Open Sky’s behavioral health programs receive top accreditation

Behavioral health programs at Worcester’s Open Sky Community Services have received top accreditation from the third-party group Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International, the nonprofit announced on Wednesday.

CARF International awarded the behavior health programs a three-year accreditation, which marks the highest level awarded by the organization, according to Open Sky. 

In notifying Open Sky of the award, CARF highlighted the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the support it provided for frontline workers. CARF pulled responses from peer organizations, funders and Open Sky staff.

“I was particularly struck by the fact that a number of staff members mentioned how well we handle conflict and differing opinions,” said President and CEO Ken Bates in a statement. “The willingness to entertain different viewpoints is, as CARF noted, an important indication of Open SKy’s commitment to continuous improvement.”

Open Sky was formed in 2018 by merging Alternatives Unlimited in Whitinsville and The Bridge of Central Massachusetts in Worcester. It now provides more than 100 programs throughout Central Massachusetts.