Here's what we found for you
- 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.
- 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,
- Information on Stark County’s COVID-19 Vaccine RolloutAs the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues, it’s important to stay up to date on information for getting the vaccine in Stark County. Learn more.
- 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.
- Basic needs: youth & teens
For adolescents in Stark County, growing up can be a challenge – especially when money is tight and support is not available at home. When youth and teens are struggling to meet their most basic needs, there are many local organizations they can turn to for help. Discover ways to access food, clothing and shelter for adolescents across Stark.
- Parenting help
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.
- Teen pregnancy
If you are experiencing an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy, you are not alone. Being a pregnant teen can be overwhelming and confusing, but community resources in Stark County are available to help you along the way. Find support groups, health care providers and confidential spaces to talk about your pregnancy options.
- About usOur impact Guiding Stark County toward health and hope
With partner agencies serving thousands of individuals each year, StarkHelpCentral.com has ambitious plans for addressing some of our area’s greatest challenges. We are launching new prevention efforts, amplifying awareness and mobilizing resources to achieve real, lasting results.
- Developmental disabilities: young adults
The journey to adulthood can be challenging for anyone, and especially for young people with developmental disabilities. From securing employment and managing health care responsibilities to finding accessible housing and transportation, there is a lot to learn to ensure a smooth transition. To plan for success in the adult world, community resources are available. Learn about the advocates and supporters helping to empower young adults with disabilities in Stark County, Ohio.
- 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),
- Gangs & violence: youth & teens
Gang violence affects many communities – including Stark County – creating a climate of fear and increased criminal behavior. In fact, youth violence is one of the leading causes of death for young people between the ages of 10 and 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing it is a vital part of promoting the health and safety of our youth and overall community. Learn about the resources available to help keep gang violence out of our local schools and neighborhoods.
- 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.
- 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, - 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,
- Hard times: early childhood
Young children need proper nutrition and medical care in order to grow, develop and thrive. When a household is in financial crisis, it can have serious, long-term health, social and behavioral implications throughout their lives. Fortunately, families in Stark County are not alone in facing these challenges. There are local agencies dedicated to providing food, clothing, shelter and cash assistance to those who are experiencing hard times.
Even parents who are employed with steady incomes may struggle to make ends meet when they have child.
- Childhood neglect and abuseWhen a parent or caregiver fails to provide the basic needs for a child to grow up happy and healthy, it can cause serious long-term effects. For healthy development, children need food, clothing, safety, shelter and emotional support, especially during the early years of their lives.
- 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?
- 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.
- Stark County CARE Teams cover basic needs so students can focus on academicsTogether, these professionals brainstorm ideas for ways to support children so they can do their best while they’re at school.
- 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.
- Your Guide to Pride: 2022 Ohio Pride Events
Happy Pride Month, Ohioans! Nowadays, Pride celebrations extend beyond the month of June and into the summer, so everyone has a chance to celebrate. If you’re looking for Pride events near you throughout Ohio, you’ve come to the right place.
No matter how you identify or if you’re an ally, there’s a Pride parade, festival or celebration near you. Be sure to catch a live performance, support local vendors who attend, volunteer for a committee,
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stark County Educational Service Center Provides Schools with Helpful ResourcesThe Stark County Educational Service Center provides schools with helpful resources that support student educational, health and emotional needs.
NE Family Care Counseling Center
A comprehensive mental health center for Stark County and surrounding areas.
#103
North Canton, OH 44720
Building Blocks Counseling Center
Mental health and substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Suite 1
North Canton, OH 44720
Father Matthew Herttna Counseling Center
Mental health counseling and referrals available at the Walsh University campus.
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
Stark County Job & Family Services
Report child abuse: 330-455-KIDS / 1-800-233-5437
Partner with our customers, community and other service providers to protect children and vulnerable adults, stabilize and strengthen families, and encourage self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.
- Cash assistance
- Food assistance
- Medicaid & Medical
- Non-emergency transportation – Transportation to and from Medicaid-qualified appointments, including doctor visits, dental visits, vision appointments and more.
- Child care services
- Work experience program –
Canton, OH 44702
Summit Psychological Associates: North Canton
Comprehensive mental health and substance use services for prevention, treatment and recovery.
Suite 701
Canton, OH 44718
Beacon Charitable Pharmacy
Connecting underinsured residents of Stark and Carroll Counties to quality health care and prescriptions.
Canton, OH 44707
Molina Healthcare of Ohio
Molina Healthcare focuses on health, wellness and improving patient outcomes. Visit their website for more information.
Columbus, OH 43231
Ohio MENTOR & IFCS
Foster care and mental health services for young people with emotional, behavioral and other complex challenges.
Suite C & D
Canton, OH 44718
Family Empowerment Ministries
Classes on critical health topics for women who are pregnant or guardians of children under 12 months old.
Alliance, OH 44601
Stark County Vet Center
Offers various resources to Stark County veterans, including mental health services and job referrals when available.
Suite C
Canton, OH 44702
Troop & Family Assistance Center Specialist
Offers resources and links to veteran programs for jobs, education, health care, legal and financial services. Contact Jennifer Perez, Contractor.
Victim/Witness Division of the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office
Supporting victims of crimes in Stark County with information about all aspects of the prosecution as well as community referrals to health and social services.
Suite 510
Canton, OH 44702
Akron Children’s Hospital: North Canton
Pediatric health provider for children in Stark County:
- Primary care
- Home care
- Surgical services
- Clinical services
- Financial services
Building B
North Canton, OH 44720
H.O.P.E. Program
Mental health professionals who help individuals complete Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP), reach stabilization and decrease risks for re-offending.
Canton, OH 44702
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.
Canton, OH 44718
SAFY of Ohio: Canton/Akron
Community-based support services for Ohio families:
- Adoption services
- Behavioral health
- Family preservation
- Older youth services
- Therapeutic foster care
Canton, OH 44720
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?
Hammer and Nails Inc.
Free Home Repairs and Wheelchair Ramp Installations. We help low-income Stark County homeowners with preservation, upkeep, safety, and health-related home repairs.
Canton, OH 44703
COMPASS Rape Crisis
24/7 Confidential Hotline: 330-452-1111
Mental health, counseling, and case management services for all survivors of rape and sexual assault
Confidential Hotline
Hospital Advocacy
Justice System Advocacy
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
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
Community Drop In Center
Walk-in service for NARCAN kits every Thursday from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm in partnership with Canton Public Health.
Their food pantry is open the second, third, and fourth Fridays each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Canton, OH 44707
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.
Massillon City School District
Career Technical Education – Helping students to develop professional skills and experience to prepare them for future employment:
- Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)
- Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
- Skills USA
- Business Professionals of America (BPA)
- Educators Rising
- Junior Achievement
Massillon, OH 44646
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
Community Building Partnership
Healthy Neighborhoods:
City of Canton Down Payment Assistance
Aultman Core Asset Area Down Payment Assistance
Neighborhood Leaders
Housing Counseling:
Financial Fitness
Home Buyer Workshop
Suite 400
Canton, OH 44702
Lake Local School District
Career programs offered through the Stark Career Compact:
- Career-based intervention (CBI)
- Health tech
- Legal studies
- Marketing & business management
Performing Arts Summer Spectacular: A unique six-week theater camp for students entering seventh through 12th grade that culminates in the performance of a musical production.
Uniontown, OH 44685
Stark County Homeless Hotline
24/7 Hotline: 330-452-4363
For referrals to free community shelters and other local housing programs.
Please allow enough phone time for specialists to conduct an initial assessment review to find information and programs that work best for your needs.
The homeless hotline number is a part of Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery.
Christ Presbyterian Church
Hot breakfast is provided to anyone in the community through their Food, Clothing & Prayer program on the second Saturday of every month from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Camp Wakonda is a Christian summer camp that encourages children to grow in their emotional and spiritual health in the Christian community. Since 1959, campers have learned about and experienced God through the wonder of nature.
Canton, OH 44702
R & R Counseling Center
Our focus is on the American Counseling Association (ACA) Principles. We strive to treat every client individually with dignity and a focus to do no harm. We promote positive mental health and well-being. We value fairness and equality. We recognize trust as a big responsibility, and we aspire for openness and honesty to achieve that. We offer counseling services in the areas of couples and marriage, family, child and adolescents, adults, trauma, and addictions. We provide individual and group sessions.
Ste F
Massillon, OH 44646
Stark County Family Court
Legal services for child custody, behavioral health and domestic relations cases. Visit their website for more information.
Intake specialists who work with juvenile offenders and their families to prepare for court cases and provide mediation when possible are available at (330) 451-7317.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)/ Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) – Representing the rights and interests of abused, neglected and dependent children in Stark County.
Suite 670
Canton, OH 44702
Legacy of Honor
Our goal is to serve those who serve us but standing beside them in the everyday. We aim to work alongside other partners to help fill in the gaps. We serve veterans, active duty military, first responders (police, fire, EMS, corrections, communications, ER/Trauma nurses/doctors), and their families. We offer 3 programs – Operation Bootstrap – help in the everyday, Operation RAK (Random Acts of Kindness), and Operation Access – Peer Support for Trauma and Mental Health for First Responders.
Louisville, OH 44641
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
American Red Cross: Stark and Muskingum Lakes Chapter
We help communities in Northern Ohio prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. We are able to make a difference in our local communities because of the generosity of our donors and support of our volunteers. Together, we provide the following programs and services:
- Disaster Services
- Volunteer Services
- Blood Donation Services
- Lifesaving Skills Training
- Military or Veterans Assistance (mental health counseling, emergency assistance and job services)
- Home Fire Campaign
Canton, OH 44707
Aultman North
Aultman North provides the array of services you need, health care professionals you can trust and close-to-home convenience to fit your busy lifestyle. Conveniently located near the Belden Village area, Aultman North offers:
- Aquatic therapy
- AultmanNow Urgent Care
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Imaging
- Occupational rehabilitation
- Orthopedics and sports medicine
- Outpatient lab
- Pelvic floor therapy
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Reiki
- Sleep center
- Speech therapy
North Canton, OH 44720
Canton For All People
Canton for All People is a Community Development Corporation formed by Crossroads United Methodist Church in in partnership with the Lemmon and DeHoff family foundations to bring quality housing and opportunities for all people to downtown Canton. Canton for All People was formed to help the church address two of its primary focus areas (1) Overcoming Poverty Together (2) Seeking Health and Wholeness for All.
- Shorb Home Repair (assist homeowners with exterior repairs)
- Affordable Housing &
Canton, OH 44702
Vantage Aging
For nearly 50 years, VANTAGE Aging has promoted successful aging by providing programs to support the needs of older adults wishing to age in place and live independently with dignity.
Meals on Wheels and Home Wellness- Health and wellness are important to the success of aging in place, and our Home Wellness Solutions and Meals on Wheels programs build on that concept by helping people remain at home by providing home-delivered meals, wellness checks,
Massillon, OH 44646
Cleveland Clinic at Mercy Hospital
Emergency health care services available 24/7.
Child delivery and support services in Stark County:
- Maternity and mother/baby care
- Breastfeeding support
- Neonatal special care nursery
- High-risk pregnancy support
Cancer Support Group: Group of current or former cancer patients and their caregivers, family members and friends. Meets Thursdays at 6 pm.
Seeds of Hope: Supporting individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one.
Canton, OH 44708
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
The Gentle Shepherd Counseling Center
Licensed counselors treating and diagnosing mental health conditions.
Support Groups: Contact for information about joining.
- Men’s Sexual Addiction Recovery Group
Ongoing every Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm
This therapy group is designed for men seeking to overcome a variety of unwanted sexualized behaviors. It is confidential, faith-based, and emphasizes healing from sexual brokenness, shame and guilt. The recovery process encourages personal integrity and healthy connections with other men. Membership is screened by the facilitating counselor,
North Canton, OH 44720
YWCA Canton
Provides emergency shelter to the homeless and tools to help them get back on their feet and become self-sufficient
Also provides early care and education services to children that enhance their development and prepare them to be successful as they transition to kindergarten
To be placed in housing you must first register with the homeless hotline by calling 330-452-4363
Canton, OH 44702
The Pines Healthcare Center
This skilled nursing facility offers short-term rehabilitation, subacute, long-term care, and programming for seniors.
Canton, OH 44708 Learn more
Heartland Behavioral Healthcare
Patient and family outreach for those affected by mental illness.
Interim HealthCare – North Canton
Interim HealthCare provides in-home services for those recovering from a hospital stay or for those who need support with daily tasks.
North Canton, OH 44720
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