April 2025 Newsletter

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40th Annual Valley Friendship Tour is Back on June 7th!

Join us on Saturday, June 7th at the Alternatives' Whitin Mill (60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA) for the 40th Annual Valley Friendship Tour!

This inclusive event features your choice of a one-mile walk, timed 5K run, or 30-mile bike ride, plus music and lunch!

Whether you’re walking, running, or rolling—you can make a difference by fundraising for Open Sky programs.

DDS Transition Fair April 30th - Guidance for the Next Step

Open Sky and the Department of Developmental Services are hosting a Transition Fair at the Alternatives' Whitin Mill on Wednesday, April 30th! This event will provide resources and opportunities for individuals and families navigating the transition to adulthood.

2025 Safe Homes Gala Recap: A Night to Remember

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2025 Safe Homes Gala and People of Courage Awards! Close to 400 attendees came to celebrate the strength and courage of the LGBTQIA+ community and to honor our incredible awardees. We expect to raise over $200,000 with donations still coming in! From heartfelt speeches to high-energy dancing, the night was filled with joy, love, and community.

2025 People of Courage Awardees

Community Champion Award / Matthew Gonzalez

Inspiration and Innovation Award / Heath Umbreit

People's Choice Award / Mass Youth Soccer

Public Service Award / Jason Homer

Safe Homes Partnership Award / Shane Franzen

Small Business Award / The Woo Bar & Grill

Social Justice Advocacy and Action Award / New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

Youth Award / Skylar Mendez

Pre-registration is open!

10th Annual Family Fun Fishing Day Saturday, May 17th

Join us for a free day of fishing and activities for all ages and abilities! Pre-registration includes free rods, bait, and instruction.

Volunteers are needed to keep this event fun and free for everyone!

Click here to learn more about Open Sky's Community Membership initiatives.

What's Going On at Open Sky?

Open Sky Community Services provides services to nearly 8,000 individuals in Central Mass each year facing complex challenges. That means that support is needed year-round so we can continue to provide services and remove the barriers to living a fulfilling life.

You have the power to ensure that individuals and families experiencing mental health diagnoses, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and homelessness get the help they need, every day of the year.

Have additional feedback or ideas for future newsletters? Let us know at info@openskycs.org