Worcester Business Journal

20 Worcester Business Journal | September 4, 2023 | wbjournal.com F O C U S D I V E R S I T Y & I N C L U S I O N Special Sponsored Section O pen Sky is a human services and behavioral health provider, serving all of Central Massachusetts. We have 1300 employees in over 100 programs. Of those 1300 employees, approximately one third identify as BIPOC. Since the George Floyd murder in 2020, we have been on a journey towards becoming anti-racist. We have listened to our staff and individuals/families we support, assessed our culture, determined changes needed, put new policies and a Speak Up system for reporting incidents in place, formed a CARE Team (committee advancing race equity), appointed a director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, created a Board Race Equity committee and created a plan of action to guide additional improvements. We have also launched a highly successful human service work - force program for immigrants and refugees and a Clinical and Leadership Pathway program for BIPOC employees in partnership with Seven Hills, Mass Hire, and others. We are now building on this foundation of race equity to encompass diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Our journey is not perfect. It is not complete. It is not without challenges. But it is real, authentic and a major priority for Open Sky. We welcome your partnership as we work together to create a more equitable community. For more information on Open Sky's journey visit openskycs.org/care. ank you. – Ken Bates, President and CEO. Open Sky Community Services Is On a Journey Our Race Equity Statement: Open Sky Community Services is committed to becoming anti-racist, celebrating diversity and creating an environment that provides a safe, inclusive and equitable space for all by fostering growth and healing. We will create, promote and uphold policies, practices, attitudes and actions that create unbiased power and access to opportunities for our community. Find your open sky at openskycs.org Open Sky is proud of our commitment to making diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging a top priority! W Staff from Open Sky and Seven Hills who participated in the Clinical and Leadership Pathway program pose with their mentors at the completion of the program. "Open Sky's DEIB efforts lead to a profound effect on individuals as it enhances their sense of belonging, self- worth, personal growth, overall well-being, and empowers them to contribute their unique perspectives and talents to make the world a better place." - Stephen Osei Bonsu – Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

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