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May 21, 2019 Giving Guide 2018

Venture Community Services

Future Goals

1. Enhance our therapeutic yoga program by training more instructors and offering additional adaptive classes for adults and children with disabilities in our community

2. Encourage greater community involvement and meaningful integration for program participants  

3. Enrich the agency’s Mentor Program to encourage employee growth and provide career opportunities 

4. Continue to grow our community-based day habilitation program in Uxbridge 

5. Build two new residential programs for individuals reaching adulthood and living in the community for the first time

6. Expand cost-free autism services into Southern Worcester County

Fundraising Events/Opportunities

  • Venture is proud to be hosting its 14th Annual Wine & Beer Festival with Ted’s Package Store of Charlton.  Join us to try a variety of beer, wine, whiskey, cider and more, while enjoying delicious snacks, games, raffles, and an extensive silent auction.  This year’s event will be held on Thursday, November 8th at the Oliver Wight Tavern at Old Sturbridge Village.  Tickets are $40 each and are available for purchase on our web site under the “Get Involved” tab.
  • Each summer, Venture hosts its annual Charity Golf Classic.  Save the date for Friday, June 14, 2019 for 18 holes of golf at Blissful Meadows Golf Club in Uxbridge.  Join us for a fun day of golf, lunch, dinner, auction, raffles, and prizes.  To register, please visit our web site. 
  • Sponsorship packages are available for these events and others throughout the year. For more information about fundraising events and how to get involved, please contact Paige Mador at pmador@venturecs.org. 

Giving Opportunities

  • Online donations are always greatly appreciated.  Visit venturecs.org and click on the “Get Involved” tab to make a donation through our secure processing system.  Donors may also make a gift in memory or in honor of a loved one. 
  • During the holidays, be sure to check our web site and social media accounts to find out how you can help make the season bright for the people we support through our annual Giving Tree Program.  Gifts can be ordered through our Amazon Wish List and shipped directly to us or purchased in-store and dropped off at our administrative offices in Sturbridge.  
  • In-kind gifts such as auction items, professional services, advertising, and more help to raise valuable funds to enhance our mission.   

Volunteer Opportunities

Venture welcomes community volunteers who are interested in serving on our Board of Directors or assisting at one of our fundraising events.  Internship opportunities are also available for college students.  For more information, please contact Bruce Leger at 774-922-1145 or bleger@venturecs.org. 


“When I began working with children with developmental disabilities, I realized they would need an advocate to help them become productive members of their community in the future – that is exactly what Venture Community Services does.  Being a member of the Board gives me an opportunity to give back.” 


– Donna Peters, Board Chair

Venture Community Services

MISSION STATEMENT
To provide support to individuals facing diverse challenges through a compassionate and dedicated workforce using innovative practices that encourage independence, empowerment, 
and opportunity.

Venture Community Services 
1 Picker Road

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Phone: 508-347-8181  

www.venturecs.org

Full-time employees: 437 full-time, 295 part-time

Annual revenues: $35.5 million 

Year founded: 1975

Service area: 80% of service recipients reside in Worcester County, yet the agency also supports individuals from Bristol, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Plymouth Counties. 

Top funding sources:
Department of Developmental Services  75%
Montachusett Regional Transit Authority 10%
Mass Health 7%

Board of Directors

Michael J. Hyland, President and Chief Executive Officer

Donna Peters, Board President

Richard Whitney, Vice President

Kathleen Charette, Thompson Public Schools

Andrea Cropley, Southbridge Public Schools

Laurie Downes, Elms College

Carl Ekman, Town of Charlton

Paul Kolesnikovas, Charlton Legal

Patricia Lamoureux

Gail Fanning