Open Sky raises $210,000 for LGBTQIA+ youth program, honors 6 advocates

Open Sky Community Services raised over $210,000 during its annual Safe Homes Gala to benefit its programming for LGBTQIA+ youth.  Six individuals and organizations were honored with People of Courage Awards for their support of equity and justice in Central Massachusetts.

“Safe Homes has been a lifeline for LGBTQIA+ youth in the Central Mass. for over three decades, and we are indebted to the community for its unwavering and generous outpouring of support to make this program possible,” said Open Sky President and CEO Ken Bates.  “This year’s six honorees represent the courageous spirit that drives our work.  Their commitment to supporting the region’s LGBTQIA+ community and advocating for marginalized groups represents Safe Homes’ mission to its core.”

The Safe Homes Gala, which was held at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on March 6, supports the program’s educational programming, Transgender Resource Center, leadership training, free mental health counseling, weekly drop-ins, food and toiletry pantry, recreational activities, and emergency supports for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 14 to 23.  The program operates two sites, Safe Homes Worcester and Safe Homes North, as well as an active online community.

The People of Courage Awards began in 2005 to honor passionate and dedicated individuals and organizations who have demonstrated commitment, courage, and allyship in support of LGBTQIA+ youth and other marginalized groups.  This year’s honorees are:

Kristine Shaw (she/her) of Worcester, received the Public Service Award for lifelong commitment to the wellbeing of youth of all developmental abilities and advocacy for children in the foster care system as Program Associate at CASA Project Worcester County.  Shaw has supported many LGBTQIA+ youth in the foster care system, ensuring their voices and needs are amplified with dignity and integrity, and in doing so, making a lasting impact on individuals and families in the system.

Amanda Dellea-Rheaume (she/her) of Auburn, was honored with the Community Champion Award for fostering inclusive spaces for queer adults in her role as a macro social worker, community organizer, President of Queer Scouts, and Executive Director of Queer Scouts Worcester Troop #6.  Under her leadership, the nonprofit Queer Scouts empowers authentic self-expression in the LGBTQIA+ community through substance-free programming for queer adults to build connection, engage in the community, and develop new skills.

Queer Worcester Art Club (QWAC) was awarded with the Inspiration and Innovation Award.  The initiative was founded in 2023 by Cypress Provvedini and Ellie Sienkiewicz to welcome LGBTQIA+ artists and makers in the greater Worcester area to socialize, share skills, and inspire one another.  The Creative Hub Worcester has provided the Queer Worcester Art Club with a safe, accessible place to gather weekly for over two years.

Worcester Earn-A-Bike was selected by Safe Homes youth participants to receive the People’s Choice Award.  The nonprofit community bicycle shop provides hands-on bike repair and maintenance training, and tools for community members to repair and earn a donated bike.  The shop promotes community health, mobility, and wellbeing, while encouraging an empowering, economical, and accessible alternative to cars.

Nico T. (he/they) was selected by Safe Homes staff to be the recipient of the Youth Award. Nico carries the values of Safe Homes beyond its doors and is an active participant of the program as a peer supporter/mentor.  Nico also studies emergency medicine and is involved in grassroots efforts to advocate for marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQIA+.

Tanya Neslusan (she/her) of Sturbridge, was honored with the Social Justice Advocacy and Action Award.  She is the Executive Director of MassEquality, a statewide LGBTQIA+ advocacy organization, and was a founding member of Boston Pride for the People.  Neslusan was a Showing Up for Racial Justice Worcester Chapter leader, member of the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, and a 2018 Democratic Nominee for State Representative.  She was Co-chair of the Bay State Stonewall Democrats and the LGBTQ Outreach Subcommittee of the Mass. Democratic Party.

Open Sky applauds the generous support from its many event sponsors, including VIP reception sponsors Webster Five and 401k Quote. Connor Hayden, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Compass Health Network, and Danielle Spring, Co-owner of Femme Bar in Worcester, emceed the Gala.

About Open Sky Community Services

Open Sky Community Services is a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency based in Worcester that has been helping individuals in our community achieve more than they imagined possible for over 50 years.  The agency provides a wide range of services throughout Central Massachusetts for children, adults and families with mental health challenges, intellectual and developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, brain injury, homelessness and other complex challenges.  Open Sky Community Services has over 1,300 dedicated employees and nearly 150 programs throughout the region, supporting over 8,000 individuals annually.  Open Sky is committed to equity and belonging and promotes a trauma-informed, whole-person care culture.  For more information, please visit www.openskycs.org.

This article was originally published by MassNonprofit News.