Eight Honored, Over $200,000 Raised During Gala for Open Sky's Safe Homes Program for LGBTQIA+ Youth

Open Sky Community Services announced that more than $200,000 was raised during its gala on April 4 to benefit the Safe Homes program, which is celebrating 30 years of serving LGBTQIA+ youth. Open Sky honored eight individuals and organizations during the event with its 2025 People of Courage Awards for their outstanding actions in support of equality and justice in Central Massachusetts.

"We are especially proud to be a member of the Central Massachusetts community, honoring so many wonderful individuals and organizations that epitomize the inclusion and belonging that has been at the core of our Safe Homes program for three decades," said Open Sky President and CEO Ken Bates. "We are so appreciative of our sponsors and supporters for making this our most well attended and successful gala yet, and for the strength and resilience of the youth, past and present, that we have had the pleasure of serving."

Open Sky applauds the generous support from its many event sponsors, including presenting sponsor Spectrum Health Systems and VIP reception sponsor Webster Five.

"Spectrum is both grateful and excited to continue to support Open Sky's impactful work through our employee-driven Community Impact Program," said Spectrum Health Systems President and CEO Kurt Isaacson. "Safe Homes provides critical support to a typically vulnerable population and we are thrilled to be a part of it. Congratulations on another successful year!"

Other speakers included Massachusetts State Senator Robyn Kennedy. The event was emceed by Ché Anderson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for City and Community Relations at UMass Chan Medical School, and Connor Hayden, Safe Homes Advisory Committee Member and Yale University graduate student.

The People of Courage Awards, in its 20th year, honored the following passionate and dedicated individuals and businesses who have demonstrated commitment and courage in support of LGBTQIA+ youth and other marginalized groups:

Skylar Mendez (she/they) of Worcester, received the Youth Award for her fearless participation in Safe Homes for the past two years and for her passionate advocacy for the queer community. Her friends and family appreciate her sense of humor and kind nature as well as her willingness to be a part of Safe Homes despite various challenges.

Matthew Gonzalez (he/him) of Worcester, received the Community Champion Award for his commitment to creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can connect and feel safe. Gonzalez is a United States Air Force veteran and founded Worcester's first queer kickball league, now part of OutLoud Sports, a nationwide league focused on uniting LGBTQIA+ athletes.

Heath Umbreit (they/them), of Boston, was presented with the Inspiration and Innovation Award for their professional trainings and advocacy on trans inclusion in libraries at the state, regional and national level. Heath, who identifies as trans/nonbinary and genderfluid, is the Adult Services Librarian at Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood and founded the Massachusetts Trans and Gender-Diverse Library Workers Group.

Mass Youth Soccer, the official representative of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer in Massachusetts, was recognized with the People's Choice Award for fostering environments that support development, encourage dreams, and foster belonging and inclusion. The Lancaster-based organization holds an annual drive to collect toiletries, snacks, and school supplies for youth served by Safe Homes.

Jason Homer (he/him) of Marlborough, received the Public Service Award for championing the vital role of libraries nationwide in education, inclusion and community growth, and ensuring they remain essential spaces for learning for all individuals. He is the Executive Director of the Worcester Public Library, leading its seven branches and advocating for community-focused services. Homer is also President of the Worcester Cultural Coalition.

The Woo Bar & Grill was honored with the Small Business Award for creating a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals at its Worcester-based establishment. Owners Jon Pittsley (he/him) and Eddie Rocco (he/him) opened The Woo Bar & Grill in 2023 and have over 30 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry. Pittsley and Rocco also provide support to myriad local nonprofit organizations.

Shane Franzen (he/him) of Fitchburg, received the Safe Homes Partnership Award for his support of LGBTQIA+ youth at Fitchburg State University and advocacy of Safe Homes North on the campus. He spent nearly 24 years as Associate Director of Student Development at the University and currently serves as Director of Presidential Events there. Franzen is also an advisor of the Gay Straight Alliance at the university, an organization that supports and promotes the understanding and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, a nonprofit owned and operated by one of the oldest horticultural societies in the country, was honored with the Social Justice Advocacy and Action Award for its commitment to inclusion and belonging. The organization provides educational workshops for organizations like Safe Homes, and other youth-based and underserved groups through Project Bloom.

The annual Safe Homes Gala, which was held at Mechanics Hall and welcomed nearly 400 attendees, supports the program's educational programming, a 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 serves youth across Central Massachusetts, and has an active online community to serve individuals outside of the region.

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 race equity and is on a journey to learn, grow, teach and transform. For more information, please visit www.openskycs.org.