Open Sky Honors Dennis H. Rice at Community Plaza Dedication

(Worcester, MA – July 22, 2019) Open Sky Community Services employees, friends and family recently gathered in Whitinsville to hear the inspiring words of Dennis Rice, Executive Director Emeritus and Senior Advisor at Open Sky. Rice co-founded Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. in 1976 to help people of all abilities obtain real homes, real jobs, and real relationships. Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. affiliated with The Bridge of Central Massachusetts in 2018 to create Open Sky Community Services.

Rice’s vision led to the renovation of the Whitin Mill as headquarters for Alternatives and as a center for cultural events, the arts and community membership. The plaza was dedicated to Rice to commemorate his life’s work and his 2018 retirement.

“As a human service organization, one of our highest priorities is to live in a more collaborative, diverse and inclusive community with a strong sense of place,” said Rice. “I believe the Whitin Mill and this plaza, with its many events and activities open to people of all ages and abilities, significantly contributes towards this end. A strong community cares about all its citizens, including people with disabilities.”

A plaque commemorating Rice’s tenure was unveiled, officially naming it the Dennis H. Rice Community Plaza.

For more information on the Dennis H. Rice Community Plaza, or events that will be held there please contact Karen Goldenberg karen.goldenberg@openskycs.org.

About Open Sky Community Services Open Sky Community Services is dba for Alternatives Unlimited, Inc and The Bridge of Central MA. Open Sky offers a wide range of services for adults, adolescents, and children with mental health challenges, developmental and intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, brain injury, homelessness and other challenges throughout Central Massachusetts. Open Sky Community Services has over 1,300 dedicated employees and an annual budget of $83M with more than 100 programs throughout the region. For more information, please visit www.openskycs.org.