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January 8, 2020 Giving Guide 2019

Open Sky Community Services

Future Goals

1. To enhance our commitment to service excellence by strengthening core services.

2. To explore ways in which we can better integrate services with the health care system.

3. To increase our investment and effectiveness around workforce development. By offering an outstanding employment experience, we hope to boost recruitment and retention of talented and committed staff. We are collaborating with peer agencies, colleges and others to achieve this goal.

4. To expand opportunities for community membership for the individuals we serve.

5. To continue to develop strategic partnerships with other providers, non-profits and municipalities.

Fundraising Events/Opportunities

Open Sky sponsors three major fundraising events throughout the year. Our Safe Homes Gala in the spring, which supports our Drop-In Center and services for LGBTQ+ youth, features a silent auction and fund-a-need opportunity; the Valley Friendship Tour in June, a walk, run or cycling event for people of all ages and abilities; and the Valley Bag Toss in the fall, a community cornhole tournament that helps support Open Sky’s health and wellness initiatives. All three events provide opportunities for corporate sponsorships, individual financial contributions and donations of raffle or auction items.

In addition, through ValleyCAST, Open Sky’s art and culture subsidiary, we host a wide array of art exhibits, concerts and theatrical performances. A portion of all ticket sales and art purchases help to support these inclusive events, which provide opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities to come together around common interests.

Giving Opportunities

Our online giving portal at openskycs.org accepts donations throughout the year. These donations may be earmarked 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 LGBTQ+ 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 for our Holiday Gift Drive from companies, businesses and faith communities.

As noted, we sponsor three major fundraising events during the year. For one of these, the Valley Friendship Tour, a major portion of the funds raised comes through peer-to-peer fundraising efforts, with Tour participants soliciting support from family and friends.

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 communities.

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 run a special event or provide behind the scenes support. No matter what volunteer position you select, you will be making an important contribution.

Open Sky Community Services

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

4 Mann St., Worcester, MA 01602

Phone: 508-755-0333

openskycs.org

Full-time employees: 1,101

Annual revenues: $78,700,000

Year founded: 1973

 

SERVICE AREA

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

 

TOP FUNDING SOURCES

DMH 40%

DDS 32%

MassHealth/DMA 15%

Board of Directors

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

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

Vera Raposo, Stowe and Degon, Treasurer

John Ford, Community Volunteer

Peter Bacchiocchi, Girard Financial Group

Mary Ellen Larkin-Root, Solid Benefits Group

David Bunker, Community Volunteer

Kevin Hunt, Worcester Restaurant Group

Jay Bry, Fitchburg State University

Leonard Doerfler, PhD, Assumption College

Donald Doyle, Webster Five

Paulette Goeden, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Maedon Coburn, Appleseed Personnel Services

Sara DeCarvalho, MS, LMHC, Rhode Island Primary Care Physician’s Corporation