Here's what we found for you
- 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 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.
It’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.
- Mental Health Awareness Month Tips: 4 Ways to Participate
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, it is important to find ways to participate in Mental Health Awareness Month.
Here are four Mental Health Awareness Month tips so you can participate and support those around you.
- 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.
- 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 rent and mortgage assistance.
- 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.
- How to Build Your Self-EsteemLow self-esteem can affect many aspects of your life. Feel like you could improve your self-esteem? Here are some ways to start loving yourself more.
- Healthy Pregnancy
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.
- Behind On Rent & Utilities
If you’re facing financial hardships and need help with rent and utilities to help you stay afloat, Stark County offers various programs to assist. Review the options available and reach out to find out which programs might work best for you.
CareSource
CareSource offers a team approach to managing care, as well as transportation, 24-hour medical advice line and no copays or premiums.
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.
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
Referrals to organizations offering utility payment assistance.
Columbus, OH 43215
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.
GiGi’s Playhouse Canton – Down Syndrome Achievement 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
Cambridge Caretenders of Canton
Cambridge offers care and support for a variety of patients in their own home.
Canton, OH 44718 Learn more
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
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
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
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
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
Salvation Army of Canton
Serving the Canton community:
Hot meal program
Food pantries
Clothing
Shelters
Rent assistance
Utility assistance
Programs for adults and youth
Canton, OH 44702
Alliance Senior Towers
HUD subsidized rent, but does not accept Section 8 vouchers.
Alliance, OH 44601
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
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
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
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 Learn more
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
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.
ICAN Housing
Connecting people to housing, mental health services and community support in Stark County, Ohio.
Need help? Click here for first steps.
Canton, OH 44714
Strengthening Stark
Strengthening Stark is a community-wide movement for our growing community. As part of their mission, they are dedicated to getting Stark County residents into better jobs and training through their Stark Career Connect program. Learn more at their website.
The Stark Jobs Platform site was created as a helpful tool for job hunters in the Stark County area. By breaking down employment opportunities by industry, location, and required qualifications, they hope to provide a comprehensive resource for those seeking jobs in Stark County.
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
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 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,
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Provides a monthly benefit up to $30 (up to $75/month on Tribal lands) for broadband internet. – Provides a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50.).
INTAKE PROCEDURE– Customers can sign up online at www.getinternet.gov/apply or sign up via mail.
– To learn more or to get a mail-in application, call the ACP Support Center at 1-877-384-2575 from 9:00am to 9:00pm daily.
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,