Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1515255
Opening doors for 50 years 3 A s founding Board member Retired Judge John McCann recounts in his history of e Bridge, a group of concerned citizens came together in the early 1970's as the Human Rights Committee in Westborough, Massachusetts. eir goal was to champion people who were discriminated against or otherwise marginalized by society. At the same time, the Lyman School for Boys was closing, leaving few options for the youth in their care. e Human Rights Commission spent several years planning and overcoming objections to establish a "halfway house" program for boys at Grove Street in Westborough. From this humble, yet inspiring start, e Bridge was born in 1973, with one program and an annual budget of $80,000. Only three short years later, Sharon Rinkus and Dennis Rice would found Alternatives Unlimited in Whitinsville to provide services and supports for people with Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health challenges. e 1970's proved to be the start of community and home- based services, as society moved away from institutions in order to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to live full, rich and inclusive lives in the community. What a legacy. ose histories converged in 2018 when e Bridge and Alternatives affiliated to become "Open Sky Community Services, Inc." Today, Open Sky has 1,300 employees, more than 100 programs throughout Central MA and a budget of $118 million. But our mission has not really changed. We are still helping people find their open sky through relationships, wellness and opportunities. We are still a "Bridge" to the community and the "Alternatives" are still unlimited. e sky is the limit! As the President/CEO and Chair of the Board of Open Sky Community Services, Inc., we are proud to share this look at the history, legacy of leadership and commitment to community that spans five decades. Fiy years of serving, growing, and evolving. We would not be here without the dedication of long-standing Board members, corporators, donors, friends, community partners and staff, who make magic happen every day for the benefit of individuals and families we serve. ank you. We look forward to partnering with you for the next half- century and beyond. Ken Bates, President and CEO David Przesiek, Chair of the Board FIFTY YEARS: A Legacy of Leadership and Commitment to the Community Published by Worcester Business Journal's Custom Publishing Division, 2023 Corporate Project Director Chris Juetten Writer/Editor Phyllis Hanlon Art Director Kira Beaudoin For information regarding Custom Publications call Chris Juetten, WBJ Custom Corporate Project Director at 508-755-8004 ext. 270 or cjuetten@wbjournal.com. "Open Sky has helped me with increasing my independence to achieve the goals I have set for myself both personally and professionally. ey are my cheerleader and shoulder to cry on whenever I need them no matter how big or small the problem is." Sofia C. "Open Sky has helped me with managing my medications, grocery shopping, taking me to appointments, and making sure my bills are paid." "It has helped me gain self confidence." Mike C. "Open Sky Services are unique because they help us work on what matters to us." Marc C. Ken Bates, President and CEO David Przesiek, Chair of the Board