Back the badge and books: a unique nonprofit serving First Responders & Teachers

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Back the Badge & Books Foundation: Raising Funds to Recruit & Retain Top First Responders & Teachers

A Unique non-profit serving first responders & teachers in douglas County

Helping First Responders & Teachers with the High Cost of Housing in Douglas County through Funding & Support Programs

Support First Responders in Douglas County, NV

A Unique non-profit serving first responders & teachers in douglas County

Helping First Responders & Teachers with the High Cost of Housing in Douglas County through Funding & Support Programs

Support First Responders in Douglas County, NV

WHO WE ARE:

Back the Badge and Books Foundation: Helping First Responders and Teaches in Douglas County, NV.

WHO WE ARE:

OUR STORY:
Jeff and Cindy Schemenauer, along with their daughter Leah Schemenauer, founded the Back the Badge and Books Foundation after noticing a troubling trend in Douglas County—more than 50% of first responders and teachers were living outside the community they served. Many were commuting 45-60 minutes, which led to long travel times and limited connections with the community and its residents. When we asked why these essential professionals weren’t living in Douglas County, the answer was clear: "We can't afford to live here. Housing and rent are too expensive." (Anonymous, DCSD Teacher) We heard this same concern repeatedly from teachers, DCSO staff, military personnel, and other first responders. After further research, we knew we had to take action. With a strong desire to serve, we set out to make a difference.

OUR MISSION:

Our Mission is to support first responders and teachers in Douglas County by alleviating financial burdens, enhancing recruitment and retention, fostering community engagement, and promoting a healthier work-life balance for those who protect our community and educate our youth.

*All donations make an impact whether small, large, one-time, or monthly. Help us support our first responders & teachers by donating TODAY!

WHAT WE DO:

Back the Badge: Programs to Recruit & Retain Top First Responders & Teachers in Douglas County, NV

What We Aim to Do:

Goal 1: Alleviate the financial strain of rising housing, rental costs and other housing related expenses for first responders (including veterans, law enforcement, and firefighters) and teachers in Douglas County, NV.

Goal 2: Enhance the recruitment and retention of skilled professionals in these vital roles within Douglas County, NV.

Goal 3: Strengthen community connections through awareness campaigns, events, and fundraising efforts.

Goal 4: Support a healthier work-life balance for the essential professionals who protect our community, serve our country, and educate our children.

Goal 5: In collaboration with our community partners, establish a fund to assist first responders and teachers, as well as their families, in times of emergencies, medical challenges, or personal hardships.

HOW WE DO IT: A STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

Back the Badge and Books: Raising funds for first responders & teachers in Douglas County, NV.

How we do what we do:

STEP 1: PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS & ELIGIBILITY:
To qualify for program funding, applicants must be sworn law enforcement officers, firefighters, veterans, military personnel, or licensed teachers employed in or by Douglas County. Funding is available through the Back the Books and Back the Badge Programs, as well as the Foundation's Support Program, which provides emergency assistance for first responders and teachers facing emergencies, medical challenges, or personal hardships. Eligible individuals must submit an application to be considered for funding, which will be evaluated based on their individual or family circumstances, demonstrated need, and the availability of funds.

STEP 2: PROGRAM FUNDING:
Any approved funding is provided monthly, directly to the recipient’s rental company, landlord, mortgage lender, utility company, insurance company—no funds are issued directly to the recipient. The amount of funding is based on individual circumstances, the level of financial hardship combined with household size. Emergency funding through the Foundation's Support Program is based solely on identified need, availability of funds, and at the discretion of the Board. Military veterans are given priority.

STEP 3: PROGRAM COMMITMENT:

Participants enroll in either the Back the Books Program (529 Fund) or the Back the Badge (10-8 Fund) by signing an agreement confirming their commitment to follow program guidelines. While participation is voluntary, failure to meet the program requirements—such as paying their share of rent or mortgage—may result in removal. The program is designed for participants to remain enrolled for a minimum of one year, with a maximum duration of three years, depending on funding availability and adherence to program policies. Emergency funds may be allocated based on need and are distributed at the discretion of the Board and Advisory Board Members.

Additionally, through our Support Program (Emergency Fund), we invite community partners, organizations, and individuals to notify the Foundation about first responders and teachers living and working in Douglas County who may require support services or resources during emergencies, medical challenges, or personal hardships. Funding decisions are made based on need and available resources.

STEP 4: ADDITIONAL PROGRAM COMPONENTS:
Regular progress evaluations will be conducted to assess outcomes and determine any necessary adjustments as needed during program participation. Optional resources, including financial counseling, career development mentoring, and work-life balance resources will be available during program participation.

* Approval of applications, funding amounts, housing availability in Douglas County, timeline for implementation & funding are subject to available funds and Board discretion.

Back the Badge and Books Foundation: Support first responders and teachers in Douglas County, NV.

Support Program (Emergency fund)

Back the Books PROGRAM (529 fund)

Dedicated One-Time Donation of Your Choice for the Foundation's Emergency Fund

Funding for first responders and teachers during emergencies, medical challenges, and personal hardships.

*****

If you prefer to send a check, drop one in the mail to the Foundation address. Other donation options available. Contact us for information.

Back the Badge and Books Foundation: Serving teachers in Douglas County, NV.

Back the Books PROGRAM (529 fund)

$10-250 or Your Choice

Your Contribution will be Designated to the Back the Books Program (529 Fund)

Funding GOAL: $63,348.00

*Funds 10 Teachers or First Responders at $529/month for 12-months

Contribute today

'Douglas County: Jeff Schemenauer supporting fallen officers in the Law Enforcement Memorial Run.

Back the Badge Program(10-8 fund)

Back the Books PROGRAM (529 fund)

Back the Badge Program(10-8 fund)

$10-400 or Your Choice

Your Contribution will be Designated to the Back the Badge Program (10-8 Fund)

Funding GOAL: 64,800.00

*Funds 5 First Responders or Teachers for a Year at $1,080/month

Contribute today

Contact the Back the Badge & Books Foundation:

Contact the Back the badge and books foundation today:

Contacts: Jeff & Cindy Schemenauer, Co-Foun

EMAIL:

backthebadgeandbooks.nv@gmail.com

overwatchtraining@yahoo.com

ADDRESS:

Back the Badge and Books Foundation

1362 US Highway 395, Ste. 102

Gardnerville, NV 89410

PHONE:

(775) 901-2839

FUN FACTS:

95% of your donation directly supports first responders and teachers!
100% of your donations stay within the Douglas County, NV!
Co-founder, Jeff Schemenauer is available to speak at your next meeting or event! Contact us via email today!

A Unique non-profit serving first responders & teachers in douglas County

A Unique non-profit serving first responders & teachers in douglas County

"Serving both my country and community for over 30 years shaped who I am today. Through the Foundation, I’m proud to give back to those serving Douglas County, just as I did for more than 25 years."

"We are proud members of the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, committed to tackling the high cost of housing for our essential first responders and teachers. One goal is to support Douglas County's efforts to improve recruitment and retention. We invite you to join us in addressing this important