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Mentorship programs

Young people who are struggling through the challenges of growing up can often benefit from the encouragement and support of a mentor. In Stark County, there are many businesses, agencies and organizations dedicated to connecting engaged adults with local children and teens. Whether you want to become a mentor or want to connect with one near you, learn about some of the top mentorship programs available in our community. Note that you don’t necessarily need to live in these cities to participate in the programs listed. Resource eligibility may be determined based on financial need.

Canton programs

Apprisen

Help building financial knowledge, confidence and stability.
2800 Market Ave. N
#18
Canton, OH 44714
Phone: 1 (800) 355-2227
Phone: 1 (800) 355-2227
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Be a Better Me Foundation

A community-based foundation designed to empower and encourage young people to see the good in themselves and others.
1414 Market Ave N
Canton, OH 44714
Phone: (330) 754-6881
Phone: (330) 754-6881
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Beyond the Game

Provides mentorship for student-athletes, serves third graders in partner school districts through “Guys With Ties” lunch program focused on professional behavior and life skills and runs free summer sports camps, Mind, Body & Soul camps and other youth-focused events. Provides internships for high school students interested in gaining marketing and social media experience. Learn more: http://www.gobeyondthegame.org

improve@gobeyondthegame.org

Contact: Devin Jordan

PO Box 8516
Canton, OH 44711

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina & Stark Counties, Inc.

Mentoring network serving more than 350 at-risk children ages 6 to 18. Children are matched with adult volunteers who provide ongoing encouragement and support for life-long success.
Goodwill Campus
408 9th St. SW
Canton, OH 44707
Phone: (330) 445-1123
Phone: (330) 445-1123
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Buckeye Council, Boy Scouts of America

Skill building, outdoor activities and social development to help instill positive behaviors in Stark County’s young people.
2301 13th St. NW
Canton, OH 44708
Phone: (330) 580-4272
Phone: (330) 580-4272
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First Tee Canton

A youth development organization that uses the game of golf to teach youth ages 5 - 18 essential life skills and healthy habits. They provide programs all year-round and also do after-school and utilize trained adult coaches that mentor the youth that attend classes. Programs and classes vary depending on the program and season. Scholarships are also available. Learn more: www.firstteecanton.org.
2525 25th Street NE
Canton, OH 44705
Phone: (330) 452-5331
Phone: (330) 452-5331

Hannah’s House 119

Mentoring for victims of human trafficking as well as young people at risk.
213 Nassau St.
East Canton, OH 44730
Phone: (330) 495-2970
Phone: (330) 495-2970
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The Legacy Project of Stark

Mentoring relationships between positive adult role models and middle school youth who are facing personal, academic and social challenges.
708 Tremont Ave. SW
Massillon, OH 44647
Phone: (330)-245-8190
Phone: (330)-245-8190
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The Martin Center

The Martin Center exists to build relationships with teens and families in the Canton NE and SE inner-city communities. They are a non-profit organization that houses multiple like-minded organizations to transform the face of Canton.
1253 – 3RD St SE
Canton, OH 44707
Phone: 866-607-4096
Phone: 866-607-4096
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Ohio MENTOR & IFCS

Foster care and mental health services for young people with emotional, behavioral and other complex challenges.
4942 Higbee Ave NW
Suite C & D
Canton, OH 44718
Phone: (330) 491-4331
Phone: (330) 491-4331
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Mon.
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue.
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed.
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu.
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri.
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Stark Community Support Network

Community safety net linking families to resources and social services.
1221 Harrisburg Rd. NE
Canton, OH 44705
Phone: (330) 455-2260
Phone: (330) 455-2260
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TomTod Ideas

Project launches, school-based partnerships and summer camps that empower middle school students to imagine the world as it could be and put those dreams into action.
439 Market Ave N
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 617-4753
Phone: (330) 617-4753
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Project REBUILD, Inc.

Creates pathways for local young people to academic, professional and leadership opportunities.
406 Shorb Ave. NW
Canton, OH 44703
Phone: (330) 588-3205
Phone: (330) 588-3205

Stark County Community Action Agency

Emergency HEAP Appointment Line: 330-617-1055 Summer & Winter Crisis PIPP Offers employment services, financial support and career counseling to the Stark County community. Head Start HEAP HWAP (Home Weatherization) Community Action Pathways HUB Work Force Development
1366 Market Ave. N
Canton, OH 44714
Phone: (330) 454-1676
Phone: (330) 454-1676
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Mon.
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tue.
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wed.
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thu.
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fri.
8:00 am - 4:30 pm

YMCA of Central Stark County

Health, education and financial support services to help build strong foundations and strengthen our community. View all local YMCA locations.
4700 Dressler Rd NW
Canton, OH 44718
Phone: (330) 491-9622
Phone: (330) 491-9622
Massillon programs

4-H Youth Development

Hands-on activities to help youth between the ages of 5 and 19 develop lifelong learning skills.
2800 Richville Dr. SE
Suite 100
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 832-9856, ext. 3475
Phone: (330) 832-9856, ext. 3475
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BeYoutiful Weirdo, LLC

Offers a variety of programming to meet the educational, social, emotional and recreational needs of young women 5-17 years of age, hosts an annual Princess Party. Learn more: facebook.com/BeYoutifulWeirdo/

131 Tremont Ave SE
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (234) 804-6850
Phone: (234) 804-6850
Hartville program

Pegasus Farm

Helping to maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities to become independent, well-rounded, self-confident individuals:
  • Equine activities
  • Recreational programs
  • Social services
  • Vocational support
7490 Edison St. NE
Hartville, OH 44632
Phone: (330) 935-2300
Phone: (330) 935-2300
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Countywide resources

4-H Youth Development

Hands-on activities to help youth between the ages of 5 and 19 develop lifelong learning skills.
2800 Richville Dr. SE
Suite 100
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 832-9856, ext. 3475
Phone: (330) 832-9856, ext. 3475
Visit Website

Bridges

Bridges is a voluntary program for young adults in the foster care system who are ages 18, 19 or 20. It provides guidance and support during the transition to adulthood for individuals who are in school, working or have a qualifying medical condition.
Phone: (614)-490-4357
Phone: (614)-490-4357
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Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

Promotes financial literacy, teen pregnancy prevention, healthy lifestyle behaviors and community service for girls ages 11 to 15.
1010 Applegrove St. NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (330)-433-9485
Phone: (330)-433-9485
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MentorStark

MentorStark is a central hub to help people find youth and young adult development programs and activities in Stark County. Whether you want to volunteer for a program or find an opportunity for yourself or your child, MentorStark is here to help! Learn more: https://www.mentorstark.org/ 
Greater Akron programs

ACE Mentor Program

Introducing high school students to career opportunities in architecture, construction, engineering and building design.
Contact: (330) 867-2400
Contact: (330) 867-2400
Registration: (330) 434-4464, ext. 1127
Registration: (330) 434-4464, ext. 1127
General: (330) 396-5150
General: (330) 396-5150
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The Arc of Ohio: Northeast Region

The Arc of Ohio is the voice of people with developmental disabilities, their families, friends of people with disabilities, and those who work with them.
The Arc of Ohio is a grassroots organization which advocates for human rights, personal dignity and community participation of individuals with developmental disabilities through legislative and social action, information and education, local chapter supports, and family involvement.
The Arc of Ohio can help with IEPs, getting services as well as support for inclusive education and LREs and waiver services for families.
1401 South Main St
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (234) 571-5689
Phone: (234) 571-5689
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Mon.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tue.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thu.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm

THRIVE! Mentoring Program

Safe environment fostering the professional development of women at every stage of their careers.
526 South Main St.
Suite 508
Akron, OH 44311
Phone: (330) 256-1122
Phone: (330) 256-1122
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