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There are 28 topics and 22 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 &

              • 2024 Guide to Stark County Thanksgiving Meals

                Thanksgiving can be a challenging time for some families who are experiencing food insecurity and poverty. The cost of ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner may be out of budget if you are struggling with bills or other financial stress. There are several organizations in Stark County that offer Thanksgiving food giveaways and hot meals so families and children can enjoy the holiday. 

                Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank 

                The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank offers ingredients to cook a holiday meal.

                • 2024 Holiday Giving Programs for Families in Need

                  The Salvation Army is collecting donations of holiday gifts during its Angel Tree campaign to be distributed to local families in need. A Community Christmas of Stark County will be offering holiday gift assistance with their community programs. Below is a guide of the locations and information on how families can register this holiday season.

                  The Salvation Army of Massillon

                  The Salvation Army of Massillon is accepting registration for its Christmas Assistance program.

                  • Dealing with Inflation: Making More with Less

                    Inflation has hit Stark County hard, especially at the grocery store. Many families are struggling to provide healthy and nutritious meals. There are several community food banks in the area to help with food assistance. Below is a list of food pantry resources for your family to receive help with food.

                    Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

                    The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank offers pantry distributions all over Stark County. Visit their website for up-to-date distribution schedules.

                    • 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,

                      • 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.
                        • 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.

                          • 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.

                              • 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.
                                • 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.

                                  • 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.
                                    • 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.

                                      • 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.

                                        • 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.
                                          • 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.

                                            • Introducing StarkHelpCentral.com
                                              StarkHelpCentral.com provides information and support to youth, young adults and engaged members of our community.
                                              • Runaways
                                                A young person may want to leave home for many reasons. They might be rebelling against their parents or fleeing a dangerous family setting. But unfortunately, couch surfing or living on the streets could increase the likelihood of exploitation and other dangerous situations.
                                                • 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?

                                                    • Father’s rights

                                                      The bond between a child and their father sets an important family foundation. Community agencies all over Stark County work every day to remove barriers and promote more positive father/child relationships. Even if a father is not the custodial parent, they still have rights when it comes to caring for their children. Find information, programs and organizations dedicated to supporting fathers legally, financially and emotionally. Because stronger relationships lead to stronger families.

                                                      • Summer camps
                                                        When school is out for the summer, finding engaging ways to keep kids busy can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are many great summer camps offered throughout Northeast Ohio, where young people can socialize, learn and channel their energy in positive ways. Especially for working parents, camps can be a better, more affordable alternative to summer child care. Learn about the summer camps available near you.
                                                        • Developmental disabilities: early childhood

                                                          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.

                                                          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

                                                          Emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing (referrals through Homeless Hotline) for individuals and families.

                                                          Programs:

                                                          • Permanent Supportive Housing Project
                                                          • Emergency Shelter
                                                          • Affordable Housing
                                                          • Ending Domestic & Family Violence through STAMP
                                                          • Financial Literacy
                                                          • Health and Wellness
                                                          624 Scranton Ave.
                                                          Alliance, OH 44601
                                                          Phone: (330) 821-6332
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                                                          8:00 am - 3:00 pm
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                                                          8:00 am - 3:00 pm
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                                                          8:00 am - 3:00 pm
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                                                          8:00 am - 3:00 pm
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                                                          8:00 am - 3:00 pm
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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

                                                          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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                                                          7:00 am - 5:30 pm
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                                                          7:00 am - 5:30 pm
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                                                          7:00 am - 5:30 pm
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                                                          7:00 am - 5:30 pm
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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

                                                          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

                                                          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

                                                          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

                                                          Catholic Charities

                                                          Emergency rental  assistance for Stark County residents (under 65): visit ccdoy.org to fill out a pre-screening application 

                                                          Through tangible assistance and other essential services, Catholic Charities affirms human dignity, meets basic human needs, strengthens families, builds communities, and empowers others to transform their lives.

                                                          832 McKinley Ave NW
                                                          Suite C
                                                          Canton, OH 44703
                                                          Phone: (330) 491-0896
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                                                          8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          8:30 pm - 4:30 pm
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                                                          8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          Pathway Caring for Children

                                                          Pathway is a private agency working with 14 Northeast Ohio Counties. A patient and loving home can make a world of a difference for a child coming from a troubled background. We walk you through every step of your foster care or foster-to-adopt journey. Being a foster parent takes resilience, creativity, flexibility, humor, and love. There is so much room for healing. YOU will be that soft landing spot as children begin to pick up the broken pieces of their lives.

                                                          4895 Dressler Rd. NW
                                                          Suite A
                                                          Canton, OH 44718
                                                          Phone: (330) 493-0083
                                                          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
                                                          Hide HoursShow Hours
                                                          Mon.
                                                          9:00 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          9:00 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          9:00 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          9:00 am - 4:30 pm
                                                          Fri.
                                                          9:00 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          Stark County Educational Service Center

                                                          Coordinating education, leadership and professional services throughout Stark County. Visit the Stark County ESC website for more information.

                                                          6057 Strip Avenue NW
                                                          North Canton, OH 44720
                                                          Phone: (330) 492-8136
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                                                          8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          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

                                                          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

                                                          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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                                                          8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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                                                          Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health: Alliance

                                                          Mental and behavioral health services for Alliance children and families.

                                                          SERVICES AT A GLANCE UNDER ALL PROGRAMS

                                                          Prevention and Consultation: Prevention services are designed to reduce risk factors, increase resiliency and prevent the development of further at-risk behavior. Mental health service providers offer consultation to administrators, teachers, parents or other adults to recommend behavior modification strategies and to provide support or suggestions.

                                                           

                                                          Diagnostic Assessment: A mental health professional conducts a diagnostic assessment to determine whether a child or youth has a mental health disorder by gathering information about the child’s life situation,

                                                          Parkway Learning & Development Center
                                                          1490 Parkway Blvd
                                                          Alliance, OH 44601
                                                          Phone: (330) 823-5335
                                                          Hide HoursShow Hours
                                                          Tue.
                                                          8:00 am - 6:00 pm
                                                          Thu.
                                                          8:00 am - 7:00 pm
                                                          Learn more