Back the Badge & Books Foundation: Support for First Responders & Teachers
Back the Badge: Backing the Brave and the Dedicated—Because They Deserve to Live in the Community They Protect & Educate!
BACK THE BADGE & BOOKS - WHO WE ARE:
💙 Our Mission:
"We support first responders and teachers in Douglas County, NV by raising funds to provide emergency assistance during times of medical hardship, personal crisis, & financial challenge. Our mission includes offering housing support to help ensure they can continue living in and serving the community they call home."
💡 Point to Ponder:
IF just 5% of Douglas County's registered voters donated only $10 a month, we could support 15-20 local heroes with their monthly expenses like rent and utilities— and/or provide immediate resources during times of emergency & crisis! Help the Badge and Books Foundation provide support for first responders & teachers TODAY!!
BACK THE BADGE & BOOKS - OUR WHY:
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 law enforcement officers commute 45–60 minutes to serve a community they can’t afford to live in. The disconnect was clear when we asked why. One officer's candid response said it all: “We can't afford a house here. Even rent is too expensive. We had to find something we could afford on my salary, and it was not in Douglas County”
Over and over again, the Schemenauer Family discovered many law enforcement families were just one crisis or emergency away from losing their home or being forced to leave Douglas County in order to afford to live. This heartbreaking reality echoed across teachers, 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.
Pick Your Program - Pick Your Impact
529 FUND
BACK THE BOOKS PROGRAM
Your donation provides support for first responders and teachers by supplementing monthly housing costs and providing resources to ensure they can work AND live where they serve.
10-8 FUND
BACK THE BADGE PROGRAM
Your donation provides monthly housing support for first responders and teachers by supplementing monthly housing costs and providing resources to ensure they can work AND live where they serve.
Emergency FUND
Emergency FUND
The Emergency Fund provides immediate resources for first responders and teachers during times of crisis, medical challenges, and personal hardships.
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Current URGENT NEED: Funds for a Douglas County Sheriff in Need of Travel Costs (Lodging, Airfare, etc. for Specialty Medical Treatment.
Please help the Badge and Books Foundation suppo
The Emergency Fund provides immediate resources for first responders and teachers during times of crisis, medical challenges, and personal hardships.
*****
Current URGENT NEED: Funds for a Douglas County Sheriff in Need of Travel Costs (Lodging, Airfare, etc. for Specialty Medical Treatment.
Please help the Badge and Books Foundation support our first responder in need today! Let's care for them as they have cared for our community!
Back the Badge & Books Foundation: Help Us Help Our Heroes!
"Small Contributions, Big Impact"
Back the Badge: For just $10.00/month, you can provide life-changing support for first responders and teachers, helping them to afford to work AND live where they serve!
Back the Badge & Books - Events, Activities, & Partners:
SAVE THE DATE! JUNE 14, 2025- "a NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM"
Support the Badge and Books Foundation!
Come out and show your support for first responders, veterans, and teachers on June 14, 2025! "A Night at the Museum" presented by VTRC, Micheal Hohl and in support of several nonprofits including the Back the Badge & Books Foundation! We look forward to seeing you there!
Partner SPOTLIGHT
VTRC is a valued partner of Back the Badge & Books Foundation, assisting Veterans with their VA benefits and providing resources in times of crisis.
Visit their website, vtrc.us today for information and tickets to our event on June 14, 2025.
Jeff & Cindy at a Fundraiser at battle born Harley Davidson!
Thank you for all those who came out and support Back the Badge and Books Foundation! A huge thank you to Battle Born Harley-Davidson for hosting this great event!
Join us for First responder Fridays at genoa Lakes & Ranch golf courses!!!
In Support of Back the Badge & Books Foundation: Dates, Times, & Further Details Coming Soon!
BACK THE BADGE & BOOKS - THE GOALS of WHAT WE DO:
Goal 1. Easing Financial Burden:
Back the Badge and Books Foundation is 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:
We strive to provide immediate resources for first responders and teachers when 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 protect our community and educate our youth.
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.
"Serving both my country and community shaped who I am today. Through the Foundation, I’m proud to give back to those serving Douglas County like I did. 95% of your donations go directly to programs for first responders & teachers!"
~ Jeff Schemenauer, Veteran & Retired DCSO Sgt.
BACK THE BADGE & BOOKS - WHAT WE DO:
What Your Donation Will Help Us Do:
1. Who Is Eligible?
- Sworn law enforcement officers, firefighters, military veterans, active-duty military, or licensed teachers employed in or by Douglas County.
2. What Plans & Programs are Available?
- 10-8 FUND - Back the Badge Program
- 529 FUND - Back the Books Program
- Emergency FUND
3. Funding Approval & Disbursement:
- Applicants must complete an application and submit required documentation for review. Priority is given to military veterans.
- Assistance is customized to each applicant, considering household size and financial circumstances to determine monthly support or emergency relief. (Based on funding availability & eligibility criteria)
- Approved funds are paid directly to service providers, including landlords, mortgage lenders, utility companies, insurance carriers, medical providers, etc.
- Financial counseling and additional resources are offered to eligible participants.
"As proud Carson Valley Chamber members, we’re committed to tackling rising housing costs that keep first responders & teachers from living in Douglas County. Join us in helping them live and serve in our incredible community!"
~ Jeff Schemenauer, Foundation Co-Founder