Great Northern Services

We plan to:
1. Diversify and grow revenue streams
2. Improve and maintain workplace safety
3. Increase community outreach: recipients, donors, sponsors, partners, volunteers, board, and employees
4. Develop leadership abilities and potential of the team

1. Maintain the current level of federal funding for services
2. Where federal funding is supplemental, increase complementary revenue by 25%
2. Implement keys steps to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in the workplace, including a) create a plan for a safe work environment that protects employees and clients from exposure and transmission; b) ensure our facility is clean, disinfected, and equipped with hand sanitizer stations; and c) maintain a support system for employees to address new realities and emotional challenges
3. Strategize the organization's involvement and partnerships in the community and how we will communicate it: a) identify a monthly goal; b) consult with relevant stakeholders; c) research opportunities and challenges; d) Identify the right audience for the goal; e) define the outreach strategy
4. Keep hiring talented staff members and provide them with support and opportunities to become effective leaders

Federal Funding:
GNS maintains federal funding through ongoing programs and continued contracts for emergency and supplemental food and energy, weatherization, community and business development and HIV/AIDS programs. We are adjusting to a pause in weatherization services due to the pandemic crisis by reallocating staff to an ongoing construction project. We plan to increase supplemental revenue through strong opportunities presented in a long-term grant plan and a fundraising plan that encompasses corporate support and major donations.

Workplace Safety:
GNS has implemented a successful hybrid work program with several at-risk staff members working from home and some staff working a combination of home and office shifts to minimize the number of employees onsite at any given time. Staff members working in the office adhere to strict safety guidelines including wearing masks in shared spaces and using hand sanitizer. Physical distancing measures are in place so clients can still be served in the office if they cannot apply for services via mail or phone. GNS is still effective at delivering and expanding services and will be able to continue our important services because our staff and clients are safe.

Staff:
Our staff is meeting the challenge of immediate response to the coronavirus crisis, including doubling countywide food distribution almost overnight. Our team is highly dedicated to assisting others in need, and therefore we maintain an important spirit of cohesiveness and drive, especially in the face of crisis. We invest in our staff's knowledge and well-being, including providing educational opportunities, time off as needed to tend to personal and family needs, and ongoing support with emotional and professional needs during challenging times.

Community Services reaches every community in the county providing children, seniors, and the general public with nutrition services, including fresh produce programs. Seniors in designated areas also benefit from snow removal services.

Energy Assistance & Weatherization have improved the living conditions of thousands of low-income households.

Economic Development provided hundreds of businesses with the capital they needed to succeed.

Community Development has helped small municipalities access capital to improve their infrastructure.

Great Northern Services leverages our staff's experience and our proven ability to create lasting relationships with other community agencies to complete innovative projects such as the countywide strategic planning project Siskiyou Occupational Advancement Roadmap and its implementation complement, siskiyouworks.org, as well as Resilience plans for the cities of Weed and Montague. We continue to assess and address community food and home energy assistance needs, weatherization and rehabilitation demands, and continue to collaborate with other agencies and organizations to provide solutions.