Worcester Business Journal

44 Giving Guide 2023 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS 1. Continue movement towards "whole person" care. Collaborate with hospitals to help people avoid long ER waits by providing community response services. Support people's social determinant needs through comprehensive approaches to housing, nutrition, and others. 2. Continue efforts to provide evidence-based supports for people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Autism, and Brain Injury. 3. Continue to strengthen our outpatient behavioral services so that we can live up to the promise of "rapid response" for people who have behavioral health challenges and other needs. 4. Continue advocacy and creative efforts to address the acute workforce shortage in our industry. Develop and promote a culture of engagement to ensure we retain our treasured workforce. 5. Continue moving on our journey to become anti-racist, trauma-informed and supportive and welcoming to all. 6. Continue to seek collaborative solutions to systemic problems and to embrace the power of community, arts, culture, and inclusion. 7. Continue to help anyone who feels a door is closed to find their open sky. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES Open Sky hosts three fundraising events each year. Our Safe Homes Gala, held in April, supports our Safe Homes program, which includes a Drop-In Center and services for LGBTQIA+ youth. e event features a silent auction and fund-a-need opportunity. e Valley Friendship Tour, held in June, is a walk, run, and cycling event for people of all ages and abilities. e Valley Bag Toss, scheduled for October 14, 2023, is a community cornhole tournament that helps support our health and wellness initiatives. For both the Valley Friendship Tour and Valley Bag Toss, participants register and solicit donations from friends and family. e two events also include raffles with tickets available for purchase day-of. All events provide opportunities for corporate sponsorships and donations of raffle or auction items. ValleyCAST, the arts and culture arm of Open Sky, hosts a wide array of art exhibits, concerts, and theatrical events year-round. A portion of all ticket sales help support these inclusive events, which provide opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities to come together around common interests. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Donations are accepted throughout the year via our online giving portal at openskycs.org/donate. Donors may choose to earmark their contributions for a specific purpose or project, or 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 LGBTQIA+ youth. A second appeal letter is included with the mailing of our annual report. In order to ensure that all of the people we serve are recognized with a gi during the holiday season, we seek donations of gi cards or funds for our Holiday Gi Drive from companies, organizations, and faith communities. e Safe Homes Drop-in Center also welcomes donations of non-perishable food items for its food pantry and gi cards to stores for youth to purchase things such as school supplies or gender-affirming clothing and makeup. Ways to support Safe Homes can be found at safehomesma.org/donate. 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 community needs. 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 of 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. For more information, email volunteering@openskycs.org. Open Sky Community Services Inc. Ken Bates President & CEO David Przesiek Board Chair David Przesiek, Tactical Risk Solutions, Chair Judith Kirk, Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Vice Chair Donna Connolly, Mass Education and Career Opportunities, Inc., Clerk Paul Schasel, Diocese of Worcester, Treasurer BOARD MEMBERS Kola Akindele, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Peter Bacchiocchi, Girard Financial Group Sara DeCarvalho, Concert Health IO James DiReda, PhD, Anna Maria College Leonard Doerfler, PhD, Assumption College Donald Doyle, Webster Five Kevin Hunt, Worcester Restaurant Group Michael Kilcoyne, Worcester Public Library Mary Ellen Larkin-Root, Solid Benefits Group, LLC Jill Green Lebow, Fallon Health Charisse Murphy, The Shine Initiative Gina Plata-Nino, Mass Law Reform Institute Hamilton Soriano, Edward Jones Mark Williams, PhD, Fitchburg State University BOARD OFFICERS "Open Sky believes that by supporting the individuals we serve we are contributing to creating a more inclusive society. Our staff help break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote equal opportunities for all. I am truly thankful for the 1300 staff at Open Sky and the work they do on a daily basis. Being a part of this positive change is deeply rewarding." – David Przesiek, Board Chair 4 Mann Street Worcester, MA 01602 Phone: (508) 755-0333 openskycs.org Full-time employees: 1,307 Annual Revenues: $94,481,556 Year founded: 1973 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. SERVICE AREA Throughout Central Massachusetts with additional programs in the Metrowest, Boston and South Norfolk areas. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 35% Massachusetts Department of Mental Health 33% Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services 11% Medicare/Medicaid MassHealth

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