First-time parents

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.

Is your family in need of financial support? Everyone faces difficult times at one point or another. Fortunately, there are many local organizations in Stark County committed to lifting up community members in times of hardship. If you need cash, food or medical assistance, reach out for help today.

If you or someone you know is in need of clothing assistance in Stark County, there is a network of community resources you can turn to for support. Whether you need baby, back-to-school, professional or everyday clothing, clothing resources are available here at home.

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.

How a child responds to and interacts with the world around them gives clues to their developmental progress. When a child doesn’t meet development milestones in a range typical of their peers, it may indicate a difference in their growth. Find resources to contact if you think your child is showing signs of a cognitive or physical disability.

Early education programs provide learning opportunities for children, ages 3 to 5 years old, and are aligned with the Ohio Department of Education's Early Learning Content Standards. These standards establish benchmarks that impact future learning. All early childhood education programming offered in Stark County is targeted to support children as they build a strong knowledge-based…

It is important that children receive immunizations early in life to help protect them from potentially life-threatening illnesses and diseases. If your child is behind on their shots, don’t worry. Your pediatric or primary care physician can help determine a make-up vaccination schedule, so your child can get safely back on track.

If you are unsure about the family planning methods available to you and want to learn more about your options, you are not alone. Find local resources, programs and community organizations providing reproductive health services for individuals and couples in Stark County.

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…

Unfortunately, one in four children in Stark County is not sure where their next meal will come from. Find local organizations dedicated to providing access to food and nutrition for residents of all ages. Whether you are looking for a local hot meal program or need help applying for public food assistance, resources are available.

To help address the growing issue of infant mortality in Stark County, local agencies have come together to form the Stark County THRIVE Pathways HUB. This county-wide initiative brings together community providers, medical resources and social services to help ensure every baby in Stark County is able to celebrate their first birthday. New and expecting…

All residents should have access to safe and effective health care, regardless of age or income. If you are a teen, young adult or the parent of a young child, affordable, quality care is within your reach. Get the medical, dental, prescription or mental health coverage you need for a happy and healthy tomorrow.

For expecting mothers, preparing for a healthy birth starts long before labor and delivery. From conception until you bring your baby home, get the early and regular prenatal care you need for a happy and healthy pregnancy. There are many affordable prenatal care providers available here in Stark County.

The joy of having a baby is indescribable, yet being a first-time parent can feel overwhelming. Taking care of a new baby is so demanding, it doesn’t leave much time to focus on yourself. The support offered from parents in the same situation can help you through the difficult transition to parenthood.

Primary caregivers for anyone from children with special needs to senior citizens sometimes need short-term relief. Find respite care near you.

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.