Providing inclusive and accessible opportunities for all!
Community Membership and ValleyCAST are aspects of Open Sky's unique approach to our services, as part of our overall Community Engagement efforts. Our partnerships, events and activities are entirely inclusive. We collaborate with various community resources (classes, clubs, centers, etc.) to make it easy for individuals we serve to participate. We also bring arts and culture opportunities for community members to enjoy and participate in side-by-side with those we serve. We work closely with program staff to encourage and support participation.
Get Involved
Club 21 Family Fun Fishing Day Set Design Take Down the Wall Presents: Open Mic Nights The Community Lens
Worcester Volleyball Club Blazers
Our Community Partners
Blackstone River Watershed Association Blackstone Valley Art Association (BVAA) Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC)
Holy Cross Athletics Southbridge Community Center Southbridge Recreation Center Valley Chapel and Faith Fellowship
Whitinsville Community Center Worcester Bravehearts
Highlighted opportunities
Click for more details
Club 21 is Seeking New Discovery Members
Club 21 is a social club made up of individuals served by Open Sky (Recovery Members) paired with members of their community (Discovery Members) who come together for a couple hours twice a month to enjoy activities together while developing new friendships.
Recovery Members are individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health or other social challenges. Discovery Members are not counselors or "helpers". They are members of the community who are open to meeting new people they might not otherwise meet and engaging in new experiences/activities one-to-one with their Club partner, in small groups, and with the whole Club.
Exciting changes are on the horizon for Club 21!
Club 21 has updated its model to accommodate the flexibility needs of all its members. North County, Worcester County, and Blackstone Valley clubs will collectively become Club 21 Central Mass! Club 21 Central Mass will give members more opportunities to expand their social network by connecting with other participants in activities within their own community and neighboring areas across Central Massachusetts. Club members will still be partnered with someone in their local community.
Currently we are seeking Discovery Members for Club 21 Central Mass. Would you or someone you know be a good fit for Club 21? Click here to request a no-obligation informational meeting.
Please contact Club21@openskycs.org.
Learn more about Club21 at openskycs.org/community/club-21.html.
Family Fun Fishing Day - May 17, 2025
10am-2pm, Prizes will be awarded at 1:30pm
Click Here to Pre-Register View Event Flyer
Pre-Registration is now OPEN for the 10th Annual Family Fun Fishing Day! This annual fishing event will be held at River Bend Farm in Uxbridge, MA on Saturday, May 17th (rain date 5/18).
Join us for this FREE event open to all abilities.
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Win prizes and awards
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Raffle items
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Activities for all ages
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Food truck and ice cream
This event is co-hosted by Open Sky Community Services and the Blackstone River Watershed Association along with their partners, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation and the Blackstone River National Heritage Corridor Volunteers-in-Parks Program.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers needed to help with this FREE event. Our biggest needs are assistance with set up/breakdown and manning tables and fishing stations.
To sign up to volunteer and to see available roles, visit openskycs.org/fishingvolunteers
Join the Family Fun Fishing Day Planning Committee
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org to join the 2025 planning committee! Meetings are held virtually every 2nd Wednesday from 3:30-4:30pm beginning in January until the event.
Set Design
Join us on Monday evenings from 6:30-8pm
Alternatives' Whitin Mill, 60 Douglas Rd, Whitinsville, MA.
Are you a creative individual who would like to see your work come to life? We are looking for a few individuals to help with set designs for the Open Mic Series and other events.
This is an inclusive opportunity open to creatives of all abilities from Open Sky and the community.
There are no costs associated with this activity, but you must pre-register here. This will help us best prepare for the group. Cancellation/schedule updates will be sent via the method of communication designated on this form.
Time commitment can be as little as one visit if you just want to check things out.
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org
Take Down the Wall Presents: Open Mic Nights
Singh Performance Center, 60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA
2nd Saturdays January - November
Sign ups begin at 5:30pm, Theater opens at 6pm
Come share your talents or just come to socialize and enjoy performances from this growing creative community! All abilities and levels of experience are welcome at this inclusive event.
Each month has a new theme. Many people enjoy the challenge of choosing performance material related to the theme, and some may even dress up to match the theme! Both are welcome, but not required.
Stay tuned for features visiting from the local scene and from our own TDTW community!
Admission is free (suggested donation $5). Concessions available for purchase.
Questions about TDTW, want to get involved, or want to join our email list?
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org.
Your email will not be shared with third parties, and you will only receive information about TDTW related events (generally just 2 emails per month).
To receive other information about Open Sky events, you may join Open Sky's monthly newsletter here.
2025 Schedule
January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11, November 8
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Theme: Spring Fling
May is our 3rd Anniversary and the mic is all yours! We're celebrating three years of community, creativity, and unforgettable moments. This year, we're leaning into what makes open mic magic-- your voice, your stories, your expression. Whether you are a first timer or a regular, performers of all abilities are welcome to this inclusive event. Join us May 10th to bring in the Spring!
Previous events:
January 11, 2025 | February 8, 2025 | March 8, 2025 | April 12, 2025
The Community Lens View Flyer
An opportunity for photographers at all levels!
Do you know of an individual served by Open Sky who likes photography, or who likes attending events? The Community Membership Department is looking for individuals to take photos at upcoming events. Camera equipment will be provided if needed. All levels of photography skills welcome. Photos may be used in social media, newsletters, and other marketing materials!
Contact Michelle.Benjamin@openskycs.org
Worcester Volleyball Club BLAZERS
No experience needed to participate - open to all abilities! This inclusive activity is open to youth and young adults served by Open Sky and from the community.
Participants receive an introduction to volleyball, learn from trained coaches, develop skills, and build a passion for the game. Our inclusive club brings kids and young adults (up to age 24) with and without disabilities together to providing enriching experiences for all. Our programs also provide our community with the opportunity to increase physical activity, create new friendships, gain independence, and experience success. Ask about volunteer and mentorship opportunities!
Summer Session Registration Day
Tuesday, June 10th 6-8 PM
Open Sky Gym
4 Mann St., Worcester, MA
2025 Summer Session Schedule (6 week program)
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Grades 2 - 4: 5:45 PM - 6:30 PM
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Grades 5 - 8: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
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Grades 9 - 12 and young adults (up to age 24): 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesdays: July 8, 15, 22, 29 & August 5, 12
Cancellations posted by 12pm on Facebook @worcblazers
Registration Fee $75
Scholarships and financial assistance available! Contact Coach Susan Dunshee, worcblazers@gmail.com, (508) 277 - 6986
Individuals in Open Sky programs are eligible for FULL volleyball scholarships!
If you would like to attend and just check it out/meet the coach without obligation at any time during a session, please let us know you’re coming in advance by contacting ashley.carrion@openskycs.org
Our Community Partners
Blackstone River Watershed Association
The Blackstone River Watershed Association (BRWA) was established in 1969 and has since played an instrumental role in cleaning up what was described as an “industrial river” in the 19th and 20th centuries. Although still threatened by industrial and increasingly residential pollution sources, the health of the Blackstone's river system continues to improve.
The BRWA’s mission is to engage, educate and advocate for improved water quality in the Blackstone River watershed.
Blackstone Valley Art Association (BVAA)
The BVAA monthly meetings, activities and events are open to all community members of all abilities.
BVAA Monthly Meetings
3rd Tuesdays | 6:30pm - 9pm
BVAA Open Sky Uxbridge Community Gallery | 5 South Main Street, Uxbridge, MA 01569
After a short meeting covering details of upcoming events, an art topic will be explored - from medium demos to hands-on art workshops! Please check the BVAA website at www.bvaa.org for the topic of each meeting.
Art Show and Open Paint
Saturdays, 10am - 3pm
BVAA Open Sky Uxbridge Community Gallery
5 South Main Street, Uxbridge, MA 01569
All are welcome to drop by to view the show and paint. You may bring your own supplies or pieces to work on, but supplies are also provided if needed. No membership is needed to drop in or participate. Visit www.bvaa.org for updates or changes to the schedules.
BVAA Uxbridge Show Schedule 2025
For more opportunities to participate in upcoming exhibits, visit https://bvaa.org/2024/11/14/bvaa-uxbridge-show-schedule-for-2025/
Interested in BVAA Membership?
Financial Aid is available for Individuals served by Open Sky for membership/submission fees. Individuals served may also request assistance with entering or delivering pieces for exhibits or for information about how else to be involved in this inclusive art community! Please contact Michelle in Open Sky's Community Membership Department michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org.
EPIC (Empowering People for Inclusive Communities)
Service Warrior Program for Young Adults 16-23 years old
Applications are closed for 2025.
Watch here for updates on the 2026 Service Warriors Program.
EPIC Youth Nights
Watch for Youth Night updates at https://www.epicleaders.org/youth-groups
Individuals served by Open Sky may request financial or enrollment assistance in EPIC's programs by contacting Michelle in Open Sky's Community Membership Department at michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org
Holy Cross Athletics
Holy Cross Athletics includes a variety of sports in an easily accessible facility right in
Worcester. Attending games is a great way to support local college athletes while enjoying the sports you love!
Check out their All Sports Schedule here: https://goholycross.com/calendar.
Holy Cross is located at 1 College Street, Worcester, is fully accessible, and offers free parking. Open Sky individuals/programs needing financial assistance to attend HCA events should contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org.
The Open Sky community has been enjoying games at HCA!
Southbridge Community Center
Join others in the Southbridge Community for activities including arts and hiking trips. This is a great opportunity to connect with others in your area, get creative or to stretch your legs while exploring the trails that surround Southbridge’s many parks.
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org to see how you can get connected! See upcoming events.
Southbridge Recreation Department
Community Membership has partnered with the Southbridge Recreation Department and other community organizations for creative and inclusive activities. Follow events by the Southbridge Recreation Department or on Facebook.
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org for more information.
Valley Chapel & Faith Fellowship Church: Night to Shine
Night to Shine 2026 - Save the date!
Friday, February 13, 2026
The purpose of Night to Shine is to create an unforgettable prom experience, centered on God's love, for people with special needs. Every guest will enter on a red carpet and be greeted with a warm welcome, friendly crowd, and "paparazzi." Guests will receive the royal treatment with hair and makeup stations, shoe shining stations, limousines rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a karaoke room, a catered dinner, prom favors, a Respite Room for parents and caretakers, and of course dancing!
Night to Shine spots fill up fast! Watch here for updates later this year which will be posted as they are received.
Whitin Community Center
The Whitin Community Center’s mission is to “build a strong community in the Blackstone Valley" and they take their role as a community partner very seriously... and Open Sky agrees! Open Sky appreciates the WCC's contributions to our inclusive events, such as donating to the Annual Family Fun Fishing Day and being an active community partner in enhancing the lives of people of all abilities in the Blackstone Valley.
Check out what's happening at the WCC here: https://www.whitincommunitycenter.com/
Worcester Bravehearts
Pen Pal Club - Sign ups now OPEN for individuals served by Open Sky
Do you enjoy writing? Do you want to make new friends and get to know the Bravehearts baseball players? You can help make these players feel “at home” in Central Massachusetts by becoming a Pen Pal!
Dedicated individuals served will write back and forth with the Bravehearts baseball players throughout the season, which ends with a cookout with the players before the final game of 2025. New this year will be FREE admission tickets to some games throughout the season where registered individuals and their guest can cheer on their Pen Pal!
Staff can find the Pen Pal flyer and sign-up link for individuals served in the Employee Briefing and on Sky Central. There is no cost to participate.
Please reach out to ashley.carrion@openskycs.org with questions.
Open Sky at the Bravehearts Day - Save the date!
Thursday, July 24, 2025
The Open Sky Community and their families are invited to enjoy a Bravehearts Game Day at Fitton Field. This FREE annual event is hosted by Open Sky's Community Membership Department and is a great opportunity to enjoy a game day with our whole Open Sky Family! To reserve FREE tickets, including lunch and entry into the Raffle, staff should watch the Employee Briefing and Sky Central for updates and the registration link coming in June! A staff member or individual served by Open Sky must be the primary person on registration when signing up themselves or their family for this FREE event.
2024 Raffle Winners
Over 100 people from the Open Sky Community attended Open Sky at the Bravehearts Game Day in 2024 and four lucky attendees were drawn for the raffle. Congrats to you all!
