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Sponsored by: Open Sky Community Services
November 22, 2024

Going beyond inclusion

Many organizations have community partnerships, but Open Sky Community Services views the community as a crucial element of wellbeing. Wellness is not only about physical health but about having purpose, engaging in joyful relationships, and finding happiness in everyday life.

Formed in 2018 by the affiliation of two human service agencies, The Bridge of Central Mass and Alternatives Unlimited, Open Sky strives to create a culture and mission that blends best practices with the power of community, the approaches that made their former organizations uniquely effective. 

Founded in Whitinsville in 1976, the work of Alternatives was not only focused on inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their communities, but they also strived to help these individuals achieve Community Membership. 

Dennis Rice, Co-founder and former executive director of Alternatives, explains the difference between community inclusion and Community Membership:

“Community inclusion is the process where you work with the person to learn their interests, then you find a place for the person to thrive. Community Membership, is an outcome, not a process,” Dennis explains. “Community Membership is when someone is participating in the community around their interests, and they are also contributing by sharing their gifts and talents and reciprocating with friends where one can give and receive without keeping score. Community Membership is all about belonging.”

Today, Community Membership is still just as important. Many individuals served by Open Sky may face barriers to getting involved in their community including stigma, challenges with transportation, lack of training or skills, or difficulties with social situations. 

Community Membership efforts have expanded throughout Central Mass to connect individuals with opportunities in their community and provide them with the needed preparation so they feel ready to develop relationships and play meaningful roles. 

Open Sky also organizes many initiatives to provide opportunities for community members to interact in spaces where the individuals served are participating. By offering a wide range of activities that cater to diverse interests and abilities, individuals are provided with entertainment and skill-building opportunities while also fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. 

ValleyCAST, the arts and culture arm of the organization, holds a Free Summer Concert Series at the Alternatives’ Whitin Mill complex every week from June-September. Hundreds of community members, staff, and individuals served by Open Sky programs come together to enjoy live music on beautiful summer evenings. Often community members get to know individuals from programs, and music lovers of all backgrounds dance and enjoy the music together. Friendships are formed through common interests and the benefits are numerous, including developing social skills, exploring passions, and getting to know neighbors. 

Partnerships are another important element of this work. Each spring, Open Sky’s Community Membership Department partners with Blackstone River National Heritage Corridor, Blackstone River Watershed Association, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation and Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife to hold Family Fun Fishing Day at Riverbend Farm. Individuals served by programs, and community members of all ages and abilities, are invited to attend. Those from Open Sky programs are among the volunteers and members of the planning committee, as well as participants. It goes beyond simply bringing someone fishing and provides them with a chance to meet others who share the same interests, as well as the chance to be involved in planning and implementing a major event. 

Each of these activities contributes to positive health and wellbeing, improving quality of life and promoting inclusion. This focus is part of Open Sky’s commitment to becoming a trauma-informed, antiracist organization, where everyone is welcome, and every voice is heard. 

Learn more at openskycs.org/community or contact info@openskycs.org to get involved!