Future Goals
1. Service Delivery – To provide equitable, individualized, strength-based care by prioritizing whole person health, taking into consideration physical, emotional, and social well-being and working in collaboration with individuals, families, and community partners.
2. Employee Care and Engagement – To create and foster an inclusive organization and culture where employees and prospective employees find meaning in their work, are valued and empowered to achieve personal and professional goals and provide exceptional services to the community.
3. Planful Growth and Infrastructure – To remain a strong and competitive provider of services by intentionally pursuing growth opportunities and ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure is in place to sustain new and existing programs.
4. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging – To collaborate with employees, people served, and our communities to create and support a welcoming and just environment which advances diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all.
5. Partnership and Collaboration – To seek partnerships and collaborations that strengthen services and support community needs and challenges.
Fundraising Opportunities
Open Sky hosts a few fundraising events each year. Our Safe Homes Gala, supports our Safe Homes program which offers services for LGBTQIA+ youth. The event features a silent auction and fund-a-need opportunity. In 2026, this event is scheduled for March 6, at Mechanics Hall.
The Valley Friendship Tour, which celebrated 40 years in 2025, is held each year in June. It is a walk, run and cycling event for people of all ages and abilities. The Valley Bag Toss each October is a community cornhole tournament that helps support our health and wellness initiatives.
For both the Valley Friendship Tour and Valley Bag Toss, participants register and solicit donations from friends and family. The two events also include raffles with tickets available for purchase the day of the event. All three events provide opportunities for corporate sponsorships and donations of raffle or auction items.
There are various fundraisers for other programs as well, including Edward’s Ride for Mental Health, which supports Crystal House Clubhouse, and ticketed events to support ValleyCAST, the arts and culture arm of the agency.
Giving Opportunities
Online donations are accepted throughout the year via our online giving portal at openskycs.org/donate. Donors may choose to earmark their contributions for a specific purpose or project, or generally fund areas of greatest need. We mail an appeal in the fall in support of Open Sky as a whole, and a digital appeal specific to fundraising for our Safe Homes LGBTQIA+ youth center. Another appeal is included with the mailing of our annual report in the spring.
To ensure all the people we serve receive a gift during the holiday season, we seek donations of gift cards or cash for our Holiday Gift Drive.
Safe Homes and The PLACE youth drop-in centers, and Community Compass for citizens re-entering the community from incarceration, welcome donations of clothing, non-perishable food items, gift cards, and other supplies. To inquire about these needs please email info@openskycs.org.
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, to corporations looking to build team spirit and meet local community needs.
We offer a wide range of one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities throughout our organization and across Central Massachusetts. Volunteers may choose to work directly with one or more of the individuals we serve, help organize or support an event, or provide administrative support.
Open Sky’s Club 21 Program also seeks volunteers to serve as “Discovery Members.” These volunteers are paired with an individual receiving services through Open Sky and meet regularly throughout the year to participate in outings, activities, and other inclusive experiences. No matter what volunteer position you select, you will be making an important contribution. For more information, email info@openskycs.org.
Leadership
Ken Bates, President & CEO
Mary Ellen Larkin, Solid Benefits Group, Board Chair
Judith Kirk, Retired, Vice Chair
Donna Connolly, Retired, Clerk
Paul Schasel, Retired, Treasurer
Board Members
Peter Bacchiocchi, Retired
Sara DeCarvalho, Mindoula
James DiReda, Anna Maria College
Jill Green Lebow, Fallon Health
Kevin Hunt, Worcester Restaurant Group
Michael Kilcoyne, Worcester Public Library
Kate Megraw, Webster Five
Stefany Mendez, Northeastern University
Charisse Murphy, The Shine Initiative
David Przesiek, Ryan Specialty Benefits
Mark Williams, Fitchburg State University
