap and help these vital professionals truly call Douglas County home.
For just $10.00/month, you can make a life-changing impact on those who protect our community and inspire our youth. Click Below!
1. Eligible Applicants:
2. Programs:
3. Program Funding:
EMERGENCY SUPPORT PROGRAM
*Currently Raising Funds for a Douglas County Sheriff in Need of Urgent Travel Costs for
Specialty Medical Treatment.
If you can help, scan QR Code or click the Donate Button TODAY!
This program supports first responders and teachers during emergencies, medical challenges, and personal hardships.
*****
Back the Books Program
Funding GOAL: $63,348+
EXAMPLE: Funds 10 Participants at $529/month for 12-36 Months
Back the Badge Program
Funding GOAL: 64,800+
EXAMPLE: Funds 5 Participants at $1,080/month for 12-36 Months
Goal 1. Easing Financial Burden:
We’re tackling the skyrocketing costs of housing, rent, and related expenses in Douglas County to ensure that first responders & teachers can afford to work AND live where they serve.
Goal 2. Providing Emergency Support in Times of Hardship:
Through community education, awareness, and strategic partnerships (VTRC, Dream Flights, Blind Dog Coffee, Nevada State Museum, Battle Born Harley Davidson, Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, and more and more each month!), we strive to provide essential funding and support for first responders and teachers as they face emergencies, medical challenges, and unexpected hardships.
Goal 3. Building Stronger Community Connections:
Through engaging awareness campaigns, inspiring events, and impactful fundraising efforts, we aim to bring our community together to support those who dedicate their lives to us.
Goal 4. Improve Recruitment & Retention of High-Quality Personnel:
By reducing financial stress, we’re empowering Douglas County to recruit and retain top-tier professionals who play crucial roles in safeguarding our community and educating our youth.
Goal 5. Promoting Work-Life Balance and Improved Well-being:
We’re committed to supporting a healthier balance for the heroes who protect, serve, and teach, ensuring they have the stability and resources they need to thrive.
Save the Date - June 14th!
Details coming soon!!!
A huge thank you to Battle Born Harley-Davidson and everyone who made the RV & Motorcycle Show weekend a success! It was an amazing event filled with fun, great food, and raising awareness for our mission to support first responders with housing and emergency assistance programs.
Our valued partner focused on working with Veterans. VTRC helps Veterans secure their VA Benefits, assists in times of crisis, and more.
~ Jeff Schemenauer, Foundation Co-Founder
~ Jeff Schemenauer, Veteran & Retired DCSO Sgt.
Jeff & Cindy Schemenauer, Co-Founders
(775) 901-2839
backthebadgeandbooks.nv@gmail.com or
info@backthebadge-booksfoundation.com
@badge.booksfoundation
Back the Badge and Books Foundation
1362 US Highway 395, Ste. 102
Gardnerville, NV 89410
DID YOU KNOW?
🔹 Over 95% of donations directly support programs for first responders and teachers!
🔹 Every dollar stays right here in Douglas County, NV!
🔹 Jeff is available to speak at your next meeting/event! Email Jeff to schedule today!
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