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! (Click to Jump to Section)
Take Down the Wall Presents... (Performing Arts Initiative)
The Community Lens Photography Group
Worcester Volleyball Club Blazers
- Blackstone Valley Art Association (BVAA)
- Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC)
- Southbridge Community Center
- Second Chance Animal Shelter Adoption Center
- Valley Chapel and Faith Fellowship
- Whitinsville Community Center
- Worcester Volleyball Club
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.
Discovery Members are not counselors or helpers/volunteers. 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.
Currently we are seeking Discovery Members for clubs serving individuals in BH programs in North County and Worcester County, and for the Blackstone Valley Club 21, which serves individuals in I/DD programs. Would you or someone you know be a good fit for Club 21?
Please contact Club21@openskycs.org. Learn more about Club21 at openskycs.org/community/club-21.html.
Family Fun Fishing Day
Registration is open! Please sign up one person per registration form.
Join us on Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10AM-1PM for a fun day of fishing and friendly competition!
(Rain date Sunday May 5th)
River Bend Farm, 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge, MA
All ages and abilities! Prizes will be awarded! Joey D's Wingz 'n Thingz and Sweet Wise Ice Cream Truck will also be there.
Rods, bait, and instruction available with pre-registration. Click here to pre-register.
Questions about the event, contact Joanne Holahan at 508-278-5200.
This event is hosted by Open Sky Community Services, Blackstone River National Heritage Corridor Volunteers-in-Parks Program, Blackstone River Watershed Association, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.
Volunteering Opportunity
Volunteers needed to help with this FREE event. The 2024 FFFD Planning Committee welcomes your involvement! Our biggest needs are assistance with set up/break down and manning tables and fishing stations. To sign up to volunteer and to see available roles, visit openskycs.org/fishingvolunteers
Hannaford Community Bag Program
Help us support the Blackstone River Watershed Association!
Throughout the entire month of April, you can purchase a Community Bag at Hannaford, 158 North Main Street, Uxbridge, MA and the BRWA will receive $1!
The Community Bag Program facilitates community support with the goal of making a difference where shoppers live and work. Over $2.2 million has been donated to more than 6,000 nonprofit organizations since the program launched in October 2015
Learn more at hannaford.2givelocal.com
Set Design
Are you a creative, or do you know some creative individuals who would like to see their work come to life? We are looking for a few individuals to help with set designs for the Open Mic Series and other events.
Work will take place at 60 Douglas Rd, Whitinsville. This opportunity is open to all, and the time commitment can be as little as one visit if you just want to check things out. Check out the flyer here!
We are also looking for Co-facilitators for this group. Interested parties should contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org
Take Down the Wall Presents...
(Performing Arts Initiative)
Open Mic Nights
Singh Performance Center, 60 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA
Doors open 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 featured artist and 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 welcomed, but not required.
Admission is free (suggested donation $5). Concessions available for purchase.
To join our email list for updates on TDTW Presents... Open Mic Night events contact ashley.carrion@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.
Questions about TDTW or want to get involved? Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org.
Every month except December!
Upcoming dates:
Friday, May 3, 2024
TDTW is celebrating our 2nd anniversary at the Alternatives' Whitin Mill!
Theme: Celebration
Featured Artist: Average Joel
Average Joel ® is Joel Kahn, who combines rock, country, and folk on acoustic guitar and foot drums. Hear and read more about Joel on www.reverbnation.com/AverageJoel.
Friday, June 8, 2024
Theme: Mythical Melodies
Featured Artist: Michael Aarons
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Theme: Freedom Rocks
Featured Artist: TBD
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Saturday, November 23, 2024
The Community Lens Photography Group View Flyer
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
Trial Practice - Are you or someone you know interested in volleyball, or maybe just want to try it out?
Youth and young adults (up to age 24) should contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org or ashley.carrion@openskycs.org to sign up for a visit and participate in a no obligation trial practice session. Come meet the Coach and the rest of the Blazers, ask questions, play, and have fun! Practices are held Saturday mornings at the Open Sky Gym, 4 Mann St., Worcester.
For more information about the WVC Blazers, visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/worcblazers/ or contact Coach Susan directly at worcblazers@gmail.com.
Scholarships and financial aid are available for individuals served by Open Sky.
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org or ashley.carrion@openskycs.org
Our Community Partners
Blackstone River Watershed Association
Hannaford Community Bag Program in April
Help us support the Blackstone River Watershed Association who partners with Open Sky for Family Fun Fishing Day!
Throughout the entire month of April, you can purchase a Community Bag at Hannaford, 158 North Main Street, Uxbridge, MA and the BRWA will receive $1!
The Community Bag Program facilitates community support with the goal of making a difference where shoppers live and work. Over $2.2 million has been donated to more than 6,000 nonprofit organizations since the program launched in October 2015
Learn more at hannaford.2givelocal.com
Blackstone Valley Art Association (BVAA)
Art-Poetry Show: April 25th from 6-8pm at the Blackstone Public Library, 86 Main St., Blackstone. Support creatives from Open Sky and enjoy brief presentations by paired artists and poets sharing what inspired them! This is a unique and intimate show that can be enjoyed by all. Refreshments will be served.
Open Paint Saturdays: 10am - 3pm - All are welcome to drop into Open Sky’s Community Gallery, 5 South Main St., Uxbridge, to view the show and paint. You may bring your own supplies or pieces to work on, but supplies are also provided if needed. Visit www.bvaa.org for other art opportunities.
BVAA Monthly Meetings: 6:30pm - 9pm, 3rd Tuesday of each month at Open Sky's Community Gallery. 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 bvaa.org for the topic of each meeting. (The webpage needs to be linked in 2 spots)
Staff and Individuals served by Open Sky may contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org for assistance entering or delivering pieces for the exhibits or for information on membership and how else you may get involved in this inclusive art community!
EPIC (Empowering People for Inclusive Communities)
Service Warrior Program for Young Adults 16-23 years old - Registration for 2024-2025 is closed.
Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC) - EPIC’s Service Warrior Program is a service learning and leadership development program for young adults. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the community, learn new skills, build your resume, and develop meaningful relationships! Learn more here. Please contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org for financial assistance or assistance with enrollment.
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 victoria.prince@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.
April 13th - Train Hike - when painted rocks will be distributed along the trail for all to enjoy! See the flyer!
April 27th - 9am - Yoga @ Community Center
May 11th - 9am - Yoga @ Community Center
Follow events by the Southbridge Recreation Department or on Facebook.
Contact Victoria.prince@openskycs.org for more information.
Second Chance Animal Shelter Adoption Center
Attention Animal Lovers! Volunteers Needed!
These are terrific ongoing opportunities for volunteers to have a meaningful impact on the lives of furry friends awaiting permanent homes. Second Chance Animal Shelter Adoption Center is in North Brookfield and needs dedicated dog walkers.
There are a few short training videos to watch and sign off on before volunteers can begin. Volunteers can sign up once a week, a couple times per month, or periodically as it fits their schedule. The Community Cat Connection is in Webster and is looking for volunteers to help care for the animals. Interested parties, please contact Vicki Prince, South County Community Membership Facilitator, at victoria.prince@openskycs.org
Valley Chapel & Faith Fellowship Church: Night to Shine
Registration is closed. Check back later for 2025 event information.
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!
Whitin Community Center
Worcester Bravehearts
Call for Interest - Worcester Bravehearts Autism Awareness Event – Thursday, June 20th.
The Bravehearts are planning an Autism Awareness event at Fitton Field, 1 College St., Worcester. The game starts at 6:30pm. This will be a sensory friendly event (no fireworks, lowered speaker volume, sensory debrief area/quiet zone, etc.). Tickets are $20, including admission and an “ALL YOU CAN EAT” pass to concessions.
Please use this link to let us know of your interest so we can get a headcount. No payment is due to show interest. As more details come, we will follow up with a final Registration link for confirmation and payment information.
Contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org for financial assistance. Click here to show interest and we will follow up with you.
PLEASE SUBMIT ONE FORM PER INTERESTED PERSON. If you are submitting interest for a program, please submit a form for EACH interested individual and staff.
More fun at the home of the Bravehearts on Fitton Field!
Pen Pal Club
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!
Sign up at www.openskycs.org/penpals or see details here. Writing will continue back and forth May through Sat., August 3rd, when the season ends with the final home game and a Pen Pal Cookout Social. There are limited spots for this opportunity. Individuals that sign up should be committed to writing and attending the Cookout Social on August 3rd.
Questions, contact michelle.benjamin@openskycs.org.
Annual Kickball Tournament – Monday, 6/24 (rain date 6/25)
This event is open to individuals served and employees of Open Sky.
Open Sky at the Bravehearts Game Day – Thursday, 7/25
The Open Sky Community and their families are welcome to cheer on our Community Partners during Game Day. Admission and lunch included. More details to come.