Here's what we found for you
- How School Districts Throughout Stark County Are Addressing Safety ConcernsThe goal in Stark County is to keep every student safe. If students don’t feel safe, they’re not able to perform at their best academically.
- 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.
- Developmental disabilities: childhood
For school-aged children with developmental disabilities, services are typically provided through specialized instruction in a classroom setting. Additional resources may include occupational, physical and/or speech/language therapies, nursing services and behavior supports. Learn more about the educational programs available for children with developmental disabilities in your home system by consulting your district’s special education department.
- Peer groups & programs
After school or during the summer, school-based activities slow down and it can be difficult to find ways to keep kids and teens occupied. The youth enrichment activities available in Stark County provide children with positive ways to get involved in their communities, make new friends and stay busy beyond the classroom. Learn about the many opportunities for academic, social, emotional and recreational support near you. Please note, resource eligibility may be determined based on financial need.
- 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.
- Where to Find Affordable Childcare in Stark County
Early learning programs are important for the education, growth and development of young children. As a parent or caregiver, you want a childcare option that is safe, nurturing and trustworthy. Finding affordable childcare resources is also important for many families. There are several local resources to help families find affordable childcare that meets a high level of quality.
Early Childhood Resource CenterThe Early Childhood Resource Center provides training and mentoring to early childhood professionals.
- Stark Attention CenterIn Stark County, young people who are held by the juvenile justice system experience secure, temporary custody through the Stark Attention Center. In addition to operating a highly-successful educational program, the 30-bed facility rewards youth for demonstrating pro-social behavior and personal responsibility.
- 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.
- Discover the Early Childhood Resource Center
With a main office in Canton and additional sites in Akron and Boardman, the Early Childhood Resource Center may be one of this region’s best kept secrets. As part of its mission to promote the healthy development of young children, the organization offers numerous programs aimed at strengthening families; improving the quality of early childhood care and learning experiences; and increasing school and community readiness, while also helping to inform public policy.
Assisting parents in finding child care,
- Transportation: youth & teens
Reliable transportation to school, work and other activities is critical for youth and teens. Without access to consistent transportation, the ability to maintain regular school attendance and employment is limited. Fortunately, there are affordable transportation services that offer easy, convenient access to school and other locations throughout Stark County. For those who qualify, free transportation to medical appointments may also be available.
- 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.
- 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.
- Suicide Prevention: A GlenOak High School ProductionWe partnered with GlenOak High School’s video production department for a video on suicide prevention for teens. Watch it now
- After-school and mentoring activitiesNot sure what to do with your kids when they’re not in school? Extra-curricular activities help to keep students engaged and out of trouble. Find out about some of the positive ways young people can get involved outside of the classroom. There are countless community resources, programs and organizations where children and teens can spend time, volunteer and have some fun. Learn about some of the top after-school activities available in Stark County.
- Human trafficking: young adults
Young people with limited support structures, education and opportunities for advancement can fall victim to traffickers that promise a way out, only to end up in far worse situations. Victims could be your family, friends or neighbors, so it is important to understand the problem. Learn how to spot the signs of human trafficking, report your suspicions and help victims find a path to safety.
- Employment services: young adults
Securing meaningful employment is key to achieving independence and financial freedom. For young adults starting out in Stark County, it can be helpful to get assistance from community employment programs. Taking advantage of job-seeking classes, skills training and job placement services will help increase the likelihood of getting a good, stable job. Find local resources that that provide employment assistance and help prepare young people for employment success.
- Human trafficking: youth & teens
Teens are vulnerable to trafficking regardless of socio-economic status, gender, race, education or citizenship. There is a generally a feeling that human trafficking is a crime affecting far-off places, but unfortunately, human trafficking incidents happen right here in Stark County. Because of their emotional immaturity and sense of invincibility, young teens are especially at risk. Learn how to prevent, report and support teenagers affected by human trafficking.
- Bullying: childhood
Bullying is the act of persistent, unwanted, repeated intimidation and harassment. It can take place in school, in social situations and even online. No matter the setting, bullying is detrimental to everyone involved. Beyond the physical harm, bullying causes emotional scars that are deep, painful and difficult to overcome. Find resources for bullying and learn who to reach out to if you or someone you know is being bullied in Stark County.
- 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.
- Introducing StarkHelpCentral.comStarkHelpCentral.com provides information and support to youth, young adults and engaged members of our community.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells donated new and gently used furniture, appliances, home décor, and building materials to the public at a fraction of retail price. Proceeds from each sale help Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio build and renovate homes with low to moderate income families in the local community. ReStore offers free donation pickup for larger items and each donation is tax deductible.
Canton, OH 44710
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
North Canton Public Library
Situated in the heart of North Canton, the North Canton Public Library strives to be a catalyst of inspiration for its community. We offer robust collections of physical and digital materials for patrons of all ages — but we also offer free art classes, notary and passport services, dynamic programming for children, teens, adults, and senior adults, public computers and free WiFi, a stunning Little Art Gallery, a StoryWalk at Dogwood Park, community exploration passes to local museums and area attractions,
North Canton, OH 44720
Restore Addiction Recovery
Restore Addiction Recovery is a Christ-centered, Biblically-based, and Clinically-Supported 12-month residential program for men struggling with drug and/or alcohol addiction. Our services are free and no insurance is needed to join.
Akron, OH 44312
Vantage Aging
Promotes successful aging by providing programs that support older adults who wish to age in place and live independently with dignity.
Massillon, OH 44646
The English Learning Center
English as a second language (ESL) services for adults in Stark County.
Canton, OH 44702
Free Mom Hugs (Ohio Chapter)
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,
Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio
Serving Stark, Carroll, Tuscarawas, Harrison, and Jefferson Counties, Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio is driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live. People partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and purchase the homes with an affordable zero interest mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength,
Canton, OH 44710
The Goddard School: Uniontown
Pre-kindergarten and preschool services for infants, toddlers and young children.
Uniontown, OH 44685
The Goddard School: Canton
Pre-kindergarten and preschool services for infants, toddlers and young children.
Canton, OH 44718
The Helping Hands Network
The Helping Hands Network (HHN) has been serving the Sandy Valley community for 43 years.
Currently we provide food pantry and free clothing resources. Families must meet USDA income guideline to qualify for the food pantry. We are a member of the Stark County Hunger Task Force (SCHTF)and the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank (ACRFB). Funding is provided by the SCHTF and local churches, individuals and businesses. We offer a choice pantry that our families may shop twice per month.
PO Box 595
Waynesburg, OH 44688
Alliance City Health Department
Collaborates with public health partners through Nursing Programs and Environmental Health Programs to protect Alliance residents.
Alliance, OH 44601
Serving Area Military and Veterans
We also have a Community Food Pantry on the 1st Monday of the month 9am-11am. This is open to all, and is a drive-up pantry. No appointment is needed.
Our location at 8101 Manchester Ave NW in Canal Fulton is our Veterans’
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
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
Military and First Responders Center
Pegasus Farm has developed a comprehensive Military and First Responders program (MFC) to meet the needs of veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families, at no cost to participants.
Louisville, OH 44641
Stark County Family Council
Coordinates help for children and families between the hundreds of child and family service organizations that specialize in specific needs across Stark County.
Each of these organizations focus on single issues, such as mental health, developmental disabilities, education, substance abuse, child welfare, juvenile justice, etcetera. While each agency functions independently, many of them are serving the same families and deal with similar issues.
North Canton, OH 44720
Plain Local School District
Career Tech information available at https://glenoak.plainlocal.org/
gohspathways/career-tech-overview
Canton, OH 44709
Marlington Local School District
10320 Moulin Ave. NEAlliance, OH 44601
Louisville City School District
407 East Main St.Louisville, OH 44641
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
Jackson Local School District
7602 Fulton Dr. NWMassillon, OH 44646
Fairless Local School District
11885 Navarre Rd.Navarre, OH 44662
Early Explorers Educational Child Care
Supporting children, ages birth to 12, with hands-on activities necessary to strengthen social, emotional, physical and kinesthetic development.
Massillon, OH 44646
Stark County Job & Family Services
Stark County Job & Family Services supports the community by protecting, stabilizing, and strengthening individuals and families.
Report child abuse: 330-455-KIDS / 1-800-233-5437
Canton, OH 44702
United Way Auto Repair Assistance in Stark County
Auto Repair Program
A partnership between United Way of Greater Stark County and Department of Job & Family Services to help employed parents pay for car repairs to get back on the road. The program offers up to $2000 in assistance to pay for services performed by ASE-certified mechanics. Some of the program requirements include:
- Must be currently employed or enrolled in college full time
- Must be age 18 or older
- Must have minor child in the home or pay child support for minor child
- Have a vehicle that requires repairs defined as major work.
#300
Canton, OH 44702
Alliance for Children & Families
Committed to empowering children, individuals and families to restore them to lives of stability, self-sufficiency and enhancement.
Services include:
- Permanent Supportive Housing
- Emergency Shelter
- Rapid-Rehousing
- Parenting program
- Pregnancy & Maternal Health
Alliance, OH 44601
Minerva Public Library
Minerva Public Library has proudly served the Minerva community for more than a century. Founded in 1913 and now located at 677 Lynnwood Drive, the library has grown and evolved alongside the community it serves.
Today’s library is far more than a traditional “lending library.” The collection includes over 100,000 items, including books, magazines, audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs. Through membership in the SEO Library Consortium, cardholders can also request materials from a shared collection of more than 8 million items across 103 library systems.
Minerva, OH 44657-1250
Pathway Caring for Children
Help children and families realize the possibilities of their lives through foster care, adoption, and mental health.
Suite A
Canton, OH 44718
Building Blocks Adoption Services Inc.
Dedicated to guiding and supporting individuals and families through every facet of the adoption journey. Services are designed with clarity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the emotional complexities involved.
Medina, OH 44256
