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There are 22 topics and 28 local resources that match your search for Parenting.
  • Parenting support

    From education and income to physical and emotional health, learn about programs and organizations dedicated to supporting parents in Stark County as they navigate parenthood. Because a strong family foundation can help children succeed at home, in the classroom and in their relationships with others.

    • 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.

      • Affordable child care

        Find local resources, organizations and public assistance programs dedicated to making reliable, safe and affordable child care accessible to all families in Stark County. Child care assistance helps to pay a portion of your child care costs, so you can continue to work and support your family.

        • Young parents

          The transition to parenthood is difficult at any age, and especially for teens and young adults. Find local parenting resources, programs and organizations available to support young parents in Stark County, both financially and emotionally. Benefits of social support services for first-time parents include improved parenting knowledge, enhanced parent-child relationships and increased economic self-sufficiency.

          • You’re Not a Bad Parent if Your Child Needs Support for their Mental Health
            If your child comes to you with an issue that may be impacting their mental health, you might feel guilty. However, they simply need your support.
            • Developmental Disabilities Family Support

              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 &

              • Introducing StarkHelpCentral.com
                StarkHelpCentral.com provides information and support to youth, young adults and engaged members of our community.
                • How To Be an Advocate for Youth in Your Stark County Community
                  Learn how you can find and share resources to be an advocate for youth in your Stark County community.
                  • Discover the Early Childhood Resource Center

                    With a main office in Canton and additional sites in Akron and Boardman, the Early Childhood Resource Center may be one of this region’s best kept secrets. As part of its mission to promote the healthy development of young children, the organization offers numerous programs aimed at strengthening families; improving the quality of early childhood care and learning experiences; and increasing school and community readiness, while also helping to inform public policy.

                    Assisting parents in finding child care,

                    • Where to Find Affordable Childcare in Stark County

                      Early learning programs are important for the education, growth and development of young children. As a parent or caregiver, you want a childcare option that is safe, nurturing and trustworthy. Finding affordable childcare resources is also important for many families. There are several local resources to help families find affordable childcare that meets a high level of quality. 

                      Early Childhood Resource Center 

                      The Early Childhood Resource Center provides training and mentoring to early childhood professionals.

                      • Children with incarcerated parents
                        Having a parent in prison can have a significant impact on a child’s mental and behavioral health. To help reduce the risk for negative outcomes, such as depression, substance use and criminal behavior, it is important for communities to wrap around children with incarcerated parents.
                        • Foster & adoption: early childhood

                          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.

                          • Child custody: childhood

                            Child custody decisions differ depending on many factors, one of which is the child’s age. Children ages 4 to 10 thrive best when their experience in school remains consistent and parental involvement is frequent and structured. Determining the best child arrangements can be confusing, especially during difficult situations such as divorce or separation. Find resources to help Stark County parents and caregivers navigate child custody cases.

                            • Basic needs: adulthood

                              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.

                              • Importance of Safe Places and Caring Relationships for Our LGBTQ+ Young People

                                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.

                                • Becoming Resilient is a Daily Practice
                                  Resiliency daily practices and tips to help you build a strong foundation of character. Face life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
                                  • From a Mom Who Knows: Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

                                    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.

                                    • Migrant working
                                      People who work outside of their home country are especially susceptible to human rights violations. They are often forced to work in unsafe, unsanitary environments and face abuses that go largely unseen and unreported. Find local resources to support these underrepresented employees.
                                      • Foster and Adoption services

                                        Are you interested in learning more about adoption services in Stark County? All children have hopes of being welcomed into permanent, loving and committed families. Whether you are pregnant and exploring your options or an aspiring adoptive parent, find local resources to offer support, knowledge and assistance throughout the process.

                                        • 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?

                                          • Improve Family Dialogs with StarkMHAR Conversation Cards

                                            Once your family is seated around the dinner table, the typical conversation starter is: “So, how was your day?”

                                            And the typical answer? “Fine.”

                                            Getting your child to say anything more can be a lot of work.

                                            But what if you stopped thinking of the child’s attitude as the problem, and started with the question? What if there were some truly interesting questions you could ask your family? And what if they were excited to think about them and answer?

                                            • Mental health: childhood

                                              Healthy minds are the building blocks for strong family foundations. For children whose parents are affected with mental health issues, or for children with their own mental health challenges, help is available here in Stark County. Find local child mental health services, resources, organizations and support groups dedicated to lifting up families touched by mental illness.

                                              The Pregnancy & Parenting Center

                                              Accurate, up-to-date information and pregnancy support:

                                              • Pregnancy testing
                                              • Limited ultrasound
                                              • STD testing
                                              • First prenatal visit
                                              • Community referrals
                                              • Education and resources
                                              • Post-abortion counseling
                                              • Support Groups
                                              4500 22nd St. NW
                                              Canton, OH 44708
                                              Call: (330) 455-7500
                                              Text: (330) 961-1772
                                              Learn more

                                              Alliance for Children & Families

                                              We, Alliance for Children & Families, Inc. —through direct services, advocacy, education, prevention, intervention, supportive services, and the development and implementation of innovative and productive programming—are committed to empowering children, individuals and families to restore them to lives of stability, self-sufficiency and enhancement. We do this by treating all persons with dignity and respect.

                                              Services include:

                                              • Permanent Supportive Housing
                                              • Emergency Shelter
                                              • Rapid-Rehousing
                                              • Parenting program
                                              • Pregnancy &
                                              624 Scranton Ave.
                                              Alliance, OH 44601
                                              Phone: (330) 821-6332
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                                              Parents Anonymous

                                              Self-help group encouraging parents to make lasting, effective, positive changes in their lives.

                                              142 Arlington Ave. NW
                                              Canton, OH 44708
                                              Phone: (330) 445-1061
                                              National Parent & Youth Helpline: (855) 437-2736
                                              National Parent & Youth Helpline: (855) 437-2736
                                              Learn more

                                              Stark Community Support Network

                                              Community safety net linking families to resources and social services.

                                              • Community Support Services (Mental Health & Substance/Alcohol Abuse) – Identify, Link, and Support individuals and families through the mental health and alcohol and substance abuse system.
                                              • Community Response Team (Trauma Care and Community Violence) – Refer, Assist, and Advocate for individuals and/or families experiencing trauma.
                                              • Infant Mortality (THRIVE) – Identify and Support women through their pregnancies to reduce infant mortality.
                                              Learn more

                                              AHEAD, Inc.

                                              AHEAD Inc. is a local non-profit that has supported Massillon children and their families for more than 30 years. Our purpose is to help remove the barriers that can make learning difficult, so every child has the chance to grow, succeed, and feel supported. We work side-by-side with Massillon City Schools and community partners to connect families with meaningful services and resources.

                                              AHEAD offers a variety of supports designed to strengthen students both in school and at home.

                                              1237 16th St NE
                                              Massillon, OH 44646
                                              Phone: 330-806-6919
                                              Phone: 330-806-6919
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                                              Access Health Stark County

                                              Free, trusted support for your health and well-being.

                                              Our Community Health Workers are from the community and connect you to healthcare and local resources at no cost to you.

                                              We proudly serve (must live in Stark County):

                                              • Pregnant and maternal women (until baby reaches age one)
                                              • Adults with chronic health conditions
                                              • Children ages 0–8

                                              We can help you access:

                                              • Food assistance
                                              • Clothing
                                              • Housing or rent support
                                              • Diapers
                                              408 9th St. SW
                                              Canton, OH 44707
                                              Phone: (330) 437-3715
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                                              Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank

                                              Provides diaper and period supply support for individuals and families, including:

                                              • Diapers + wipes
                                              • Period supplies
                                              • Adult incontinence briefs

                                              Distributed through 32 Community Distribution Site Partners across Stark, Tuscarawas, Carroll, Wayne, Medina, Harrison, Summit, Belmont, and Holmes counties.

                                              P.O. Box 35452
                                              Canton, OH 44735
                                              Phone: (330) 488-7558
                                              Learn more

                                              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.

                                              408 9th St. SW
                                              Canton, OH 44707
                                              Toll free: 1 (800) 942-3577
                                              Toll free: 1 (800) 942-3577
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                                              Family Empowerment Ministries, Inc.

                                              FEMI’s mission is to provide services that unite and strengthen families and individuals.

                                              • Diaper Days
                                              • Infant mortality education and parent education
                                              • Community food pantry
                                              • Community Legal Aid
                                              • Soul Food Sunday free community meal (first Sunday)
                                              • 3rd grade after school reading program
                                              • Line dancing class and other services as scheduled
                                              425 E Market Street
                                              Alliance, OH 44601
                                              Phone: (330) 913-7007
                                              Hours: Tuesdays, 9am-12pm
                                              Learn more

                                              Building Blocks Adoption Services Inc.

                                              At Building Blocks Adoption Service Inc., we are dedicated to guiding and supporting individuals and families through every facet of the adoption journey. Our services are designed with clarity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the emotional complexities involved.

                                              Here is an overview of how we can help you:

                                              • Unplanned Pregnancy Support & Birth Parent Services: Compassionate counseling and resources for birth parents considering adoption, ensuring they have the information and support needed to make empowered decisions.
                                              52 Public Square
                                              Medina, OH 44256
                                              Office:: 866-321-2367
                                              Office:: 866-321-2367
                                              Learn more

                                              Help Me Grow-Home Visiting

                                              Home Visiting is a voluntary, home-based program offered at no cost to your family.  Our home visitors are well-trained professionals who use a compassionate approach that offers information and support during pregnancy, and empowers you as the parent with skills, tools, and confidence to nurture the healthy growth of your child through the earliest years – a critical time of development.

                                              WHO SHOULD BE REFERRED?

                                              Pregnant women and families with young children.Supporting first-time parents with home visiting services for children up to 3 years old

                                              WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
                                              6057 Strip Ave NW
                                              North Canton, OH 44720
                                              Phone: 330-492-8136, ext. 1480
                                              Learn more

                                              Catholic Charities Service Portage and Stark Counties

                                              Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties shares the mission held by Catholic Charities USA: to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures and to call the entire Church and other people of good will to do the same.

                                              Basic services of Catholic Charities in Stark County serve emergency assistance of basic needs. For qualifying individuals, the agency operates a food pantry, assists with preventing utility disconnections,

                                              832 McKinley Ave NW
                                              Suite C
                                              Canton, OH 44703
                                              Phone: (330) 491-0896
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                                              OhioGuidestone

                                              Providing counseling, support, advocacy, and education with a focus on prevention and treatment in the home, community, office, or telehealth.

                                              Additional Program:
                                              The Prevent Relapse Occurrence Team with Enhanced Case management and Treatment (Protect) works with juveniles who have shown sexual behavior problems who are not incarcerated or are returning to the community following separation. PROTECT services are designed to work specifically with individuals who have been identified as participating in “sexting” behavior or other minor-related sexual behavioral issues.

                                              4579 Everhard Rd NW
                                              Suite A
                                              North Canton, OH 44718
                                              Phone: (440) 260-6466
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                                              Stark County Educational Service Center

                                              The Stark County ESC had its inception in 1914 with the establishment by the Ohio Legislature of county boards of education.

                                              Currently, the ESC provides shared services to 15 local and 6 city school districts, 1 exempted village, and one career center in Stark, Carroll, Summit, and Tuscarawas counties.  Together these districts enroll over 60,000 students.

                                              The Stark County ESC is experienced in meeting the needs of a diverse population of students. 

                                              6057 Strip Avenue NW
                                              North Canton, OH 44720
                                              Phone: (330) 492-8136
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                                              George Dunwoody Foundation

                                              Support programs and mentorship for parents to become better informed about their child’s needs.

                                              Phone: (330) 268‐2916
                                              Learn more

                                              JRC Learning Center

                                              Early child care services for children whose parents are working to further their educations.

                                              2213 14th St. NE
                                              Canton, OH 44705
                                              Phone: (330)-454-3471
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                                              7:00 am - 5:30 pm
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                                              North Canton Primary Preschool

                                              Nurtures young children, ages 3 to 5, as they begin to spend a few hours away from their homes, parents and familiar surroundings.

                                              301 Portage St. NW
                                              North Canton, OH 44720
                                              Phone: (330) 497-5608
                                              Learn more

                                              Day Reporting

                                              A jail diversion program offering a variety of services and programs for offenders, including:

                                              • Chemical dependency treatment
                                              • Parenting groups
                                              • Community service opportunities
                                              201 Cleveland Ave. SW
                                              Suite 101
                                              Canton, OH 44702
                                              Phone: (330) 451-7036
                                              Fax: (330)-477-8128
                                              Learn more

                                              Home Helpers

                                              Respite care is provided to seniors, working parents, new mothers, and individuals who require recuperative or continuing care. Their services and schedules can be customized to your needs.

                                              3730 Whipple Ave. NW
                                              Suite 400
                                              Canton, OH 44718
                                              Phone: (330) 892-9329
                                              Learn more

                                              Alliance Pregnancy Center

                                              These confidential, cost-free services include:

                                              • Abortion Information
                                              • Adoption Agency Referrals
                                              • Adoption Information
                                              • Maternity & Infant Supplies
                                              • Medical Referrals
                                              • Parenting Education
                                              • Post-Abortion Support
                                              • Pregnancy Options Information
                                              • Pregnancy Tests
                                              • STD/STI Information
                                              • Support for Men
                                              • Ultrasound (Onsite)*
                                              75 Glamorgan St.
                                              Suite 102
                                              Alliance, OH 44601
                                              Phone: (330) 821-7283
                                              Learn more

                                              Give an Hour

                                              Give an Hour is a nonprofit with a mission to develop national networks of volunteer professionals to respond to acute and chronic conditions, providing those in need with help and hope. Provide a number of peer support group programs including:

                                              • Mass Violence
                                              • Military
                                              • Military Family
                                              • Interpersonal Violence
                                              • Parent
                                              • Financial Fraud
                                              • Rare Caregiver
                                              Learn more

                                              Aultman Hospital

                                              The largest hospital in Stark County.

                                              Emergency Room provides services for individuals with urgent health care concerns. Also a place for parents to safely and legally give their babies up.

                                              Aultman Serenity Program provides medical forensic nursing care to individuals impacted by violence. Including individuals that have experienced: abuse and neglect, domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual assault.

                                              Offer grief support groups, more details online here.

                                              2600 6th St. SW
                                              Canton, OH 44710
                                              Phone: (330) 452-9911
                                              Emergency Room: (330) 363-6203
                                              Emergency Room: (330) 363-6203
                                              Hours: 24/7
                                              Learn more

                                              Stark County Fatherhood Coalition

                                              The mission of the Stark County Fatherhood Coalition is to encourage fathers to take an active and positive role in their child’s life, and to promote and sponsor activities designed to strengthen families.

                                              The Coalition holds monthly meetings at the Goodwill Community Campus on the second Thursday of each month at 10am. If you would like additional information please call 330-451-8477. You can also visit us on Facebook facebook.com/starkcountyfatherhoodcoalition

                                              Download the following documents for helpful information:

                                              Goodwill Community Campus, 408 9th St. SW
                                              Canton, OH 44707
                                              Hours: Second Thursday of the month – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
                                              Learn more

                                              Stark County Community Action Agency

                                              Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

                                              • Emergency HEAP Appointment Line: 330-617-1055
                                              • Short term help for heating and cooling costs
                                              • Income payment plan program
                                              • Fans/air conditioners

                                              Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

                                              • Repairs/replacement – furnace and hot water tank
                                              • Insulation
                                              • Energy Audits

                                              Head Start & Early Head Start

                                              • Fully and half-day classes
                                              • Home-based Early Head Start services for children birth to three (3) years of age
                                              • Social and Health Services
                                              • Parental Involvement/Family Engagement

                                              Community Action Pathways Hub

                                              • Reducing barriers that can prevent health pregnancies and babies
                                              • Community connections leading to self sufficiency

                                              Community Services and Outreach

                                              • Goals Assets Investment Network (GAIN)
                                                • Asset building/financial literacy program)
                                              • Senior Programs (i.e.
                                              Learn more

                                              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

                                              401 Market Ave N
                                              #300
                                              Canton, OH 44702
                                              Phone: (330) 491-0445
                                              Learn more

                                              Stark County Family Council

                                              Stark County Family Council adopted the National WrapAround Initiative’s High-Fidelity WrapAround model, an evidenced-based intensive service coordination model. Youth involved in the WrapAround process are typically involved in multiple systems or have multi-systemic needs.

                                              High Fidelity WrapAround is a voluntary, strengths-based, needs driven process. The WrapAround Service Coordinator does this by first engaging the family and completing a Strength, Needs & Culture Discovery. The WrapAround Service Coordinator then assists the family in putting an individualized team together that consists of the family’s natural supports as well as the professionals who are working with them.

                                              6057 Strip Ave NW
                                              North Canton, OH 44720
                                              Phone: 330-492-8136
                                              Phone: 330-492-8136
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                                              Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC)

                                              With a main office in Canton and additional sites in Akron and Boardman, the Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC) may be one of this region’s best kept secrets. As part of its mission to promote the healthy development of young children, the organization offers numerous programs aimed at strengthening families; improving the quality of early childhood care and learning experiences; and increasing school and community readiness, while also helping to inform public policy.

                                              Services offered include:
                                              -assisting families in finding child care that fits their unique needs,

                                              1718 Cleveland Ave. NW
                                              Canton, OH 44703
                                              Phone: (330) 491-3272
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                                              Help Me Grow-Early Intervention

                                              Concerned about your child’s development? Act Early!
                                               
                                              If you’re concerned that a child may have a delay or disability, it’s important to refer them for Early Intervention as soon as possible. Early Intervention can address all types of concerns, like crawling or walkingspeech delays, or social interaction like playing with other children.
                                               
                                              Early Intervention is available in every part of the state and to any eligible child,
                                              6057 Strip Ave NW
                                              North Canton, OH 44720
                                              Phone Number: 330-479-3448
                                              Phone Number: 330-479-3448
                                              Referral Number: 1-800-755-4769
                                              Referral Number: 1-800-755-4769
                                              Learn more