Here's what we found for you
- 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 HealthIf 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/.
- 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 FoodbankThe 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 MassillonThe 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 FoodbankThe 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 parentsHaving 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 communityLearn 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 workingPeople 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 practiceResiliency 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.comStarkHelpCentral.com provides information and support to youth, young adults and engaged members of our community.
- RunawaysA 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 campsWhen 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
Canton, OH 44708 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
Alliance, OH 44601
Parents Anonymous
Self-help group encouraging parents to make lasting, effective, positive changes in their lives.
Canton, OH 44708
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.
JRC Learning Center
Early child care services for children whose parents are working to further their educations.
Canton, OH 44705
George Dunwoody Foundation
Support programs and mentorship for parents to become better informed about their child’s needs.
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.
North Canton, OH 44720
Day Reporting
A jail diversion program offering a variety of services and programs for offenders, including:
- Chemical dependency treatment
- Parenting groups
- Community service opportunities
Suite 101
Canton, OH 44702 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.
Suite 400
Canton, OH 44718
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)*
Suite 102
Alliance, OH 44601
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
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?North Canton, OH 44720
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.
Canton, OH 44710
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:
Canton, OH 44707
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.
Suite C
Canton, OH 44703
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.
Suite A
Canton, OH 44718
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
Stark County Educational Service Center
Coordinating education, leadership and professional services throughout Stark County. Visit the Stark County ESC website for more information.
North Canton, OH 44720
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
Help Me Grow-Early Intervention
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 walking, speech delays, or social interaction like playing with other children.
Early Intervention is available in every part of the state and to any eligible child,
North Canton, OH 44720
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.
Suite A
North Canton, OH 44718
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,
1490 Parkway Blvd
Alliance, OH 44601