A Community of Caring
GNS is one of the largest nonprofits in Siskiyou County, with 30 employees and several regular volunteers. Our greatest asset is our team and one of our greatest treasures is our teammate, Claudia Trevisan, who has served residents of Siskiyou County and GNS for almost 25 years.
Claudia joined GNS in 1999 after working in banking for 25 years, assisting in what was then the Section 8 Housing technical assistance department. When the Section 8 Housing Authority was moved to Shasta County Claudia filled an important role in GNS’ Housing Rehabilitation department as a loan processor, using her banking skills to help low-income families obtain low-interest loans to repair their homes.
In 2008, GNS’ energy assistance department began to expand as the need for help with energy costs in the community expanded rapidly with the economic problems of the time. Claudia provided administrative support while several new team members were added. The Energy Assistance department has grown to seven team members who help clients apply for services and conduct bilingual awareness outreach in the community.
Stories like Claudia’s are very common here at GNS. Our team is ready and willing to serve wherever we are needed, just as GNS is ready to adapt to emerging needs and opportunities in the community.
We asked Claudia to share some thoughts about how our work impacts the clients she helps with applying for energy assistance services.
“It lifts them up – they are so appreciative. I like that I have been able to stick with a job for 24 years where I’m helping people who really need the help.”
When asked about the personal impact working on GNS has had, Claudia had this to say:
“Working here brings out the best in you because you know you are helping people in need.”
Claudia stressed the importance of applying as soon as you know you need help because this helps ensure the maximum benefit to your household.
“We focus on seniors, people with disabilities, and households with children 5 and under as priority clients.”
We agree and are grateful for Claudia, our team mates, and everyone in the community who makes our work possible! In the spirit of Claudia’s words, “We need people to apply!” please visit our information page, which offers multi-lingual online, print, and in-person application options.