Join the MISSION:
Raising funds to support Douglas County first responders & teachers in order for them to work AND live where they serve!
WHO WE ARE:
🚨 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 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 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.
Raising awareness for the needs of first responders!
"Small Contributions, Big Impact"
For just $10.00/month, you can make a life-changing impact on those who protect our community and inspire our youth.
WHAT WE DO:
1. Eligible Applicants:
- Sworn law enforcement officers, firefighters, military veterans, active-duty military, or licensed teachers employed in or by Douglas County.
2. Programs:
- 10-8 Plan - Back the Badge Program: Focused on supporting law enforcement and first responders.
- 529 Plan - Back the Books Program: Dedicated to helping teachers thrive in Douglas County.
- Emergency Support Fund: Provides emergency assistance for first responders and teachers facing medical emergencies, personal hardships, or other urgent needs.
3. Program Funding:
- Approved funds are disbursed directly to service providers (Rental companies, landlords, mortgage lenders, utility companies, insurance providers or to pay medical expenses, etc.).
- Funding is tailored to individual needs including hardships and emergencies, factoring in household size and finances.
- All programs prioritize military veterans and are allocated based on eligibility, need, availability of funding, and Board/Committee approval.
- Financial counseling and additional resources are available to program participants.
HOW WE SUPPORT FIRST RESPONDERS & TEACHERS:
Emergency FUND
Emergency FUND
Emergency FUND
This Fund provides resources to first responders and teachers during emergencies, medical challenges, and personal hardships.
*****
URGENT NEED: Currently Raising Funds for a Douglas County Sheriff in Need of Travel Costs (Lodging, for
Specialty Medical Treatment.
If you can help with urgent needs,
scan QR Code to DONATE NOW!
529 PLAN
Emergency FUND
Emergency FUND
Back the Books Program
Funding GOAL: $63,348+
YOUR DONATION could fund 10 teachers at $529/month for 12-36 Months!!!
10-8 PLAN
Emergency FUND
10-8 PLAN
Back the Badge Program
Funding GOAL: 64,800+
YOUR DONATION could fund 5 first responders at $1,080/month for 12-36 Months!
THE GOALS of WHAT WE DO:
Program Goals:
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.
What's Happening - Events, Activities, & Partners:
SAVE THE DATE! JUNE 14, 2025 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
Save the Date - June 14th!
Details coming soon!!!
Jeff and Cindy at a Fundraiser at battle born Harley Davidson!
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! Donate to help us help our heroes today!
Veterans Transition Resource Center
Veterans Transition Resource Center
Our valued partner focused on working with Veterans. VTRC helps Veterans secure their VA Benefits, assists in times of crisis, and more.
"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
"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.
Contact Information:
How to reach us:
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!
