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December 7, 2021 Giving Guide 2021

Open Sky Community Services Inc.

Future Goals

1. A Diverse, Equitable & Inclusive Organization - Collaborate with employees, people served and the community to create and support a welcoming and just environment, which advances diversity, equity and inclusion for all.  Open Sky is committed to being an anti-racist organization. 

2.  State-of-the-Art Services - Collaborate with our communities to provide state-of-the-art, integrated services that evolve to meet identified needs. 

3. An Engaged & Committed Team - Employees and candidates experience an inclusive organization and culture where, while providing exceptional services to the community, they also find (or can expect to find) meaning in their work and are valued and empowered to achieve personal and professional goals.

4. Partner of Choice - Intentionally form meaningful partnerships, which are strategic, inclusive and provide opportunities for individuals served, employees and communities.

5. Innovative Technology - Identify and implement emerging technologies that improve the quality of life of individuals we serve, strengthen our workforce and infrastructure, and demonstrate value. 

6. A Financially Vibrant Organization - Pursue intentional and responsible growth and diversification while continually strengthening our existing foundation.

Volunteer Opportunities

Open Sky welcomes the contributions of organizations and individuals of all ages and walks of life – from high school or college students performing community service, to adults and seniors looking to give back, and corporations looking to build team spirit and meet local community needs.

Giving Opportunities

Donations are accepted throughout the year via our online giving portal at openskycs.org. Donors may choose to earmark their contributions for a specific purpose or project, but generally fund areas of greatest need. We mail two winter annual appeal letters: a general letter in support of Open Sky and one specific to fundraising for our Safe Homes Drop-in Center for LGBTQIA+ youth. A second appeal letter is sent at the beginning of the year. In order to ensure that all of the people we serve are recognized with a gift during the holiday season, we seek donations of gift cards or funds for our Holiday Gift Drive from companies, organizations, and faith communities.

A major portion of the funds raised through our Valley Friendship Tour fundraising event comes through peer-to-peer fundraising efforts, with Tour participants soliciting support from family and friends. The Safe Homes Drop-in Center also welcomes donations of non-perishable food items for its food pantry and clothing items for its gender-affirming clothing closet.

Fundraising Opportunities

Open Sky sponsors three major fundraising events each year. Our Safe Homes Gala, held in the spring, supports our Drop-in Center and services for LGBTQIA+ youth and features a silent auction and fund-a-need opportunity. 

The Valley Friendship Tour, generally held in June, is a walk, run or cycling event for people of all ages and abilities. The 2021 Valley Friendship Tour was postponed from the spring to September 11, 2021, with the 2022 Tour anticipated to return in June. 

The Valley Bag Toss, scheduled for October 16 is a community cornhole tournament that helps support our health and wellness initiatives. All three events provide opportunities for corporate sponsorships, individual financial contributions and donations of raffle or auction items.

ValleyCAST, our art and culture subsidiary, hosts a wide array of art exhibits, concerts and theatrical events and is already scheduling in-person exhibits and concerts after a year of only virtual offerings. A portion of all sales help support these inclusive events, which provide opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities to come together around common interests. 

Post-Pandemic

The pandemic necessitated changes to the ways in which we delivered services to support the individuals and families who depend on us.  Virtual or telephone outreach and telehealth counseling sessions became the rule. Our drop-in programs and staff meetings were held on virtual platforms. We have seen that telehealth increased access to care and anticipate its continued growth. With virtual meetings and outreach as an option, our drop-in programs, outreach services and staff meetings will no longer be weather dependent.

MISSION STATEMENT

Blending best practices with the power of community, we partner with individuals and families to see beyond and live beyond perceived limitations to pursue fulfilling lives.

Open Sky Community Services Inc.

4 Mann Street
Worcester, MA 01602

Phone: 508-755-0333 

openskycs.org

Full-time employees: 1,130

Annual revenues: $89,000,000 

Year founded: 1973

Service area: Throughout Central Massachusetts with additional programs in the Metrowest, Boston and South Norfolk areas.

Top funding sources

Massachusetts Department of Mental Health - 37%

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services - 34% 

Medicare/Medicaid/MassHealth - 15%

Board of Directors

Ken Bates, President and CEO

David Przesiek, Tactical Risk Solutions, Board Chair

Judith Kirk, Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Vice Chair 

Donna Connolly, Mass Education and Career Opportunities, Inc., Clerk 

Paul Schasel, Diocese of Worcester, Treasurer

Peter Bacchiocchi, G9 Financial

Mary Ellen Larkin-Root, Solid Benefits Group, LLC

Jay Bry, Fitchburg State University

Leonard Doerfler, PhD, Assumption University

Donald Doyle, Webster Five

Sara DeCarvalho, Rhode Island Primary Care Physicians Corp

Michael Kilcoyne, Worcester Public Library

Kola Akindele, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

James DiReda, PhD, Anna Maria College

Charisse Murphy, Worcester State University