Great Northern Services

We received a RMAP loan which gave us the funds to build a kitchen and expand the business. We also added lodging in the back—the only lodging in Fort Jones at that time. Now 10 different artisans can rent space and showcase their work in the new location. The loan process was very straightforward and not time-consuming. Working with Seata was wonderful; the loan was just what we needed.
—Diane Postma, Owner of The Gifted Horse Lodge

The organic food is wonderful. Having the mini pantry allows us to be creative with meal prep, but it mostly helps us with snacks. If kids are hungry they tell us in a playful way that they are hangry (hungry-angry). We can fix that. The variety of stuff is great—the kids love it, especially the apple sauces & fruit pouches.
—Executive Director Boys & Girls Club of the Siskiyous

Do you know that this winter there was not a speck of moisture on the inside of the windows? I used to have to put towels down because when you opened the curtains in the morning there was frost all over the inside. The towels would catch it when it melted. But with the new windows the Weatherization department installed, now you can’t feel any cold air coming in.
—Amanda S. in Seiad Valley

“GNS’s willingness to finance my dream has made me a very happy, successful entrepreneur who guides tourists from around the world that come here to experience the power of this sacred mountain. Thanks, GNS, for trusting in my vision!”
— Ashalyn, Mt. Shasta, CA

Energy Assistance makes a huge difference to me. I’m on Social Security & it’s not much. I have to watch every penny I spend—even with the assistance. Having Great Northern Services help with my power bill frees up money for food. Claudia has gone out of her way not just this year but in the past. She really heard my situation, took it to heart, and was so helpful. She’s awesome.
—Don P. from Mt. Shasta, CA

“We received an RMAP loan which gave us the funds to build a kitchen and expand the business. We also added lodging in the back—the only lodging in Fort Jones at that time. Now 10 different artisans can rent space and showcase their work in the new location. The loan process was very straightforward and not time consuming. Working with Seata was wonderful; the loan was just what we needed.
— Diane Postma. owner of The Gifted Horse Lodge

“The GNS food programs in Dorris have helped so many of my clients—from the shut-ins to the young families with children. They all get excited when describing the produce.”
— Donna Crotty-Boyd, Service Coordinator for Far Northern Regional Center

“The GNS Community Room has been an invaluable resource for our work. Our Adult Education Consortium has nine members from all ends of our very large, very rural county. It has been a constant challenge to find an appropriate meeting space that is central to everyone. In the past we struggled with finding a space that can fit the size of our monthly meetings (15-20 on average), and that also has the technological capabilities to videoconference in our members who must dial in remotely. The space is beautiful, comfortable and highly functional for meetings, trainings, workshops etc. The staff at GNS has been such a pleasure to work with, so welcoming and they truly epitomize what it means to build community. The Great Northern Services team and community room have solved a big challenge for our consortium and helped us elevate the level of professionalism and convenience for our very busy members to do the community-building work we are all so passionate about. We are very grateful.”
— Heather Stafford, Director of Adult Education for Siskiyou Adult Education Pathways

The mini pantry has been a huge blessing for students and staff. The pantry allows us to nourish bodies so brains can work and takes the stress off the students and the teachers. It makes a huge difference in children’s behavior in the classroom.
—Kristen Riccomini, Title 1 teacher at Mt. Shasta Elementary

Weatherization on my apartment made quite a difference—I don’t even use the heater in the bedroom anymore, just the main room on the lowest setting. We’re near the river and we could always hear the train, but after GNS put in double pane windows and insulation it cut out all the noise. I’d gotten used to it after so many years in the apartment, now I wake up in the middle of the night because it’s too quiet.
—Nacho M. in Dunsmuir

I am so impressed with the work and the workers. I have never seen a group of people in such harmony. The work is exceptional and the guys were wonderful. They worked hard and they were so kind.
—Melanie G.

Thank you! It has really helped! – Linda

“Health problems have made it difficult to make ends meet. GNS’s food programs have allowed us to continue to feed our family when we could not meet our basic needs. For this we are extremely grateful”
— The Trail Family, Yreka

We’ve come to the Tailgate Produce Party events for all three years. We have limited income—you worry about buying the meat or the other things. With this program, you can make a complete meal.
—Sharon, Tailgate Produce Party attendee

“I am so happy to have this space and the opportunity to provide a place for children to grow. Adults have re-kindled their love for dance as well. The Studio is making it possible for our family to stay. Thank you!”
— Wendy James, Mt. Shasta, CA

“Tell the people who donated ‘thank you.’ It helps a lot. My parents are on SSI and we have a household of 8—this really helps.”
— Manulani, Tailgate Produce Party attendee

I used to own a construction company in Michigan. I give the GNS Weatherization Crew an excellent score. They did a great job and cleaned as they went along. We’ve been freezing since last October and now we’re not.
—Naida H. in Yreka

(I volunteer) to make sure people get what they deserve and that it gets done right. Most people come and go. Sometimes they come and sometimes they go. Everybody knows everybody…it helps every little bit.
Help the people, that’s all I know.
—Ron, Volunteer Commodities Site Coordinator, Seiad Valley

“My program was fortunate to utilize the Great Northern Community Room twice this school year, in the fall of 2017 I was able to host my fall homeless and foster youth training for enrollment staff and district liaisons the training in South Siskiyou County, the training was well attended and many of the attendees were thankful they did not have to drive to Yreka for the training.  The second opportunity was in February of 2018, I hosted the Region I and 2 Foster Youth Services Coordinators meeting we had Foster Youth Program Coordinators from several northern California Counties. The Community Room provided a great space for this meeting. The Great Northern Staff was very helpful, the space is so beautiful and the modern technology made it possible for participants to attend remotely.  We are so fortunate to have a wonderful space to host meetings, I look forward to utilizing the Community Room in the future.”
— Colette Bradley, Foster Youth Program Coordinator

You were awesome for doing our mobile! The “Crew” was beyond our expectations!!! After we were told 3 of the people were new, which we never would have known. Our power bills have gone down & no more freezing drafts! We can not thank Great Northern enough, thank you, thank you, thank you and many more. We are so blessed! – Anonymous

If it weren’t for the help buying propane I would have been one cold puppy—it would have been a very tough winter. I’m a veteran with not too many benefits & on a fixed income. I was using my credit cards and getting into debt. I’ve been living here since ’71.
—Bill Buffalo from Weed, CA

“We’re looking forward to winter now that we have the insulation in the attic. We can’t sing enough praises for the GNS staff.”
— Jim and Mary Taylor, Weed

The staff and clients of Siskiyou Opportunity Center look forward to serving the community each year through the Tailgate Produce Party. This experience is super important to our clients, they love the interaction with the public and especially love serving the produce. Our staff, their children and other family members also participate in sorting, distributing and help deliver food to the people’s vehicles. This is a wonderful experience for all of us! Thank you!
—Kristina Jackson, Program Director of Community Endeavors, Siskiyou Opportunity Center

The application process is much easier now than it used to be. I went to get an application on my lunch break, came back, and Dodi came around to get it from me—she was really sweet.  It was just a couple of weeks before the oil company got the check and I got the oil—it didn’t take long at all. Everybody falls hard on their luck sometimes, and GNS is always willing to help. No one was ever rude or snotty; they are always nice.
— Annie P. from Weed, CA

“Thanks so much for the weatherization of my home. What a wonderful service that is to have in our area! The fellows were very friendly and neat. They are a huge asset to your company.”
— Sharon Young, Yreka

“That was so much fun and so wonderful, I just can’t tell you. I had no idea what to expect. I just couldn’t believe the beautiful produce. ”
— Jeanne, Tailgate Produce Party attendee