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July 16, 2020 Giving Guide 2020

Open Sky Community Services

Responding to the Crisis:

The COVID-19 crisis impacted the way Open Sky delivers services in a host of ways and our dedicated employees stepped up to meet this extraordinary challenge. Some transitioned to utilizing non-traditional ways to support the individuals and families who depend on us, such as telephone outreach and telehealth counseling sessions. But, Open Sky has hundreds of employees who cannot do their work from home. These direct care staff checked on people in their apartments, brought medications, delivered needed supplies, or traveled to their jobs in residential programs. Some residential programs serving particularly vulnerable individuals with serious health issues pivoted to a model utilizing live-in staff to minimize the risk of infection. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols became a priority and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future, as will the need to ensure an adequate supply of PPEs to meet the threat of virus outbreaks in the future.

In addition, we have worked collaboratively with the City of Worcester and other partners to offer housing supports and services for homeless individuals in City shelters, and expanded our services for justice-involved individuals.

Future Goals

1. Collaborate with our communities to provide state of the art, integrated services that evolve to meet identified needs.

2. To ensure that employees and candidates experience an inclusive organization and culture where they find meaning in their work, are valued and empowered to achieve personal and professional goals, while providing exceptional services to the community.

3. Open Sky has taken a stand against racism and is intensifying efforts to create a culture that supports racial equity, diversity and inclusion.

4. Intentionally form meaningful partnerships, which are inclusive and provide opportunities for individuals served, employees and communities.

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

5. Pursue intentional and responsible growth and diversification, while continually strengthening our existing foundation.

Fundraising Opportunities

In a typical year, Open Sky sponsors three major fundraising events. Our Safe Homes Gala, and People of Courage Awards, supports our Drop-In Center and services for LGBTQIA+ youth and features a silent auction and fund-a-need opportunity. The event has been rescheduled for the fall and will be a virtual event. The Valley Friendship Tour in June, a walk, run or cycling event for people of all ages and abilities went virtual this year. The Valley Bag Toss, scheduled for September is 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.

Through ValleyCAST, Open Sky’s art and culture subsidiary, we usually host a wide array of art exhibits, concerts and theatrical events. ValleyCAST is offering a Virtual Summer Concert Series starting on July 2 @ValleyCAST on Facebook.

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. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an option to fund expenses specific to Open Sky’s response to the crisis was added to the portal. 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 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 trans clothing closet.

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 organizations 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 Street
Worcester, MA 01602

Phone: 508-755-0333 

openskycs.org

Full-time employees: 1,200

Annual revenues: $83,661,000 

Year founded: 1973

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

Top funding sources:

Department of Mental Health (DMH): 40%

Department of Developmental Services (DDS): 32% 

MassHealth/DMA: 12%

Board of Directors

Ken Bates, President and CEO

David Przesiek, Board Chair

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

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

John Ford, Community Volunteer, Treasurer 

Kola Akindele, University of Massachusetts Medical School 

Peter Bacchiocchi, G9 Financial 

Jay Bry, Fitchburg State University 

David Bunker, Community Volunteer 

Maedon Coburn, Appleseed Personnel Services 

Sara DeCarvalho, Rhode Island Primary Care Physician’s Corporation 

James DiReda, Anna Maria College 

Leonard Doerfler, Assumption College 

Donald Doyle, Webster Five 

Kevin Hunt, Worcester Restaurant Group 

Michael Kilcoyne, Worcester Public Library 

Mary Ellen Larkin-Root, Solid Benefits Group 

Paul Schasel, Diocese of Worcester