Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546059
60 Giving Guide 2026 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com Venture Community Services Venture Community Services One Picker Road Sturbridge, MA 01566 Phone: (508) 347-8181 www.venturecs.org Employees: 1,100 Annual revenues: $75 Million Year founded: 1975 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 SERVICE AREA Eighty percent of service recipients reside in Worcester County, yet the agency also supports individuals from Bristol, Franklin, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk and Plymouth Counties. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 60.7% Department of Developmental Services 19.6% Misc. Government Contracts 15% Mass Health FUTURE GOALS 1. Expand existing programs and devel- op new programs to further impact the community. 2. Enhance our Community Outreach Program by offering additional free so- cial, recreational and educational events for adults and children with autism and disabilities in our communities. 3. Expand our in-home and behavioral supports and consultation services to provide more assistance to the commu- nity where needed. 4. Increase our political advocacy and engagement with trade organizations to advance awareness of the human ser- vices workforce. Further professionalize direct support careers, and promote policies that protect community-based living, accessibility, inclusion, and equitable opportunities for vulnerable populations. 5. Expand our community day program census in all regions. 6. Continue to improve our overall employee experience including the "Growing up with family friends who had children with developmental disabilities, I saw firsthand the need for services and advocacy as individuals grew older. I joined the Board 26 years ago and am proud to be part of Venture's growth and positive impact. Our dedicated staff, committed Board of Directors, and strong community support make that possible. We are proud to be a vital part of our communities providing local jobs and services and I am honored to be part of this great professional organization." - Donna Peters, Board Chair Mike Hyland President & CEO Donna Peters Board Chair expansion of our employee recognition program to further demonstrate our commitment to Team Venture. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES Sip & Support – is annual event will be held on ursday, September 17th in the Tent at the Publick House in Sturbridge. Join us and our event partner Ted's Package Store and sample a variety of wine, cra beers, seltzers, specialty liquors and more while enjoy- ing delicious snacks, games and raffles. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased through our website at venturecs.org Charity Golf Classic – Our 29th annual event will take place on ursday, June 10, 2027 at Blissful Meadows in Uxbridge. Join us for a fun day of golf, lunch, dinner, raffles and prizes. One of the best tournaments around! To regis- ter, please visit our website venturecs.org Sponsorship packages are available for these events. For more information on fundraising events and how to get involved, please contact Kerrie Mason at kmason@venturecs.org. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Online donations are always greatly ap- preciated. Visit venturecs.org and click on the "Donate" tab to make a donation through our secure processing system. Donors may also make a gi in memo- ry 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. Personalized gis can be ordered through our Amazon Wish List, shipped directly to us and we will wrap and deliver to an individual being supported in one of our programs. • In-kind gis such as auction items, professional services, advertising and more help to raise valuable funds to enhance our mission. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Venture welcomes community volun- teers who are interested in serving on our Board of Directors or assisting at one of our fundraising events. Intern- ship opportunities are also available for college students. For more information, please contact us at info@venturecs.org. Carl Ekman, Green Gold, Board Clerk Gail Fanning, Community Volunteer, Board Vice President Patricia Lamoureux, Community Volunteer, Treasurer Donna Peters, Community Volunteer, President BOARD MEMBERS Andrea Cropley, Southbridge Public Schools Doris Dono, Community Volunteer Paul Haughey, Spencer-East Brookfield School District, Board Member Nancy Noonan, Commonwealth Care Alliance, Board Member Janice Smith, Community Volunteer, Board Member Richard Whitney, Community Volunteer, Board Member