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/.
- Introducing StarkHelpCentral.comStarkHelpCentral.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 CommunityLearn 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 CenterThe Early Childhood Resource Center provides training and mentoring to early childhood professionals.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
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
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 &
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.
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.
Massillon, OH 44646
Access Health Stark County
Free, Trusted Support for Your Health and Well-Being
Our Community Health Workers are from the community and understand your needs. They’re trusted partners who connect you to healthcare and local resources at no cost to you.
We proudly serve:
– Pregnant and maternal women until baby reaches age one
– Adults with chronic health conditions
– Children ages 0–8
(All must live in Stark County)
Our team can help you access:
• Food assistance
• Clothing
• Housing or rent support
• Diapers,
Canton, OH 44707
Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank
Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank provides support to individuals and families who require assistance with diapers (both for children and for adults suffering incontinence) and period supplies (for teens and adults).
We collect diapers, wipes, period supplies, and adult incontinence briefs and distribute them through 32 Community Distribution Site Partners in Stark, Tuscarawas, Carroll, Wayne, Medina, Harrison, Summit, Belmont and Holmes counties.
Our Community Distribution Site Partner can be found at Heart Of Ohio Diaper Bank
Canton, OH 44735
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
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
Alliance, OH 44601
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.
Medina, OH 44256
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
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
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
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.
North Canton, OH 44720
George Dunwoody Foundation
Support programs and mentorship for parents to become better informed about their child’s needs.
JRC Learning Center
Early child care services for children whose parents are working to further their educations.
Canton, OH 44705
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
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
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.
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
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,
Canton, OH 44703
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