Our Mission & Vision

Our Vision

Fostering inclusive communities where people thrive, contribute and experience a sense of hope, value and belonging.

Our Mission

To improve life skills and opportunities for independent living through transitional support of young adults living with mental health challenges or social disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Open Sky Co-operative provides skills programs, vocational assistance and community connections for adults who require support to improve their quality of life. We especially welcome adults who face barriers due to social disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, and/or mental health challenges. Open Sky is a resource for social, functional and life skills assessments. We are a charitable co-operative social enterprise, made up of many different people and organizations.

Open Sky is located on an 11-acre farm in Middle Sackville, not far from Silver Lake Park and the Trans-Canada Trail. The farm is within walking distance of downtown Sackville, as well as Mount Allison University. Open Sky has a 5-bedroom house, barn, greenhouses and many acres of lawns, gardens and pasture. Additionally, an all season maker space is in planning/construction stages and will be completed by Spring 2023.

At Open Sky, adults can live in residence and participate in programs to improve their own well-being, as well as learn about and assist in sustainable farming and gardening. Day programs are also available for adults who do not live onsite.

Sometimes, participants simply need a supportive place to regain health and ‘get their lives back’. Others may benefit from intentional skills training that fills gaps in life, social and/or employment skills. Open Sky welcomes those who may benefit from assistance in any of these areas.

Charitable Objects

The mandate of Open Sky Co-operative Ltd. is to provide residential, personal and vocational support to adults who face barriers due to social, developmental or mental health challenges. The activities of Open Sky Co-operative are guided by the following charitable objects:

1. To establish, operate and maintain a residential, educational and therapeutic facility for persons with social, developmental or mental health challenges, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
2. To provide life-skills development programmes, vocational training, mentorship, and recreational and social activities to persons with social, developmental or mental health challenges.
3. To educate and increase the understanding of the public about the causes and effects of, and treatments for, social, developmental or mental health challenges, the barriers that prevent the participation of persons with disabilities in their community life and the support services available to persons suffering from such disabilities.
4. To undertake activities ancillary and incidental to the above-mentioned charitable purposes.

Why a co-operative social enterprise?

Because we value and are guided by these principles of co-operatives:

• Voluntary and open membership
• Democratic member control
• Autonomy and independence
• Education, training, and information
• Cooperation among co-operatives
• Concern for community

And because as a co-operative, we are better able to help grow new business and employment opportunities with our members.