Here's what we found for you

If you are looking for pregnancy support, have a young child at home or need financial assistance to make ends meet, finding help is easier than ever. Learn about programs and organizations committed to providing basic needs to growing families in Stark County. Because no baby should go without the necessary items for a healthy and safe start to life.

In order to grow up happy and healthy, kids need a roof over their heads, food on the table and access to quality medical care. Unfortunately, this is not a reality for many of Stark County’s youngest residents. Find local organizations connecting children in our community with the basic items they need to thrive. Together, we can help keep our kids safe and supported.

For adolescents in Stark County, growing up can be a challenge – especially when money is tight and support is not available at home. When youth and teens are struggling to meet their most basic needs, there are many local organizations they can turn to for help. Discover ways to access food, clothing and shelter for adolescents across Stark.

Stark County offers a wide range of basic needs services from food, medicine and family assistance as well as targeted services for veterans, those in substance abuse recovery, homeless persons, parents and more.

If you or someone you know is in need of clothing or furniture assistance in Stark County, there is a network of community resources you can turn to for support. Whether you need baby, back-to-school, professional or everyday clothing, clothing resources are available here at home. If you’re moving into a new place can be intimidating when you’re not sure where to find affordable furniture. Below you’ll find places that can help you turn a house into a home,

Young children need proper nutrition and medical care in order to grow, develop and thrive. When a household is in financial crisis, it can have serious, long-term health, social and behavioral implications throughout their lives. Fortunately, families in Stark County are not alone in facing these challenges. There are local agencies dedicated to providing food, clothing, shelter and cash assistance to those who are experiencing hard times.

Even parents who are employed with steady incomes may struggle to make ends meet when they have child.

When families are dealing with a financial crisis, children are impacted whether we realize it or not. Most everyone in Stark County experiences the practical and emotional impacts of money troubles at one point or another, and it can be helpful to open up an honest dialogue with the entire household about the challenges. Talking about hardships could help children cope and even bring families closer.

Although financial challenges affect everyone, they can still take a major toll when they hit close to home.

When your family faces a job loss, medical issue or another significant financial setback, you might be shocked, confused and unsure where to turn. Fortunately, there are resources for young people and families who need emergency financial assistance in Stark County.

Getting enough sleep is critical for healthy and happy development, but it can be difficult to know how much you need. Because sleep needs vary for newborns, infants, toddlers, children, teens and young adults, it’s important to know what’s recommended for you.

The transition to adulthood presents many new and often daunting challenges – from finding affordable housing to navigating the job search. If you find yourself struggling with the demands of bills, budgets and money management, don’t be discouraged. Community resources are available to support you toward a better financial future.

Navigating life’s challenges is difficult enough. We’re here to make finding help for basic needs simple. Learn how to apply for cash, food and/or medical assistance and get started today. Cases are processed in the order they are received, so it is important to start the process as soon as possible.

For many Stark County residents, public transportation services are essential for their basic needs, including trips to work and medical appointments. Fortunately, local transportation resources are available to support low-income individuals as well as those with permanent disabilities. Find routes and more information for SARTA here.

For adults who are homeless or facing the possibility of homelessness, Stark County has people who want to help. Start here and contact the organizations below to find assistance with basic resources and temporary housing locations.

If your organization needs to update a phone number, address, hours or other information presented on StarkHelpCentral.com, please complete the form below. We will review the requested changes and update the information for you.

Thank you for being part of StarkHelpCentral.com and for your work in making our community stronger.

Every student has unique needs and challenges, and a parent’s attitudes about education can be an important factor in a child’s journey through school. By modeling curiosity, confidence and a love of learning, parents can inspire a positive academic experience. Find helpful tips and resources for parenting during childhood education in Stark County.

Are you a resource provider who is not represented on our website? If you have information on your organization, programs, services or related topics that you would like to see represented, please submit your request using the form below. In order for a resource to be considered, it should be open to the community and support the needs of Stark County, Ohio, residents.

As youth, teens and young adults become more independent, it’s important that they have the confidence to speak up for what they need, without fear of judgement. When young people leverage their powerful voices, they are better able to communicate their needs and improve their experiences. Learn about where to turn in Stark County for help building self-awareness, confidence and understanding.

Early adulthood marks an exciting and challenging time as young people move toward independent living and financial freedom. But without dependable transportation, young adults face obstacles in finding and sustaining meaningful employment. Reliable transportation is important for accessing opportunity and staying connected to the community. Discover what local programs and services are available to address your transportation needs.

If you are unsure of where to go for medical issues or don’t have a primary care physician, there are hospitals, medical centers, and urgent care facilities throughout Stark County. They can help you stay in good health, address any concerns or illnesses, or tend to more immediate needs and minor injuries. Affordable resources for medical and mental health services are available near you.

While the holidays are celebrated as “the happiest time of the year,” it doesn’t always feel that way. If you, or a loved one, is struggling, the holidays can be hard. If you’re feeling alone, know that there are places in Stark County where you can turn for support and help.

Struggles with mental health and the holidays can equal extra stress. Navigating the two at the same time can be difficult.

Caring for children with developmental disabilities presents unique challenges. For children up to age 3, Stark County Early Intervention (EI) provides services for families to help children reach their full potential. Using a team approach, developmental specialists and therapists, who are specific to the needs of the family, work with caregivers and children to coach, teach specific techniques, and provide appropriate resources to parents and caregivers. Learn more about the programs and services available for young children with developmental disabilities.

I love to take my children out of the house. Whether it is shopping, the park, going for a walk around the neighborhood, to church, or on an adventure- we are always on the go. However, as a parent of two special needs daughters, both with different needs, this can be a challenge. Having one child with physical disabilities means we must make sure the location is accessible and can be accommodating to our specific needs.

In 2023, 2-1-1, Stark County’s helpline, transitioned to StarkHelpCentral.com. 

Closing the Stark County information system and online database—that was run by United Way of Greater Stark County—and moving resources to StarkHelpCentral.com helps streamline the process for community members looking for resources and information.  

StarkHelpCentral.com can help you find community resources available to you and your family. The searchable community resource website is supported by Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR),

Caring for a child with developmental disabilities can be a significant financial and emotional challenge. Stark Help Central has gathered together some of the most common resources to help you provide the care your child needs. From transportation and child care to cash, food and employment support, learn about the resources available to you.

For more information on how to apply for accessible plates or windshield placards, visit bmv.ohio.gov/.

Resources for Individuals &

Every baby should grow up in an environment where they are loved and protected. However, sometimes young children are placed in unfortunate situations that jeopardize their safety and well-being. Whenever a parent is unable to provide adequate care, a child may be removed from their home and paired with a foster or adoptive family.

Currently, many children in Stark County are in need of fostering or adoption, especially children with functional needs and sibling groups.

School can present many challenges for students. Whether they are struggling in class, experiencing issues in the home or having a hard time socially, CARE Teams are available to help. Each CARE team is different, but they are typically made up of school guidance counselors, administrators, teachers, clinical staff, family support specialists and mental health professionals. With different skills and backgrounds at the table, each member of the CARE Team contributes a unique perspective to address student issues with wraparound resources.

Are you ready to seek treatment for a mental health condition? We know there are many reasons why reaching out for support might not be the easiest choice. But we also know it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your emotional wellness. And now there are alternatives to meeting with a counselor in person! Telehealth is now available for virtual mental health support.

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of sadness or hopelessness,

In some instances, a child who has experienced trauma or another mental health challenge may struggle to cope as they get older. If your child seems to be battling feelings of hopelessness, sadness or difficult behaviors, consider seeking the help of a mental health provider in Stark County.

You can ask your child’s pediatrician for referrals and guidance throughout the process of seeking services. This may include direct counseling for the child or family and community-based treatment.

Children who are part of the foster care system in Stark County will eventually reach the age of 18 and age out of the program. Just like anyone else, these young adults may have medical and mental health care needs. But unlike other young people, once they age out of foster care, they no longer have the same financial and emotional backing at home.

Unfortunately, these young people rarely receive the emotional and behavioral health services they need because of a lack of insurance and family support.

Do you roll your eyes when you hear the words ‘self care’? Yeah, me too, and we are hearing it now more often than ever. For 20 years much of our community’s training emphasis has been on understanding both the devastation of trauma and the healing power of Resilience. Who knew that, unknowingly, we were preparing ourselves for 2020 – when our entire world would
experience a collective and ongoing traumatic pandemic.

The stability and predictability that had structured our lives?

StarkFresh serves the people of Stark County through a variety of ways, all in the name of their mission: “Tackling the causes of hunger by creating realistic pathways out of poverty.” Many in the county know StarkFresh for its grocery store located in downtown Canton on Cherry Ave. NE or its mobile grocery market that travels throughout the area; though the programs offered through StarkFresh go past the scope of bringing food to people in need.

Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May in the United States. It’s a time to recognize that our mental health is part of our overall health, fight stigmas surrounding mental health issues, learn about various issues and policies, and more. Whether or not you are personally dealing with a mental health issue, it is important to find ways to participate in Mental Health Awareness Month.

Here are four Mental Health Awareness Month tips so you can participate and support those around you.

This year, we’ve faced a pandemic unlike anything in our lifetimes. As we get closer to a vaccine for coronavirus, many people in Stark County are still feeling the stressful effects. Fortunately, the stress response is normal during a crisis.

Are you looking for ways to manage feelings of stress and anxiety? Here are some common questions we have received related to mental health, coping with COVID-19 in the community,

This Privacy Policy applies to the privacy practices for StarkHelpCentral.com. It will notify you of what information is collected through the website and how that information is used, protected and shared.

We reserve the right to change this Privacy Policy, at any time and without notice, simply by posting the changes on our site. Any such change will be effective immediately upon posting.

We do not collect personally identifying information from users of this website.

Who We Are

In 2015, The Legacy Project of Stark was founded by Eugene Lingenhoel. As he was delivering backpacks & school supplies at Lehman Middle School in Canton City, the principal, Jeanne McNeal, who is now the principal at Oakwood Middle School in Plain Local, asked Eugene if he would be willing to meet with some of her students.  Jeanne saw a need for her students to have a positive role model in their life and saw an opportunity to provide that for them.

Addiction leaves countless individuals and their loved ones reeling from its devastating impact. As a disease, addiction is frequently misunderstood and stigmatized. Beyond the stereotypical images of substance use, addiction can have behavioral and psychological effects.   

If you’re helping someone with addiction issues, the first thing is to know there is always hope and a way forward.   

To provide meaningful help to a loved one struggling with addiction,

Updated 11.2023

For some families struggling with poverty and hunger, Thanksgiving can be a difficult holiday.  If you are dealing with food insecurity, need help with the expense of purchasing the needed ingredients for a special meal or are struggling with high medical bills, low wages, housing needs or other issues, we have gathered some valuable resources below.

Stark Help Central.com wants to help ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday, especially children.

In honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month, let us take a moment to learn more about what we can do in our personal and professional lives to create safe spaces and caring relationships for our LGBTQ youth (and adults).

Far too many LGBTQ+ youth do not feel safe and accepted or feel a sense of pride in themselves.  In fact, LGBTQ+ youth experience bullying, parental rejection, depression, and thoughts of suicide at significantly higher rates then their heterosexual peers.

Happy Pride Month, Ohioans! Nowadays, Pride celebrations extend beyond the month of June and into the summer, so everyone has a chance to celebrate. If you’re looking for Pride events near you throughout Ohio, you’ve come to the right place.

No matter how you identify or if you’re an ally, there’s a Pride parade, festival or celebration near you. Be sure to catch a live performance, support local vendors who attend, volunteer for a committee,