January 2021
CARF International, an independent organization that provides accreditation services worldwide to health and human service providers, has granted Open Sky Community Services’ Behavioral Health programs a three-year accreditation. This accreditation is the highest level awarded by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) and was given after a rigorous evaluation process focused on quality and results.
In the report notifying Open Sky of the award, one of the areas of strength noted was the array of supports it provided to frontline workers through the COVID-19 crisis. The organization’s staff was described as experienced and dedicated and persons served echoed that assessment with comments like “I didn’t know how to trust, but now I trust staff” and “For the first time in my life, I feel safe.”
Funders who were interviewed for the accreditation praised the quality of care provided by Open Sky, while peers at other Central Mass agencies recognized Open Sky for its success at building collaborative relationships to broaden the safety net of human services in the region. President and CEO Ken Bates was delighted by the accreditation team’s findings. “I was particularly struck by the fact that a number of staff members mentioned how well we handle conflict and differing opinions,” said Bates. “This willingness to entertain different viewpoints is, as CARF noted, an important indication of Open Sky’s commitment to continuous improvement.”
Open Sky was formed through the 2018 affiliation of Alternatives Unlimited and The Bridge of Central Massachusetts. With over 100 programs throughout Central Massachusetts, the organization provides services and supports to more than 4,900 adults, young adults and youth with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, brain injury, substance use disorders, homelessness or other complex challenges. Open Sky also provide services and supports for LGBTQIA+ youth through its Safe Homes program, as well as expert training for human service professionals and school personnel on evidence-based practices and best practice treatment models through the Bridge Training Institute.
For more information about Open Sky, visit openskycs.org