Cascades Academy Receives $5,000 Grant from Homes for Heroes Foundation

The Homes for Heroes Foundation awarded Cascades Academy with a $5,000 grant to help fund the programs they provide teachers that offer direct, tangible financial support through increased compensation which supports their housing, health and family needs. Homes for Heroes, Inc. and the Homes for Heroes Foundation are honored to support Cascades Academy in their mission to serve teachers.

The Cascades Academy Mission

In the heart of Central Oregon, Cascades Academy stands as a beacon of independent education, serving students from PreK – 12th grade with a commitment to innovative, experiential learning. It has a 45-acre campus that has grown to transform the educational landscape and has become a cornerstone of academic excellence in the region.

Why was Cascades Academy Established?

Community leaders recognized that families in the region deserved access to exceptional educational opportunities that went beyond traditional public school offerings.

In 2003, the school opened its doors to 61 students. Today, they have 250 students and 35 teachers.

“Cascades Academy was founded in 2003 by a group of parents in central Oregon who saw a gap in the educational landscape in central Oregon. They were looking for a school that provided experiential, hands-on education, but also had rigorous academics that prepared kids for college,” said Holly Sereni, Director of Advancement at Cascades Academy.

What Does Cascades Academy Do to Help Heroes?

Teachers at Cascades Academy are not just instructors. They’re valued partners in an educational community that recognizes their expertise and encourages professional growth.

Cascades Academy recognizes that great teachers need ongoing support to remain at the top of their profession, so they provide extensive professional development opportunities.

The school’s Education Series serves as both a community resource and a professional development opportunity, featuring renowned educators and specialists who share cutting-edge research and innovative teaching methodologies. These sessions help teachers stay current with best practices while connecting them with a broader network of educational professionals.

Teachers at Cascades Academy also benefit from the school’s commitment to work-life balance and authentic community engagement. The school recognizes that when educators feel supported both professionally and personally, they can dedicate their full energy and creativity to their students.

The school’s beautiful 45-acre campus, complete with state-of-the-art facilities and natural outdoor learning spaces, provides teachers with inspiring environments that enhance both their work satisfaction and their ability to deliver exceptional educational experiences.

When teachers have access to excellent resources and facilities, they can focus on what they do best: inspiring and educating the next generation of learners.

How will this Grant be Used to Support Teachers?

The Homes for Heroes Foundation is honored to support Cascades Academy with its mission to support their teachers by awarding the organization with a $5,000 grant.

Watch the grant presentation video:

Julie Amberg, Head of School, offered some insight into how the dollars would be used to assist their teaching staff:

“100% of the funds will go directly into our teacher salary initiative. This is where we have been steadily trying to increase salaries year over year. And, gifts like this really allow that to come to fruition.”

When asked why he nominated Cascades Academy to receive the $5,000 grant, Homes for Heroes Real Estate Specialist, Erin Shinn had this to say:

“I couldn’t think of a better place than Cascades Academy. My daughter attends the school, and I just want to read the mission statement:

The Cascades Academy has prepared to deliver meaningful, challenging and experiential education to inspire lifelong learners who are socially responsible individuals ready for a diverse and changing world.

After being here for two years, witnessing this every day and seeing how these teachers have impacted our daughter, I could not be more happy to award Cascades Academy with this grant. Anything we can do to help our teachers is critical.”

How You can Support the Cascades Academy’s Mission

You can help support Cascades Academy’s mission by visiting their website. To further support their efforts, please consider making a donation to help support their staff members.

Foundation Grants – Part of Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving

Grants from the Homes for Heroes Foundation are made possible by the Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving and its network of real estate and mortgage professionals. Homes for Heroes, Inc. is committed to providing savings to community heroes; including firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, military (active duty, reserves and veterans), healthcare professionals and teachers.

To expand its Circle of Giving, Homes for Heroes, Inc., donates a portion of its earnings to the Homes for Heroes Foundation. So, every time a hero buys or sells a home using the Homes for Heroes program, they are helping other heroes across the country who are facing a housing crisis, or are in need of urgent financial assistance.

If you are interested in learning more about how Homes for Heroes can guide you through the home buying, selling or refinancing process AND save you an average of $3,000 after closing on a home, simply sign up to be connected with our local specialists. They will follow up with you to answer all of your questions.

If you’re interested in learning about our wider impact, simply visit the Homes for Heroes Foundation page for more information about recent grants to hero organizations, how much it has awarded, and how it all works.

If you’re interested in supporting and donating to the Homes for Heroes Foundation to assist heroes in need, please visit the donation page to submit your contribution via PayPal. We thank you for your interest and support.