Here's what we found for you
- Employment resourcesWhether you are a young person looking for a part-time job, a parent who is out of work or an individual with disabilities planning for independence, resources are available to help you navigate the job search.
- Employment services: young adults
Securing meaningful employment is key to achieving independence and financial freedom. For young adults starting out in Stark County, it can be helpful to get assistance from community employment programs. Taking advantage of job-seeking classes, skills training and job placement services will help increase the likelihood of getting a good, stable job. Find local resources that help prepare young people for employment success.
- Employment & developmental disabilitiesYoung adults with developmental disabilities possess a range of skills, talents and capabilities that benefit the workplace. However, many of these individuals fear being turned away from suitable employment, simply because of their disability. Learn about local employment services that offer career guidance, training and job placement to people with disabilities.
- Clothing and Furniture Assistance
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,
- Re-entering the communityRe-entering the community after jail time is no easy task. After being released, young people often struggle to find a place in society and require critical services and supports. They may benefit from programs to help rebuild family relationships, reintegrate into school and access public benefits, housing and employment.
- Hard times: early childhood
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.
- Local transportation
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 contact information for public transportation providers near you.
- Hard times: youth & teens
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.
- Hard times: childhood
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.
- Resources for parents
Nothing prepares you for parenthood. Parenting has been called the ultimate long-term investment. It’s one of the most complex and challenging jobs you’ll face in your lifetime – and also the most rewarding. Find local resources to help you navigate parenthood in Stark County.
- Advocacy & self-advocacyBy law, students with disabilities must be invited to attend school IEP meetings that consider postsecondary transition goals. With adulthood approaching, there are many choices and decisions to be made – from next steps in schooling to finding a job and learning to live independently.
- LGBTQ+: young adults
Just like anyone else, LGBTQ+ teens undergo a variety of lifestyle changes on their path to adulthood. They face new challenges, from living independently and finding a job to evolving relationships. However, emerging LGBTQ+ adults often find that coming out and coming into their own is an additional source of stress. Learn about the local programs and services available to support these local young people as they develop new coping resources and strategies.
- High school equivalenceNontraditional students who have not received a high school diploma can pursue similar credit through a High School Equivalence Test (HiSET), Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) or General Equivalency Development (GED) program. These courses allow students to apply for jobs or pursue a college degree that would otherwise require a high school diploma.
- Substance use assistanceSome young people going through the difficult transition to adulthood may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with life’s challenges. Unfortunately, those who become dependent on alcohol and drugs often have a hard time getting or keeping a job. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available, and recovery is possible.
- Human trafficking survivorsA survivor of human trafficking will face a long and complex journey to recovery. They often need specialized clinical treatment, as well as trauma-informed mental and emotional care. Some may also need prenatal care or childcare support. Find local resources to support these survivors, keep them safe and reaffirm their worth.
- Transportation for people on MedicaidFor Medicaid recipients without reliable transportation to and from appointments, help is available. The Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) program, administered by Stark County Job & Family Services, provides free transportation services to any Medicaid-covered appointment.
- Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: A mother and son’s 20-year journeyI teach about people with disabilities and how Stark DD helps more than 3,900 people, including my son, living in Stark County. Read our story.
- 2-1-1 Helpline Transitions Resources to StarkHelpCentral.com
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),
- Stories of Self-AdvocacyWatch these videos from Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities to find out how young people with disabilities are advocating for themselves.
- MentorStark Amplifies Mentoring in Stark County
It’s National Mentoring Month and there’s no better time to tell you how being a mentor changed my life! I have learned from the perspectives of young people. I have witnessed firsthand systemic racism and inequity. I have experienced the roadblocks that get in the way of accessing community resources. I have become a better listener and less judgmental. And I have seen how young people can lead the way, if given a voice and an opportunity.
- Mental Health Resources During the Coronavirus Pandemic
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,
- Navigating the Holidays and Mental Health
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.
The Holidays and Mental HealthStruggles with mental health and the holidays can equal extra stress. Navigating the two at the same time can be difficult.
- 3 Reasons Why Nature is Good for Your Mental Health
During the pandemic, everyone seemed to realize the importance of getting outside and enjoying the fresh air. Think about how much lighter you feel after taking your dog for a walk. Or how energized your mind is after a hike in the woods. Or even consider the boost you get from a warm, sunshine-filled day. It should be no secret how nature helps our mental health.
Let’s explore just a few of the ways nature and mental health are connected.
- Being Kind to Others & Yourself Can Improve Your Mental HealthKindness is linked to mental health. And we sure could use more of it during the pandemic. Here are simple ways to add more kindness into your life.
Stark Jobs Platform
This site was created as a helpful tool for job hunters in the Stark County area. By breaking down employment opportunities by industry, location, and required qualifications, they hope to provide a comprehensive resource for those seeking jobs in Stark County. View the website here.
Goodwill Community Campus
On the Ken Weber Community Campus
Employment, education and family strengthening services
Canton, OH 44707 Learn more
OhioMeansJobs Stark County
Northeastern Ohio’s premier workforce development and training centers that connects job seekers with employers by providing numerous resources in a single location
Serving Stark County employers and job seekers with access to all community partner programs, education, training, counseling and employment opportunities.
Canton, OH 44709
YWCA Alliance
We improve Alliance area women’s lives, stand up for justice, and strengthen communities with a focus on three impact areas: equipping youth, economic stability and advancement and senior nutrition and health
Provides transitional housing for women, a clothing boutique, employment and transportation assistance, youth programs, and Meals on Wheels for the senior community
Alliance, OH 44601
ICAN Housing
Connecting people to housing, mental health services and community support in Stark County, Ohio.
Need help? Click here for first steps.
Canton, OH 44714
Stark County Community Action Agency
Emergency HEAP Appointment Line: 330-617-1055
Summer & Winter Crisis
PIPP
Offers employment services, financial support and career counseling to the Stark County community.
Head Start
HEAP
HWAP (Home Weatherization)
Community Action Pathways HUB
Work Force Development
Canton, OH 44714
Stark County Job & Family Services
Report child abuse: 330-455-KIDS / 1-800-233-5437
Partner with our customers, community and other service providers to protect children and vulnerable adults, stabilize and strengthen families, and encourage self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.
Cash assistance
Food assistance
Medicaid & Medical
Non-emergency transportation
Child care services
Work experience program
Foster care & adoption
Kinship care
Child support services
Canton, OH 44702
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter: Massillon
A non-profit national organization that provides many services to veterans, including job placement and job fairs. (Membership required.)
Massillon, OH 44646
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter: Alliance
A non-profit national organization that provides many services to veterans, including job placement and job fairs. (Membership required.)
Alliance, OH 44601
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter: Louisville
A non-profit national organization that provides many services to veterans, including job placement and job fairs. (Membership required.)
Louisville, OH 44641
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter: Canton
A non-profit national organization that provides many services to veterans, including job placement and job fairs. (Membership required.)
Mailing Address:
3066 Wicker St NE
Canton, OH 44721-2298
Canton, OH 44705
American Red Cross: Veterans
Connects veterans to community resources for mental health counseling, emergency assistance and job services.
Canton, OH 44707
The Stark County Veteran’s Service Commission
Provides transportation, financial assistance and job placement services to Stark County veterans and their families.
Canton, OH 44708
Stark County Vet Center
Offers various resources to Stark County veterans, including mental health services and job referrals when available.
Suite C
Canton, OH 44702
Greater Stark County Urban League
Helping Stark County residents to develop responsibility, independence and life skills through job readiness and re-entry services.
Canton, OH 44707
Troop & Family Assistance Center Specialist
Offers resources and links to veteran programs for jobs, education, health care, legal and financial services. Contact Jennifer Perez, Contractor.
Stark Career Connect
Strengthening Stark is a community-wide movement for our growing community. As part of their mission, they are dedicated to getting Stark County residents into better jobs and training through their Stark Career Connect program. Learn more at their website.
Canton, OH 44702
GlenOak High School
Career programs offered through the Stark Career Compact:
- Advancement to nursing
- Animation and graphic design
- Automotive technology
- Commercial photography
- Construction trades
- Cosmetology
- Emergency fire services
- Engineering technologies
- Entertainment technologies
- Health technologies
- High school of business
- Horticulture
- Job training and coordination
- Music production
- Teacher pathways
- Video production
Canton, OH 44721
Vantage Aging
For nearly 50 years, VANTAGE Aging has promoted successful aging by providing programs to support the needs of older adults wishing to age in place and live independently with dignity.
Meals on Wheels and Home Wellness- Health and wellness are important to the success of aging in place, and our Home Wellness Solutions and Meals on Wheels programs build on that concept by helping people remain at home by providing home-delivered meals, wellness checks,
Massillon, OH 44646
United Way of Greater Stark County
Offers an Auto Repair Program through a partnership with Department of Job & Family Services
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) to help individuals file free tax returns
#300
Canton, OH 44702
Ohio’s PRC Program
Ohio’s Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) program provides work support, and other services, to help low-income parents overcome immediate barriers to employment. It is funded through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Those receiving assistance from other public assistance programs also may be eligible for PRC services. To find out what your county offers and to see if you might be eligible, contact your county department of job and family services.
https://jfs.ohio.gov/OWF/prc/index.stm
https://jfs.ohio.gov/OWF/prc/county/StarkCountyPRC.pdf
Coleman Health Services – Alliance
Offers comprehensive, whole person treatment to children, adults and families in the communities we serve – regardless of their ability to pay
Delivers mental health, substance use, residential, and rehabilitation services
Walk-in Clinic:
Mon- Fri 11am – 12pm
Alliance, OH 44601
Coleman Health Services – Canton
Offers comprehensive, whole person treatment to children, adults and families in the communities we serve – regardless of their ability to pay
Delivers mental health, substance use, residential, and rehabilitation services
Walk-in Clinic: Mon- Fri 8am – 2pm
Suite 200
Canton, OH 44702
Goodwill Industries
Local Goodwill organizations are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that create job training programs, employment placement and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items. The Ken Weber Community Campus has walk-in services available Tuesdays and Thursdays for community resource connections. For further information on what Goodwill has to offer, please call our main campus or visit our website.
Thrift Store Locations