Here's what we found for you
- Meth addiction recoveryMethamphetamines are highly addictive, and individuals who become dependent are unable to feel pleasure when they are not using the drug. Meth is known to overstimulate specific processes in the body, so users feel more alert or anxious than usual. Unfortunately, people who become addicted often face significant challenges in other areas of their lives. Find resources to help young people suffering from meth addiction to detox and move toward recovery.
- Substance use: early childhood
For families whose lives are touched by addiction, the effects are felt by every member, especially young children. A child who is surrounded by substance use early in their life often experiences long-lasting impacts that follow them well into adulthood. Find local programs and resources to help support these vulnerable children so they remain safe, hopeful and resilient.
- Substance use: childhood
Unfortunately, substance use is becoming an increasing concern for younger children in our community. Children who develop drug and alcohol dependencies early in life often experience problems in the classroom, which can lead to long-lasting disadvantages in life. Find community-based prevention and recovery resources, including youth counseling, to help support children whose young lives are touched by addiction.
- Substance use: youth & teens
Substance use and alcoholism can be devastating for teens. They may not realize the serious, long-term effects addiction can have on their bodies and developing brains, so it is important that they get support from adults and advocates who care. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, learn about the prevention, treatment and recovery services for teens available in Stark County.
- Substance use: young adults
Addiction is a complex problem. People who struggle with substance use physically and psychologically crave a drug, even when they know the adverse effect it has on their body, their relationships and their community. Stark Help Central is committed to helping young people to overcome their addictions and develop into productive, stable adults. Find local resources dedicated to supporting young people who are affected by substance use.
- Substance use recovery & support groupsFor people who are ready to heal and move forward from addiction, joining a support group could be a great first step. These groups give people the opportunity to share their stories, celebrate milestones and get past obstacles together. When individuals who are struggling with substance use reach out for support, it is a powerful sign of strength.
- Prescription opioids & heroinMore than ever, our community is aware of the dangers of heroin and opiate addiction. However, prescription drugs are still readily available and used by young adults in Stark County. A person may be prescribed opioids to support their recovery, and then unwillingly become addicted. When these individuals are refused additional prescriptions, heroin is often the go-to because it is easily accessible. If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin or opiate use, find local detox, treatment and recovery programs.
- Mental health & addictionIt is common for people who struggle with substance use to also receive mental health services. Those who have been through trauma or experience anxiety or depression may turn to alcohol and drugs to cope. Fortunately, community programs are available to help these individuals find healthy ways to heal and move forward.
- CHANCE Program Helps People with Substance Use in Stark CountyThe CHANCE Program gives individuals in Stark County a chance to address substance use through intensive treatment. Learn more about this program.
- Drugs & alcoholYoung people may turn to alcohol and drugs as a way to numb emotional pain from personal trauma or as result of peer influence. Youth substance use is a key contributor to problems at school, poor social relationships, motor vehicle accidents and mental health issues. With professional treatment, recovery is possible.
- Marijuana (weed) addiction recoveryBecause their brains are still developing, smoking weed could impact a young person’s memory function, communication and reasoning skills. Marijuana is one of the most popular drugs used among teens and young adults in Stark County, and although many consider it to be safe, marijuana has been shown to reduce a young person’s ability to concentrate, think clearly and make good decisions. Learn about local programs and organizations that are helping to keep young people safe and sober.
- Family & community-based treatment
Whether you are a young person looking for help or someone who is concerned about a young person, there are local organizations that can provide assistance for mental health and substance use. Taking support beyond a traditional office setting can be beneficial for some people.
Community-based treatment allows families to access high-quality services for mental health and substance use with few barriers. Family-based treatment allows those seeking help to get treatment safely in their community alongside their families.
- 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.
- Immediate assistance
If you or someone you know is in crisis, it is important to seek help immediately. No matter if you’re struggling with depression, substance use, relationship problems or family turmoil, free and confidential support is available. You are not alone and talking to someone could help save a life.
- Mental health service providers
For Stark County families to grow stronger and healthier, it is important that everyone has the support they need to maintain their emotional well-being. There are hundreds of mental health, substance use and trauma recovery resources available here in Stark County, including individual, family and faith-based services.
- Self-advocacy references & resourcesBeyond everyday interactions with family and friends, young people are able to self-advocate and use their personal experiences as a springboard for change. For young people who are passionate about raising their voices and telling their stories, they may need help determining the best place to start.
- North Canton Students Use Business to Inspire Positivity in and Outside of the ClassroomA group of students from Hoover High School in North Canton, Ohio, started You Choose, a Junior Achievement business to promote positivity.
- Human TraffickingThe growing rates of sexual exploitation in Stark County are due in part to our prominent interstate system, sports facilities, strip clubs and hotel developments – common environments for this hidden crime. Find resources to help combat sex trafficking in Northeast Ohio.
- 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.
- 6 Ways to Help a Loved One Through Addiction
Addiction leaves countless individuals and their loved ones reeling from its devastating impact. As a disease, addiction is frequently misunderstood and stigmatized. Beyond the stereotypical images of substance use, addiction can have behavioral and psychological effects.
If you’re helping someone with addiction issues, the first thing is to know there is always hope and a way forward.
Understanding Addiction as a DiseaseTo provide meaningful help to a loved one struggling with addiction,
- Find an Overdose Kit in Stark County
Overdose kits include Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray that reverses the effects of opiate overdose. Once administered, it can quickly restore breathing, reverse the effects of opioids, and prevent death. (It’s harmless if given to someone not having an opiate overdose.)
With the rise in the use of opioids in Stark County, you should know where you can get an overdose kit. This is especially true if someone you know is using opioid drugs—you may save their life.
- 2-1-1 Helpline Transitions Resources to StarkHelpCentral.com
In 2023, 2-1-1, Stark County’s helpline, transitioned to StarkHelpCentral.com.
Closing the Stark County information system and online database—that was run by United Way of Greater Stark County—and moving resources to StarkHelpCentral.com helps streamline the process for community members looking for resources and information.
StarkHelpCentral.com can help you find community resources available to you and your family. The searchable community resource website is supported by Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR),
- Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to the privacy practices for StarkHelpCentral.com. It will notify you of what information is collected through the website and how that information is used, protected and shared.
We reserve the right to change this Privacy Policy, at any time and without notice, simply by posting the changes on our site. Any such change will be effective immediately upon posting.
What Information Is Collected and How We Use That Information:We do not collect personally identifying information from users of this website.
- Opiate Resources
In recent years, heroin use has been on the rise across the nation, throughout Ohio and in Stark County. According to Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR), 1,444 members of our community were treated for opiate use in 2016 – nearly six times the number treated 10 years earlier. Find resources and programs to help raise awareness, educate the community and combat this growing epidemic.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, - Become an advocate
People in Stark County need our support now more than ever. If you are invested in the success of our community, use that passion and turn it into action. Find opportunities to partner with StarkHelpCentral.com and become an active, engaged advocate.
- The Importance of Getting an Opioid Overdose Kit
As the opioid crisis in Northeast Ohio continued to grow, the Stark County Opiate & Addiction Task Force was created in 2011 to help educate the community and provide necessary resources on opioids. In 2014, Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) was created by the Ohio Health Department to bring together educational and naloxone distribution programs during the opioid epidemic. In order to prevent opioid overdose and to further harm reduction strategies, these organizations provide free overdose kits for anyone in Ohio who wants one.
- Men’s mental health
Mental health is a part of mental wellness and is extremely important. Men tend to have a more difficult time openly speaking about their mental health than women do. Use these mental health resources for men to learn how to communicate what you are feeling about your mental state.
- Find help for…
If you or someone you know could use a helping hand, community support is available here in Stark County. Learn about the local support resources working to address some of the most common concerns facing our community’s residents. Hope for a happy, thriving future starts today.
- Get your resource listed on StarkHelpCentral.com
Are you a resource provider who is not represented on our website? If you have information on your organization, programs, services or related topics that you would like to see represented, please submit your request using the form below. In order for a resource to be considered, it should be open to the community and support the needs of Stark County, Ohio, residents.
- Removing Barriers to Owning a Small Business
StarkFresh serves the people of Stark County through a variety of ways, all in the name of their mission: “Tackling the causes of hunger by creating realistic pathways out of poverty.” Many in the county know StarkFresh for its grocery store located in downtown Canton on Cherry Ave. NE or its mobile grocery market that travels throughout the area; though the programs offered through StarkFresh go past the scope of bringing food to people in need.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Introducing StarkHelpCentral.comStarkHelpCentral.com provides information and support to youth, young adults and engaged members of our community.
- Mental health services for teens & young adultsWith the support of local service providers and community advocates, many teens and young adults can learn to support their mental health and go on to live full, enriching lives. Therapy, group counseling and prescription medications are just some of the ways young people in Stark County can learn to cope with a mental health condition.
- Mental & emotional support for traumaRecovering from a traumatic event isn’t easy. Discovering and developing resiliency and coping skills may be easier with the help of a mental health professional.
- Childhood mental health services
In some instances, a child who has experienced trauma or another mental health challenge may struggle to cope as they get older. If your child seems to be battling feelings of hopelessness, sadness or difficult behaviors, consider seeking the help of a mental health provider in Stark County.
You can ask your child’s pediatrician for referrals and guidance throughout the process of seeking services. This may include direct counseling for the child or family and community-based treatment.
- Mental Health Month: Ways to Stop the StigmaFind out how to promote understanding, increase opportunities for help and improve the lives of those facing mental health conditions in Stark County.
- March 1st is Self Injury Awareness Day
The UK organization LifeSIGNS started dedicating March 1st as Self Injury Awareness Day in 2002. Now, 20 years later, it is a national awareness day for many countries, including the U.S. Self-injury goes by other names, including self-harm and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and encompasses a large range of actions that one takes to cope with extreme emotion, release tension from these emotions, or take back a perceived loss of control. While teens tend to be the most likely to self-injure,
- How Teen Court Benefits Defendants, Participants, the Court and the CommunityTeen Court is an alternative to traditional juvenile court & prevents recidivism with youth-to-youth accountability. Learn about its impact on Stark County.
- Being Kind to Others & Yourself Can Improve Your Mental HealthKindness is linked to mental health. And we sure could use more of it during the pandemic. Here are simple ways to add more kindness into your life.
- Shawna’s Story of MotherhoodWhen Shawna and her husband found out she was pregnant, they didn’t know where to start. Yet everything changed when she met a THRIVE health worker.
- 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.
- Telehealth is here!Whether you are new to professional mental health support or have been in treatment before, telethealth is here to help.
- Stories of Self-AdvocacyWatch these videos from Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities to find out how young people with disabilities are advocating for themselves.
- 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?
- The Legacy Project of Stark Makes an imPACT
Who We Are
In 2015, The Legacy Project of Stark was founded by Eugene Lingenhoel. As he was delivering backpacks & school supplies at Lehman Middle School in Canton City, the principal, Jeanne McNeal, who is now the principal at Oakwood Middle School in Plain Local, asked Eugene if he would be willing to meet with some of her students. Jeanne saw a need for her students to have a positive role model in their life and saw an opportunity to provide that for them.
- 3 Reasons Why Nature is Good for Your Mental Health
During the pandemic, everyone seemed to realize the importance of getting outside and enjoying the fresh air. Think about how much lighter you feel after taking your dog for a walk. Or how energized your mind is after a hike in the woods. Or even consider the boost you get from a warm, sunshine-filled day. It should be no secret how nature helps our mental health.
Let’s explore just a few of the ways nature and mental health are connected.
- Introducing the Stark County Mindfulness WalkStarkMHAR & Stark Parks partnered to create a 1-mile Mindfulness Walk with activities to promote mental health & self-care while enjoying nature.
- Where to Find Food and Meals for Thanksgiving
Updated 11.2023
For some families struggling with poverty and hunger, Thanksgiving can be a difficult holiday. If you are dealing with food insecurity, need help with the expense of purchasing the needed ingredients for a special meal or are struggling with high medical bills, low wages, housing needs or other issues, we have gathered some valuable resources below.
Stark Help Central.com wants to help ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday, especially children.
- Mental Health Resources During the Coronavirus Pandemic
This year, we’ve faced a pandemic unlike anything in our lifetimes. As we get closer to a vaccine for coronavirus, many people in Stark County are still feeling the stressful effects. Fortunately, the stress response is normal during a crisis.
Are you looking for ways to manage feelings of stress and anxiety? Here are some common questions we have received related to mental health, coping with COVID-19 in the community,
- Pride Events in OhioSupport the LGBTQ+ community by attending or volunteering at Pride events. Use this list to plan a visit or involvement with an LGBTQ+ organization.
ASCEND
Formerly Foundations
Promoting recovery through peer support, education, advocacy and networking.
Peer ran Respite Unit is based on short-term, in-house stay for those struggling with mental health and addiction recovery issues.
Free(no insurance necessary or accepted)
Also offers classes in person or via zoom with a possible $45.00 Walmart card stipend for attending 20 classes.
Additional locations:
227 Third St. SE,
Suite 200
Canton, OH 44702
Phoenix Rising Behavioral Health & Recovery of Alliance
Provides outpatient psychiatric, counseling, and case management services to children, adolescents, and adults
Mental health & illness, addictions, dual disorders, behavioral issues, trauma
Closed Friday, clients directed to Canton if an emergency or direct care needed
Alliance, OH 44601
Coleman Health Services – Alliance
Offers comprehensive, whole person treatment to children, adults and families in the communities we serve – regardless of their ability to pay
Delivers mental health, substance use, residential, and rehabilitation services
Walk-in Clinic:
Mon- Fri 11am – 12pm
Alliance, OH 44601
Encompass Christian Counseling
Licensed professional therapy and addiction services from a Christian perspective
Click “Learn more” for additional locations
Massillon, OH 44646
Coleman Health Services – Canton
Offers comprehensive, whole person treatment to children, adults and families in the communities we serve – regardless of their ability to pay
Delivers mental health, substance use, residential, and rehabilitation services
Walk-in Clinic: Mon- Fri 8am – 2pm
Suite 200
Canton, OH 44702
Phoenix Rising Behavioral Health and Recovery Inc.
Provides outpatient psychiatric, counseling, and case management services to children, adolescents, and adults
Mental health & illness, addictions, dual disorders, behavioral issues, trauma
Canton, OH 44702
Coleman Crisis Services
If you need immediate help, or are experiencing a mental health crisis, professional and confidential consultation is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Walk-in Clinic: 24/7 Crisis Services
Call-in Clinic: 24/7 Crisis Services
Canton, OH 44708
CommQuest Alliance
CommQuest Alliance Outpatient
Addiction and mental health counseling, psychiatric services, case management, and rape crisis
Suites F & M
Alliance, OH 44601
CommQuest Canton
Addiction and mental health counseling, psychiatric services, case management, education and employment services, detox, hot meals, social center
CommQuest Massillon
Addiction and mental health counseling, psychiatric services, case management, family housing, male residential addiction treatment, driver intervention program
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
Deliverance Over Alcohol and Drugs (D.A.D.)
Group of individuals recovering from substance use.
Canton, OH 44703
BeSobr
Anonymous class for individuals recovering from substance use.
Canton, OH 44718
Sunrise Vista Behavioral Health
At Sunrise Vista, we are capable of providing the medical needs associated with substance abuse disorders in individuals also experiencing mental health related symptoms as long as the individual has a primary mental health diagnosis.
Canton, OH 44714
Arrow Passage Recovery
A private rehab clinic treating substance use in Stark County.
Massillon, OH 44646
Building Blocks Counseling Center
Mental health and substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Suite 1
North Canton, OH 44720
Summit Psychological Associates: Downtown Canton
Comprehensive mental health and substance use services for prevention, treatment and recovery.
Canton, OH 44703 Learn more
Summit Psychological Associates: North Canton
Comprehensive mental health and substance use services for prevention, treatment and recovery.
Suite 701
Canton, OH 44718
We Care Counseling, Inc.
Counselors specializing in complex trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, addiction and transitional youth.
Suite 2
North Canton, OH 44720
Stark County Youth Led Prevention
A youth-led, adult-guided leadership development group providing a safe place for students to come together to promote, celebrate and encourage healthy decisions regarding substance use.
Canton, OH 44704
Boys & Girls Club of Massillon
Academic, health and leadership programs that create a safe environment for kids to have fun and be themselves.
Programs include a Hot Meal and Smart Move (Evidence-based substance use prevention curriculum and youth development program for school-aged children).
Massillon, OH 44647
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.
Canton, OH 44705
Kidzone
Affordable, gently-used children’s clothing, shoes and toys.
Alliance, OH 44601
Michael’s World
Gently used children’s clothing for the community at no charge.
Join us on the 4th Thursday of Every month for a free community meal from 5-6 pm.
Alliance, OH 44601
Crossroads UMC Free Store & Fresh Market
The Free Store and Fresh Market provides gently used clothing, household items, and fresh produce to individuals and families in a hospitable atmosphere that affirms the self-worth of each individual. We have organized separate shopping areas for children’s clothes, toys, and other items as well as an area for household items, women’s and men’s clothing. Additionally, we have a produce market where our old chapel used to be where people can shop for free, fresh,
Canton, OH 44702
Canton Comprehensive Treatment Center
Located in Massillon, Ohio, Canton Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC) provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to adults age 18 and older of all genders who are struggling with opioid use disorder.
Massillon, OH 44646
Habitat for Humanity
Helping families experience stability and self-reliance through affordable home ownership.
Suite A
Canton, OH 44710
The Jesus Spot
Overdose prevention kits containing Naloxone are available at no cost to Stark County residents. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (heroin or Rx pain medications). If you know someone using opiates, get a kit and be prepared to save a life.
Canton, OH 44708
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.
Canton, OH 44705
NAMI Stark County
Mental illness can be extremely isolating and it’s not uncommon to lose friends along the way. This is a chance to meet new people. Support Groups are free to attend and no registration is required.
Support Groups for those impacted by mental illness, family members and natural supports. Help is available; you are not alone!
Visit namistarkcounty.org/support-groups/ for updated Zoom links. All groups meet virtually.
- Friday Peer Support Group (Adults with Mental Illness): 7:00 PM – Group meets weekly Friday
- Tuesday Peer Support Group (Adults with Mental Illness): 7:00 PM – Group meets weekly Tuesday
- Sunday Night Support Group (Peers and Family Members): 7:00 PM – Group meets weekly Sunday
- Monday Family Support Group (Family Members) No Group July – August: 7:00 PM – Groups meets weekly Monday
- Wednesday Let’s Talk Support Group (Family Members and Peers with Mental Illness/Substance Abuse) No Group July – August: 7:00 PM – Group meets weekly Wednesday
Canton, OH 44702
Community Action Pathways HUB
Are you or someone you know pregnant and could benefit from being connected to community services and support? If so, then you have the opportunity to take advantage of this program. The HUB utilizes Community Health Workers that assist in decision making during pregnancy. They link you to services in the community that can help you and your baby.
Do you need…
- A ride to your doctor’s appointment?
- Baby items like a crib or diapers?
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
24/7 Phone #’s
Call or text: 988
Chat on website: www.988lifeline.org
Or call: 330-452-6000
The new three-digit dialing code, 988 Lifeline, connects callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. When you call, text or chat using the 988 Lifeline, you’re connected to trained counselors that are part of the 988 Lifeline network, made up of more than 200 local crisis centers. Counselors are trained to provide emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Free Mom Hugs
Free Mom Hugs in Ohio can be found at Pride and LGBTQ+ community-focused events across the state. Once you register with the Ohio group, they will connect you with the appropriate local chapter.
Free Mom Hugs works to empower the world to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. We embrace people of all faiths, backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations. Our goal is to change the world simply by showing up.
Our goal is not to replace family relationships,
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
YWCA Alliance
We improve Alliance area women’s lives, stand up for justice, and strengthen communities with a focus on three impact areas: equipping youth, economic stability and advancement and senior nutrition and health
Provides transitional housing for women, a clothing boutique, employment and transportation assistance, youth programs, and Meals on Wheels for the senior community
Alliance, OH 44601