SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., August 6, 2026 — Heidi Ives, regional manager and senior loan officer with GoRascal Mortgage, and Wioleta (Viola) Kotulak, licensed real estate salesperson with eXp Realty, are continuing their shared mission of giving back to those who serve their communities by partnering with the Homes for Heroes program.

Homes for Heroes is a national organization dedicated to providing savings to community heroes when they buy, sell, or refinance a home. Eligible “heroes” include healthcare professionals, teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, other first responders, and veterans. 

Since its founding shortly after the events of September 11, 2001, the organization has helped thousands of heroes across the country by connecting them with affiliated real estate and mortgage professionals and offering “Hero Rewards” to eligible clients after closing. The program allows heroes to keep more money in their pockets while recognizing their invaluable service to their communities.

As the Homes for Heroes Team Upstate NY, Ives and Kotulak have spent the past seven years helping local heroes in New York’s Capital District achieve homeownership. Through their combined efforts, the pair have helped program participants in their community realize more than $200,000 in Hero Rewards.

“From healthcare professionals and teachers to first responders and military veterans, supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving others is at the heart of everything we do,” said Ives. “Helping these heroes save money on one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll ever make is incredibly rewarding.”

Locally, Ives and Kotulak have become passionate advocates for ensuring eligible heroes know these savings are available before beginning the home buying or selling process. Too often, they meet eligible professionals who have already committed to another lender or real estate agent and unknowingly miss out on the financial rewards available through Homes for Heroes.

“We regularly hear from heroes who tell us they wish they had known about this program sooner,” noted Kotulak. “Our goal is simple: We want every eligible hero in our community to know these benefits exist before they begin buying, selling, or refinancing a home. Once they’re already under contract with someone else, it’s often too late to take advantage of the program.”

About Homes for Heroes Team Upstate NY

Homes for Heroes Team Upstate NY is led by Heidi Ives of GoRascal Mortgage and Wioleta (Viola) Kotulak of eXp Realty. As affiliated Homes for Heroes specialists, Ives and Kotulak help community heroes buy, sell, and refinance homes while providing meaningful Hero Rewards to eligible program participants. Over the past seven years, they have returned more than $200,000 to local heroes and have supported local nonprofits through additional charitable giving. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/homesforheroesupstateny/. 

Contact: 

Heidi Ives

518-791-4595

homesforheroesupstateny@gmail.com 

Pumpkin is an amazing, 6-month-old kitten who has a great personality. He loves to snuggle, lay on your lap and play like a typical kitten. His mom was saved off the streets and had a litter of kittens in a home that cared for them until they had to move and the family was brought here to HOPE to find their forever homes. While he was being cared for, he interacted with other dogs and cats, as well as children. He is your all-around great cat! He is recovering from his neuter, is up to date with his rabies and distemper vaccine and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. He is also microchipped! 

The HOPE Cat Adoption Center is located in the Wilton Mall and is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment. Online adoption applications may be found on our website at www.hopeanimalrescue.org  or call us at 518-450-7013 if you have any questions.

Sierra is an absolutely gorgeous cat who is currently looking for her forever home after being dumped by her previous owners.

She is estimated to be between 2 and 5 years old and is as sweet as can be. She previously lived with four other cats, including Kiki, who is also staying with us. Because of this, she will most likely do well in a home with other kitties.

She has been given a clean bill of health by the veterinarian, testing negative for FIV and FeLV, and is up to date on her rabies and distemper vaccines. No animal should be forced to fend for themselves after living in a home, and Sierra is ready to live a life of luxury with a family that will cherish her forever. She is a calm kitty who loves attention and enjoys her afternoon nap. Sierra also loves to be talked to and would most likely do well in a quieter home or in a home with older children. 

The HOPE Cat Adoption Center is located in the Wilton Mall and is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment. Online adoption applications may be found at our website www.hopeanimalrescue.org or call us if you have any questions at 518-450-7013.

Sweet Destiny, (formerly known as Heidi), was found as a stray and brought to HOPE because of how friendly she is! She absolutely loves anyone she meets, and immediately snuggles up to them while simultaneously making air muffins. She is estimated to be 18 months old and loves to play and sleep with her sparkly ball. 

She’s a petite kitty who can be very vocal and is ready for a loving home where she can get the attention she deserves. She was recently spayed, tested negative for FIV and FeLV, and is up to date on vaccinations.

Her name really speaks for itself. We feel it was destiny that she came to us to find her forever family. 

The HOPE cat adoption center is located in Wilton Mall and is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment. Online adoption applications may be found on our website, www.hopeanimalrescue.org. For any questions give us a call at 518-450-7013.

Maya is a gorgeous 7 year old longhaired, part Siamese kitty who can be a bit of a bully and Primadonna, so would do best as the only pet in the home. She would love a calm environment where the princess can relax and bond with her new family. She is friendly, food motivated and enjoys playing around her castle. She lived with Jupiter and did not share the spotlight well, but enjoyed human interaction. Maya is ready to be spoiled in her new Kingdom! We are unsure of vaccine status, but she is spayed and ready for her next adventure. 

If interested, please contact dmwmadigan@nycap.rr.com since this is a courtesy post and not a HOPE kitty. For any questions give us a call at 518-450-7013.