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- 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.
- 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,
- Find Resources in Stark County for Young People Facing Real Life IssuesWith StarkHelpCentral.com, the search for community resources is confidential, convenient and consistent with target age groups.
- Father’s rights
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 dedicated to supporting fathers legally, financially and emotionally. Because stronger relationships lead to stronger families.
- Summer campsWhen school is out for the summer, finding engaging ways to keep kids busy can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are many great summer camps offered throughout Northeast Ohio, where young people can socialize, learn and channel their energy in positive ways. Especially for working parents, camps can be a better, more affordable alternative to summer child care. Learn about the summer camps available near you.
- 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.
- Holiday (Christmas) Gifts for Families in NeedSome local organizations provide assistance during the holiday season to help bring joy to harder times. View our list of those who can help.
- 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.
- 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.
- There is No Health Without Mental HealthMental health in an important part of your overall health – it’s not just physical health. Learn more and get Stark County resources on mental health.
- 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.
- Childhood mental health support
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 support provider in Stark County.
Start early with mental health supportIt’s never too early to think about children’s mental health. For women who are pregnant or parents who have young babies at home,
- 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),
- 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.
- Navigating the Holidays and Mental Health
While the holidays are celebrated as “the happiest time of the year,” it doesn’t always feel that way. If you, or a loved one, is struggling, the holidays can be hard. If you’re feeling alone, know that there are places in Stark County where you can turn for support and help.
The Holidays and Mental HealthStruggles with mental health and the holidays can equal extra stress. Navigating the two at the same time can be difficult.
- Mental Health Awareness Month Tips for You or Your Loved Ones
Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May in the United States. It’s a time to recognize that our mental health is part of our overall health, fight stigmas surrounding mental health issues, learn about various issues and policies, and more. Whether or not you are personally dealing with a mental health issue or a loved one, it is important to find ways to participate. Below are some tips for Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Dealing with Inflation: Making More with Less
Inflation has hit Stark County hard, especially at the grocery store. Many families are struggling to provide healthy and nutritious meals. There are several community food banks in the area to help with food assistance. Below is a list of food pantry resources for your family to receive help with food.
Akron-Canton Regional FoodbankThe Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank offers pantry distributions all over Stark County. Visit their website for up-to-date distribution schedules.
- Employment resourcesWhether you are a young person looking for a part-time job, a parent who is out of work or an individual with disabilities planning for independence, resources are available to help you navigate the job search.
- Violence & discriminationCompared to their heterosexual peers, LGBTQ+ teens may face a greater risk of discrimination and targeted violence – from bullying, teasing and harassment to physical and sexual violence. However, area resources are working to put an end to anti-LGBTQ+ stigma by standing up and speaking out against hate and intolerance.
- Rent/mortgage assistance: adults 26+
If you’re currently having trouble paying your rent or mortgage, have fallen behind on payments or if a change in your income means you’ll soon be unable to meet your payments, there is help. We’ve gathered a list of local organizations that provide help with rent and mortgage.
- 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.
- Health care supportAll 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.
CareSource
CareSource offers a team approach to managing care, as well as transportation, 24-hour medical advice line and no copays or premiums.
Perry Sippo Branch
Public library open to all with books, DVDs, CDs, free Wi-Fi, computers, printing, copying, and faxing.
Canton, OH 44708
Stark Library
Stark Library is a public library system serving Stark County through 10 locations, a Bookmobile, and a wide range of online services. Stark Library offers free access to books, digital materials, technology, and welcoming spaces that support lifelong learning, workforce development, and community connection.
Community members can explore books, eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and online resources for all ages, along with free computer and internet access, Wi-Fi, printing, and meeting rooms. Knowledgeable staff are available to help with job searching,
Canton, OH 44702
Percentage Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
Program providing customers with consistent utility payments year-round.
ALS Care Project
If you, a loved one, or your ALS patient has been diagnosed with ALS, you may CONTACT US for information or assistance from anywhere in the USA or world. Nursing consultation includes assessment of patient problems; nursing recommendations; education on options for breathing and living; and referral to appropriate multidisciplinary healthcare providers for best management of care and patient outcomes.
GiGi’s Playhouse Canton – Down Syndrome Center
GiGi’s Playhouse Canton is fulfilling the dream of the Down syndrome community of having a location where individuals with Down syndrome of all ages have a place to call their own, where they feel safe and can explore their abilities through proven programs with support and celebration. Parents no longer feel the anxiety of finding a place where their loved one will be unconditionally accepted and offered opportunity to become their best of all.
Each participant will grow with the programs at their own pace and interact with their peers in an environment of celebration and achievement.
Canton, OH 44718
Mercy Hospital Urgent and Outpatient Care, North Canton
STATCARE location offering urgent prenatal care services.
North Canton, OH 44720
Heartland Behavioral Healthcare
Patient and family outreach for those affected by mental illness.
Cambridge Caretenders of Canton
Cambridge offers care and support for a variety of patients in their own home.
Canton, OH 44718
Salvation Army of Massillon
Serving the Massillon community:
- Hot meal program
- Food pantries
- Clothing
- Shelters
- Rent assistance
- Utility assistance
- Programs for adults and youth
- Holiday/Christmas assistance – visit saangeltree.org to apply
Massillon, OH 44646
Salvation Army of Alliance
Serving the Alliance community:
- Hot meal program
- Food pantries
- Clothing
- Shelters
- Rent assistance
- Utility assistance
- Programs for adults and youth
- Holiday/Christmas assistance – visit saangeltree.org to apply
Alliance, OH 44601
My Community Health Center
Primary health care center providing care for all patients regardless of ability to pay.
Canton, OH 44710
Molina Healthcare of Ohio
Molina Healthcare focuses on health, wellness and improving patient outcomes. Visit their website for more information.
Columbus, OH 43231
BrightView Canton Addiction Treatment Center
This comprehensive addiction treatment center provides outpatient treatment to patients struggling with drug abuse or alcohol addiction.
Massillon, OH 44646
Community Building Partnership
Community Building Partnership of Stark County, Inc. (CBP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and revitalizing neighborhoods throughout Stark County. CBP empowers residents to improve their homes, build financial stability, and strengthen community connections through a variety of free programs and services.
CBP’s Healthy Neighborhoods Programs support neighborhood pride, stability, and reinvestment through:
Aultman Area Programming – connecting residents and partners to strengthen the neighborhoods surrounding Aultman Hospital.
Canton Exterior Renovation Grant Program – providing financial rebate for exterior home improvements that enhance curb appeal.
Suite 400
Canton, OH 44702
Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
Payments for medical services and lost wages resulting from injury, occupational illness and/or death during the course of employment.
Suite 200
North Canton, OH 44720
Alliance Senior Towers
HUD subsidized rent, but does not accept Section 8 vouchers.
Alliance, OH 44601
Mercy Medical Center Dental Services
Specialized dental care for people with autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and other conditions, including an accessible dental chair and fully mobile unit for wheelchair patients.
Canton, OH 44708
Malone University Academic Summer Camps
Academic summer camps that give students entering 10th through 12th grade a chance to gain valuable hands-on experience with talented professionals in their fields of interest. Note: Summer camps at Malone have been paused for 2021.
Canton, OH 44709
Green Parks & Recreation Summer Day Camps
Weeklong camps for children ages 7 to 12 covering a variety of fun topics including transportation, superheroes, cooking, games and secret agents.
Uniontown, OH 44685
Lifecare Family Health & Dental Center
Lifecare Family Health & Dental Center provides affordable, accessible and comprehensive health care services to residents of Canton, Massillon and surrounding Stark County Ohio communities. We are a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), open to persons of all ages regardless of ability to pay and health insurance status. New patients are always welcome. We accept Medicaid, Medicare and most private insurance plans. Reduced rates are available for qualifying uninsured patients. Lifecare’s dedicated team of family physicians,
Canton, OH 44707
Margaret B. Shipley Child Health Clinic
The Shipley Clinic has been serving all children regardless of their backgrounds with pediatric care for over 50 years. At the core, we are a pediatric clinic. When you dive in, we wrap our arms around our patients and their families to provide extra care, treatment and love. We serve children from birth to 18 with no geographic boundary.
Canton, OH 44704
WellNow Urgent Care – North Canton
WellNow Urgent Care – North Canton provides a range of services for illnesses, injuries, physicals, X-rays and diagnostics. They also provide 24/7 telehealth virtual medical services. Online check-in is available. They accept most insurances and offer competitive pricing for uninsured patients.
WellNow Urgent Care Covid testing is available with next-day results. PCR testing can be done via walk-in or appointment.
North Canton, OH 44720
Visiting Angels
Respite care is available to support elderly and disabled adults and their caregivers. This includes temporary care, part-time care, and support care.
Canton, OH 44708
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
LGBT National Help Center
All of our support volunteers identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ family, and are here to serve the entire community, by providing free & confidential peer-support, information, and local resources through national hotlines and online programs.
Salvation Army of Canton
Serving the Canton community with:
- Emergency food pantry
- Diaper/Feminine hygiene distribution
- To-go meals (soup kitchen/bagged)
- Rental/utility assistance (as funding allows)
- Showers
- Seasonal assistance (back-to-school supplies/Christmas help)
- Recreation + educational programs (adults & children)
Canton, OH 44702