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July 16, 2020 Giving Guide 2020

Venture Community Services

Responding to the Crisis

While the mission and direction of our agency has remained the same, lots of creativity and flexibility has been necessary to continue providing the vital supports that have been our purpose for decades.  We completely changed our staffing patterns to reduce the number of people going in and out of the homes in an effort to protect the health and safety of the individuals living there.  

Our most critical need right now is meaningful support from the federal government – and not just for Venture specifically, but for the human services industry as a whole.  The financial pressure on our agency is extraordinary.  It is imperative that we receive the necessary resources to continue caring for the nearly 300 people we serve, as well as the employees who are working on the front lines to protect and support them.  

Future Goals

1. Encourage greater community involvement and meaningful integration for all program participants 

2. Address the human services workforce crisis by collaborating with our legislators and trade organizations to further professionalize the careers of direct support staff 

3. Enhance our Community Outreach Program by offering more free social, recreational and educational events for adults and children with autism in our communities 

4. Explore creative solutions that embrace new technology, providing us with new and innovative ways to support individuals in their independence, social lives and personal health 

5. Work with our partners to help develop a sustainable network of services through a managed care model

Giving Opportunities

  • Online donations are always greatly appreciated, especially during this challenging and uncertain time.  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. 
  • We will gladly accept donations of personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, gowns, face shields and hand sanitizer. 
  • In-kind gifts such as auction items, professional services, advertising and more help to raise valuable funds to enhance our mission. 
  • 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. 

Fundraising Opportunities

  • Venture is proud to be hosting its 16th 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 and raffles.  This year’s event will be held on Thursday, November 5th 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 18, 2021 to join us for 18 holes of golf at Blissful Meadows Golf Club in Uxbridge.  
  • Sponsorship packages are available for these events and others throughout the year.  For more information about fundraising events, please contact Paige Mador at pmador@venturecs.org. 

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 Shaunna Monts at 774-922-1145 or smonts@venturecs.org. 

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: 429

Part-time employees: 273

Annual revenues: $35.6 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: 9%

Mass Health: 9%

Board of Directors

Michael Hyland, President & Chief Executive Officer

Donna Peters, Community Volunteer, Board President

Richard Whitney, Community Volunteer, Vice President

Kathleen Charette, Tantasqua Junior High School

Andrea Cropley, Southbridge Public Schools

Laurie Downes, Elms College

Carl Ekman, Town of Charlton

Gail Fanning, Community Volunteer 

Patricia Lamoureux, Community Volunteer