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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.

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.

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.

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. 

The Early Childhood Resource Center provides training and mentoring to early childhood professionals.

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.

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,

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

Stark County offers a wealth of employment opportunities across various industries, many of which don’t require any more than a High School Diploma or GED. From manufacturing to healthcare, retail, and tourism, the job market in the area is rich and diverse. In this article, we’ll explore the industries in Stark County and the resources available for a successful job search that doesn’t require a college degree.

Stark County has a deep-rooted history in manufacturing,

Learn about the Stark County community partners who have helped to gather resources, coordinate services and make StarkHelpCentral.com a reality.

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.

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,