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- Public Benefits Assistance: Application & Eligibility
Navigating life’s challenges is difficult enough. We’re here to make finding help for basic needs simple. Learn how to apply for cash, food and/or medical assistance and get started today. Cases are processed in the order they are received, so it is important to start the process as soon as possible.
- Basic Needs: Childhood
In order to grow up happy and healthy, kids need a roof over their heads, food on the table and access to quality medical care. Unfortunately, this is not a reality for many of Stark County’s youngest residents. Find local organizations connecting children in our community with the basic items they need to thrive. Together, we can help keep our kids safe and supported.
- 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.
- Signs of child abuse & neglectAbuse and neglect can have emotional, mental and physical effects long into a child’s future. Signs like bruises, scrapes, cuts and broken bones are common with physical abuse, while emotional abuse typically results in a change of the child’s actions and behaviors. Learn more about ways to identify and report child abuse and neglect.
- Hotline to report abuse or neglectIf you suspect childhood abuse or neglect, don’t wait to reach out. When it comes to children in crisis, every minute can be crucial in preventing an episode of abuse. Whether you have a concern about mental, emotional or physical cruelty, call the hotline today.
- 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.
- Basic Needs Information & Referrals
Looking for help, but not sure where to turn? At Stark Help Central, we have a vision for the future of Stark County where every child, parent, friend and neighbor has the resources to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. Find local organizations dedicated to lifting up local families in times of need.
- 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.
- Substance use treatment centersThere are many quality, supportive treatment centers in Stark County for people who are struggling or have struggled with substance use. Whether you are in need of detox services, clinical care or community-based treatment, help is available. Find local treatment and recovery centers near you, as well as helpful resources to support you through the process.
- Human trafficking survivorsA survivor of human trafficking will face a long and complex journey to recovery. They often need specialized clinical treatment, as well as trauma-informed mental and emotional care. Some may also need prenatal care or childcare support. Find local resources to support these survivors, keep them safe and reaffirm their worth.
- Abuse & neglect: early childhood
Although they may not understand or be able to express what’s happened, infants can still be deeply affected by abuse and neglect. This early trauma can hinder a child’s physical, mental and emotional development, compromising their sense of safety and security. To help combat the negative impacts of early childhood abuse, it is important that babies and small children get the early intervention and support they need. Find local child protective services dedicated to survivors of abuse and neglect.
- Stark County THRIVE Pathways HUB
Stark County THRIVE Pathways Hub is an initiative coordinated through the Canton City Health Department to help prevent infant mortality and reduce disparities in birth outcomes. The program brings together community providers, medical resources and social services to help ensure all Stark County babies celebrate their first birthdays.
This data-driven, county-wide system provides care coordination services through the support of community health workers (CHWs). CHWs are certified through the Ohio Board of Nursing and employed by medical clinics,
- 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.
- Major Unusual Incidents (MUIs)
A Major Unusual Incident (MUI) is an event that negatively impacts the health, safety or wellbeing of an individual with developmental disabilities. These incidences must be reported immediately, either by staff, families, the general public or the individual themselves. Learn how to best report an MUI with help from local Stark County agencies.
- 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.
- Warning signs of addictionDrug addiction is a physical and psychological dependence on a harmful substance. If someone is constantly seeking out alcohol and drugs, even after they have caused health, work and/or relationship problems, they are likely struggling with addiction. If and when the signs of substance use become frequent and severe, it is important to reach out for help immediately.
- 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.
- Managed care plansAfter Medicaid approval, you’ll need to pick a managed care plan to receive your health care, which includes medically necessary services and more.
- Adult literacyAdult literacy programs are designed to address several important learning areas, including writing, reading, basic math and cultural competency. These programs not only help to support individual success. When more adults in Stark County are literate, the community sees reductions in crime and substance use as well as improved public health and employment rates.
- Infant mortality prevention
To help address the growing issue of infant mortality in Stark County, local agencies have come together to form the Stark County THRIVE Pathways HUB. This county-wide initiative brings together community providers, medical resources and social services to help ensure every baby in Stark County is able to celebrate their first birthday. New and expecting parents can reach out today for help improving the health and stability of their growing families.
- 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.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response & Resources
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus. For information about COVID-19, read the CDC’s list of Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline to ask an expert: 1-833-427-5634, open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
COVID test ordering: COVIDTests.gov or 1-800-232-0233 or TTY 1-888-720-7489 to request up to four free tests per household.
- 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.
- 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,
- Migrant working: childhoodChildren who have migrated are often forced to work in unsafe, unsanitary environments and face abuses that go largely unreported. Learn more.
- 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.
- Overdose prevention & treatment
Opioid use is a growing concern in Stark County. For the past several years, opioid overdose has been the leading cause of injury-related death in Ohio. According to the Ohio Department of Health, 37 percent of unintentional overdose deaths are caused by prescription painkillers.
Opiates and opioids are similar, highly addictive drugs. Opiates, including heroin, morphine and codeine are made from the opium poppy plant. Opioids is a broader term that includes opiates and synthetic opioids such as prescription painkillers like hydrocodone and oxycodone,
- Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: A mother and son’s 20-year journeyI teach about people with disabilities and how Stark DD helps more than 3,900 people, including my son, living in Stark County. Read our story.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Cleveland Clinic at Mercy Hospital
Emergency health care services available 24/7.
Canton, OH 44708
The Lenzy Family Institute: Fulton Ave.
Health, wellness and rehab services to help bridge the gap to recovery.
Suite 103
Canton, OH 44709
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
Child care services
Work experience program
Foster care & adoption
Kinship care
Child support services
Canton, OH 44702
Help at Home
Help at Home provides home health care services for seniors or people with disabilities.
Canton, OH 44718
Beacon Charitable Pharmacy
Connecting underinsured residents of Stark and Carroll Counties to quality health care and prescriptions.
Canton, OH 44707
Boys & Girls Club of Massillon
Academic, health and leadership programs that create a safe environment for kids to have fun and be themselves.
Massillon, OH 44647
Molina Healthcare of Ohio
Molina Healthcare focuses on health, wellness and improving patient outcomes. Visit their website for more information.
Columbus, OH 43231
Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio
Regional hospital association that provides collaborative opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of Northwest Ohio’s residents.
Suite 200
Toledo, OH 43617
NAMI Stark County Sunday Night Support Group (Peers and Family Members)
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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/798097665
Meeting ID: 798 097 665
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 Family Court
Legal services for child custody, behavioral health and domestic relations cases. Visit their website for more information.
Suite 670
Canton, OH 44702
Body of Christ Ministries
Walk-in service for NARCAN kits every Monday from 6:00 – 7:30 pm in partnership with Canton Public Health.
Navarre, OH 44662
Mount Zion Church of God in Christ
Walk-in service for NARCAN kits every Tuesday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm in partnership with Canton Public Health.
Canton, OH 44707
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
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.
Canton, OH 44707
Emmanuel Tabernacle Family Worship
Walk-in service for NARCAN kits every Wednesday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, in partnership with Canton Public Health.
Canton, OH 44704
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
Lake High School
Career programs offered through the Stark Career Compact:
- Career-based intervention (CBI)
- Health tech
- Legal studies
- Marketing & business management
Uniontown, OH 44685
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
Perry High School
Programs offered through the South Stark Career Academy:
- Cosmetology
- Culinary
- Health care occupations
- High school of business
- Medical tech prep
- Project Lead the Way
- Teacher academy
Massillon, OH 44646
Camp Wakonda: Christ Presbyterian Church
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
Jackson High School
Career programs offered through the Stark Career Compact:
- Automotive technologies
- Cisco Networking Academy
- Clinical health care services
- Construction technology
- Culinary arts program
- Engineering and architecture
- Horticulture
Massillon, OH 44646
Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities
MUI Hotline: 330-477-4477 – If you believe a person with disabilities is at reasonable risk for harm
Funds and services to support the health, safety and education of people with developmental disabilities including:
Transportation
Self Advocacy
Respite Care
Canton, OH 44708 Learn more
Great Lakes Science Center Summer Day Camps
Great Lakes Science Center is offering both at-home and at Great Lakes Science Center camp experiences to best fit your family’s needs. Both options have been designed with your child’s health and safety in mind.
Learn more
Cleveland, OH 44114
Massillon City Schools 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
GlenOak High School
Career programs offered through the Stark Career Compact:
- Advancement to nursing
- Animation and graphic design
- Automotive technology
- Commercial photography
- Construction trades
- Cosmetology
- Emergency fire services
- Engineering technologies
- Entertainment technologies
- Health technologies
- High school of business
- Horticulture
- Job training and coordination
- Music production
- Teacher pathways
- Video production
Canton, OH 44721
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
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
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
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
Healthy Start
Medicaid-funded program providing basic medical coverage for pregnant women and children up to 19 years old:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital care
- Vision services
- Prescriptions and more
Canton, OH 44702
Ayden Healthcare
5005 Higbee Ave. NWCanton, OH 44718
Maxim Healthcare Canton
4100 Holiday Ave. NWCanton, OH 44718
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
United Healthcare Community
One of the largest providers of Medicaid coverage in the United States. Visit their website for more information.
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