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 that provide employment assistance and help prepare young people for employment success.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hard times: young adults
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, groceries, budgets and money management, don’t be discouraged. Community resources are available to support you toward a better financial future.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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),
- 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.
- 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.
- 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,
- Men’s Mental Health
Sometimes you might hear the terms mental wellness or mental health and think they mean the same thing. While they are connected, they actually mean two different things. What the difference? Mental Wellness is your overall mental wellbeing, and everyone has it! Mental wellness is when people can recognize their abilities, cope with typical stress, work and function well. In order to be mentally well, we have to take care of our minds just like we do the rest of our body.
- 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.
- Holiday (Christmas) Gifts for Families in NeedSome local organizations provide assistance during the holiday season to help bring joy to harder times. View our list of those who can help.
- Mental Health Awareness Month Tips: 4 Ways to Participate
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.
- Reflections, 2020-2021
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?
The Ken Weber Community Campus At Goodwill
Located in downtown Canton, the Campus is home to Goodwill offices and 20 other non-profit organizations that share collaborative outreach to the community and find efficiencies through shared space and services.
Canton, OH 44707
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
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 – Transportation to and from Medicaid-qualified appointments, including doctor visits, dental visits, vision appointments and more.
- Child care services
- Work experience program –
Canton, OH 44702
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
Strengthening Stark
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.
The Stark Jobs Platform 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.
Canton, OH 44702
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)
Work Force Development
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.
American Red Cross: Stark and Muskingum Lakes Chapter
We help communities in Northern Ohio prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. We are able to make a difference in our local communities because of the generosity of our donors and support of our volunteers. Together, we provide the following programs and services:
- Disaster Services
- Volunteer Services
- Blood Donation Services
- Lifesaving Skills Training
- Military or Veterans Assistance (mental health counseling, emergency assistance and job services)
- Home Fire Campaign
Canton, OH 44707
Canton City School District
Offers Adult Career & Technical Education – learn more at www.ccsdistrict.org/adulted
FREE Classes at Aspire of Stark County:
- Earn a High School Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- Improve English (ESOL-English for Speakers of Other Languages)
- Prepare for pre-employment testing
- Study for entrance exams
- Brush up on skills for success in college or training programs
- Improve your current job skills
- Help your children with homework
- Gain personal enrichment and satisfaction
Canton, OH 44702
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
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
Restore Addiction Recovery
Restore Addiction Recovery is a Christ-centered, Biblically-based, and Clinically-Supported 12-month residential program for men struggling with drug and/or alcohol addiction. Our services are free and no insurance is needed to join. While in our program, men receive individualized care, including but not limited to: 1-1 counseling, life coaching and life skills, job training and employment through our community work program, mentorship, financial coaching, healthy community, and more. Our goal is to prepare each man for life outside of our doors and have lasting freedom from addiction.
Akron, OH 44312
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
Alliance Family Health Center
Connecting individuals with quality, affordable health care throughout Alliance. Services include
- Primary Care (Monday-Wednesday 8am-8pm and Thursday & Friday 8am-4pm)
- Women’s Health (Monday & Tuesday 8am-6pm, Wednesday 8am-8pm, Thursday & Friday 8am-4pm)
- Naloxone Kits
Suite A
Alliance, OH 44601
GiGi’s Playhouse Canton – Down Syndrome Achievement Center
GiGi’s Playhouse Canton is fulfilling the dream of the Down syndrome community of having a location where individuals with Down syndrome of all ages have a place to call their own, where they feel safe and can explore their abilities through proven programs with support and celebration. Parents no longer feel the anxiety of finding a place where their loved one will be unconditionally accepted and offered opportunity to become their best of all.
Each participant will grow with the programs at their own pace and interact with their peers in an environment of celebration and achievement.
Canton, OH 44718
The Gentle Shepherd Counseling Center
Licensed counselors treating and diagnosing mental health conditions.
Support Groups: Contact for information about joining.
- Men’s Sexual Addiction Recovery Group
Ongoing every Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm
This therapy group is designed for men seeking to overcome a variety of unwanted sexualized behaviors. It is confidential, faith-based, and emphasizes healing from sexual brokenness, shame and guilt. The recovery process encourages personal integrity and healthy connections with other men. Membership is screened by the facilitating counselor,
North Canton, OH 44720
St Joseph Church/St Vincent DePaul Society
Offers financial assistance for water, gas, and electricity bills to Alliance residents.
Call and leave a message to make an appointment with a representative.
Alliance, OH 44601
Alliance Catholic Worker Joshua Casteel House
Free community meals
Alliance, OH 44601