Self-advocacy references & resources
Beyond everyday interactions with family and friends, young people are able to self-advocate and use their personal experiences as a springboard for change. For young people who are passionate about raising their voices and telling their stories, they may need help determining the best place to start.
Whether they are passionate about school safety, substance use prevention, youth violence, inclusion, diversity or mental health, often the first step is to reach out to a program or organization specializing in that particular issue. With this support, young people are better equipped with the knowledge, tools and information they need to formulate a strategic, informed plan.
Self-advocacy efforts are most effective when they are collaborative. It is important for empowered young people to have supporters they can turn to for guidance in planning their advocacy campaigns. With help, we can help prepare our local youth to understand issues that matter, make meaningful connections and learn know how to speak up and speak out.
Community agencies
Canton, OH 44708
North Canton, OH 44720
North Canton, OH 44720
Suite 670
Canton, OH 44702
Canton, OH 44702
Canton, OH 44702
Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities
A Major Unusual Incident (MUI) is an event that negatively impacts the health, safety or wellbeing of an individual with developmental disabilities. If you or someone you know is experiencing a major unusual incident, call the 24-hour hotline to report the event. MUI Hotline: 330-477-4477 The Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities exists to connect individuals and families with the services they need for health, safety, education and a high quality of life.
2950 Whipple Ave. NW- Service and Support
- Early Intervention
- Preschool
- Health Services
- Transportation
- Family Support
- Medicaid Waivers
Canton, OH 44708
Stark County Educational Service Center
Coordinating education, leadership and professional services throughout Stark County. Visit the Stark County ESC website for more information.
6057 Strip Avenue NWNorth Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (330) 492-8136
Phone: (330) 492-8136
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8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Stark County Family Council
Wraparound services for youth and families who have complex, multi-system needs. Visit their website for more information.
6057 Strip Ave NWNorth Canton, OH 44720
Phone: 330-492-8136
Phone: 330-492-8136
Stark County Family Court
Legal services for child custody, behavioral health and domestic relations cases. Visit their website for more information. Intake specialists who work with juvenile offenders and their families to prepare for court cases and provide mediation when possible are available at (330) 451-7317.
110 Central Plz. SSuite 670
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 451-7415
Phone: (330) 451-7415
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8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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.
221 3rd St. SE- Cash assistance
- Food assistance
- Medicaid & Medical
- Non-emergency transportation - Transportation to and from Medicaid-qualified appointments, including doctor visits, dental visits, vision appointments and more.
- Child care services
- Work experience program - Program participants are matched with local businesses and organizations in exchange for public assistance benefits.
- Subsidized Employment Program (SEP) - Supports local employers by offsetting the costs of hiring and training new employees.
- Foster care & adoption
- Kinship care
- Child support services
- Project KARE
- Healthy Start - Medicaid-funded program providing basic medical coverage for pregnant women and children up to 19 years old.
- PRC Plan - providing short-term assistance to address an emergent need and help families retain and maintain employment.
Canton, OH 44702
Toll free: 1 (888) 698-6893
Toll free: 1 (888) 698-6893
Local: (330) 452-4661
Local: (330) 452-4661
TDD: (330) 451-8879
TDD: (330) 451-8879
Email: [email protected]
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8:00 am - 4:00 pm
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8:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery
Funding for mental health and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery support services. Visit their website for more information about StarkMHAR.
121 Cleveland Ave. SWCanton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 455-6644
Phone: (330) 455-6644
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8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Talk to a school counselor
Alliance, OH 44601
Canton, OH 44702
Canton, OH 44707
Navarre, OH 44662
Massillon, OH 44646
Uniontown, OH 44685
Louisville, OH 44641
Alliance, OH 44601
Massillon, OH 44646
Minerva, OH 44657
North Canton, OH 44720
Canal Fulton, OH 44614
East Canton, OH 44730
Massillon, OH 44646
Canton, OH 44709
Magnolia, OH 44643
Massillon, OH 44647
Reach out to your local school district to plan an advocacy campaign, create a student advocacy group or determine another way to spread a message you’re passionate about.
Alliance City School District
Aviator Food Bags: Weekend food bags for students who may not have access to consistent meals throughout the school year. Free GED classes for individuals in Alliance. Register for morning classes Mondays at 8:30 a.m. or evening classes Mondays at 5 p.m. (registrations may take up to three hours).
200 Glamorgan St.Alliance, OH 44601
Canton City School District
Offers Adult Career & Technical Education - learn more at www.ccsdistrict.org/adulted FREE Classes at Aspire of Stark County:
305 McKinley Ave. NW- Earn a High School Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- Improve English (ESOL-English for Speakers of Other Languages)
- Prepare for pre-employment testing
- Study for entrance exams
- Brush up on skills for success in college or training programs
- Improve your current job skills
- Help your children with homework
- Gain personal enrichment and satisfaction
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 438-2500
Phone: (330) 438-2500
Adult Career & Technical Education: (330) 438-2556
Adult Career & Technical Education: (330) 438-2556
ASPIRE: (330) 438-2559
ASPIRE: (330) 438-2559
Canton Local School District
Backpack Program - Weekend backpack meals every Friday for qualifying students. Career programs offered through the South Stark Career Academy.
600 Faircrest St. SECanton, OH 44707
Phone: (330) 484-8019
Phone: (330) 484-8019
Fairless Local School District
11885 Navarre Rd.Navarre, OH 44662
Phone: (330) 767-3577
Phone: (330) 767-3577
Jackson Local School District
Career Tech information at jackson.stark.k12.oh.us/Page/1911
7602 Fulton Dr.Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 830-8000
Phone: (330) 830-8000
Lake Local School District
Career programs offered through the Stark Career Compact:
436 King Church Ave. SW- Career-based intervention (CBI)
- Health tech
- Legal studies
- Marketing & business management
Uniontown, OH 44685
Phone: (330) 877-9383
Phone: (330) 877-9383
Stark Career Compact: (330) 877-4282
Stark Career Compact: (330) 877-4282
Louisville City School District
407 East Main St.Louisville, OH 44641
Phone: (330) 875-1666
Phone: (330) 875-1666
Marlington Local School District
10320 Moulin Ave. NEAlliance, OH 44601
Phone: (330) 823-7458
Phone: (330) 823-7458
Massillon City School District
Career Technical Education - Helping students to develop professional skills and experience to prepare them for future employment:
930 17th St. NE- 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
Phone: (330) 830-3900
Phone: (330) 830-3900
Minerva Local School District
Free GED classes for students in Minerva. Register for classes Mondays at 9 a.m. (registrations may take up to three hours).
406 East St.Minerva, OH 44657
North Canton City School District
Career programs offered through the Stark Career Compact:
525 7th St. NE- Biomedical sciences
- Business management
- Construction tech
- Culinary arts
- Interactive media
- Medical technology
- Pre-engineering
- Teaching professions
- Video production
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (330) 497-5600
Phone: (330) 497-5600
Stark Career Compact: (330) 497-5620
Stark Career Compact: (330) 497-5620
Northwest Local School District
Northwest local school district in Canal Fulton, OH. www.northwest.sparcc.org
2309 Locust St. SCanal Fulton, OH 44614
Phone: (330) 854-2291
Phone: (330) 854-2291
Osnaburg Local School District
310 Browning Ct.East Canton, OH 44730
Elementary: (330) 488-0392
Elementary: (330) 488-0392
Middle School: (330) 488-0334
Middle School: (330) 488-0334
High School: (330) 488-0316
High School: (330) 488-0316
Perry Local School District
Public school system in Perry Township. Career tech classes offered.
4201 13th St. SWMassillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 477-8121
Phone: (330) 477-8121
Plain Local School District
Career Tech information available at plainlocal.org//career-tech-overview
901 44th St. NWCanton, OH 44709
Phone: (330) 492-3500
Phone: (330) 492-3500
Sandy Valley Local School District
Career tech classes are offered.
5362 State Rte. 183 NEMagnolia, OH 44643
Phone: (330) 866-3339
Phone: (330) 866-3339
Tuslaw Local School District
1835 Manchester Ave. NWMassillon, OH 44647
Phone: (330) 837-7813
Phone: (330) 837-7813
Local libraries
Canal Fulton, OH 44614-1196
Canton, OH 44707
East Canton, OH 44730
Canton, OH 44718
Uniontown, OH 44685
Louisville, OH 44641
Canton, OH 44705
Massillon, OH 44646
Minerva, OH 44657-1250
Canton, OH 44709
North Canton, OH 44720
Canton, OH 44708
Canton, OH 44721
Alliance, OH 44601
Magnolia, OH 44643
Massillon, OH 44646
Canton, OH 44702
Visit your local library to access a wealth of information and resources on self-advocacy and community activism.
Canal Fulton Public Library
154 Market Street N.E.Canal Fulton, OH 44614-1196
Phone: (330) 854-4148
Phone: (330) 854-4148
Email: [email protected]
DeHoff Memorial Branch
216 Hartford Ave. SECanton, OH 44707
Phone: (330) 452-9014
Phone: (330) 452-9014
Email: [email protected]
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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10:00 am - 5:00 pm
East Canton Branch
224 N Wood St.East Canton, OH 44730
Phone: (330) 488-1501
Phone: (330) 488-1501
Email: [email protected]
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 6:00 pm
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10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Jackson Township Branch
7186 Fulton Dr NWCanton, OH 44718
Phone: (330) 833-1010
Phone: (330) 833-1010
Email: [email protected]
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1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 6:00 pm
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9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Lake Community Branch
565 Market Ave. SWUniontown, OH 44685
Phone: (330) 877-9975
Phone: (330) 877-9975
Email: [email protected]
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 6:00 pm
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9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Louisville Public Library
700 Lincoln AveLouisville, OH 44641
Phone: (330) 875-1696
Phone: (330) 875-1696
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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10:00 am - 5:00 pm
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10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Madge Youtz Branch
2921 Mahoning Rd. NECanton, OH 44705
Phone: (330) 452-2618
Phone: (330) 452-2618
Email: [email protected]
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Massillon Public Library
208 Lincoln Way EastMassillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 832-9831
Phone: (330) 832-9831
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1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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10:00 am - 5:00 pm
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10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Minerva Public Library
677 Lynnwood DriveMinerva, OH 44657-1250
Phone: (330) 868-4101
Phone: (330) 868-4101
Email: [email protected]
North Branch
189 25th St. NWCanton, OH 44709
Phone: (330) 456-4356
Phone: (330) 456-4356
Email: [email protected]
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 6:00 pm
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9:00 am - 5:00 pm
North Canton Public Library
185 North Main StreetNorth Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (330) 499-4712
Phone: (330) 499-4712
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1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Perry Sippo Branch
5710 12th St. NWCanton, OH 44708
Phone: (330) 477-8482
Phone: (330) 477-8482
Email: [email protected]
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1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Plain Community Branch
1803 Schneider St. NECanton, OH 44721
Phone: (330) 494-3399
Phone: (330) 494-3399
Email: [email protected]
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7:30 am - 8:00 pm
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7:30 am - 8:00 pm
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7:30 am - 8:00 pm
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7:30 am - 8:00 pm
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7:30 am - 6:00 pm
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9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Rodman Public Library
215 East Broadway StreetAlliance, OH 44601
Phone: (330) 821-2665
Phone: (330) 821-2665
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9:00 am - 8:30 pm
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9:00 am - 8:30 pm
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9:00 am - 8:30 pm
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9:00 am - 5:30 pm
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9:00 am - 5:30 pm
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9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sandy Valley Branch
9754 Cleveland Avenue SEMagnolia, OH 44643
Phone: (330) 866-3366
Phone: (330) 866-3366
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Jackson Township Branch Library
7487 Fulton Rd. N.W.Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 833-1010
Phone: (330) 833-1010
Stark Library
Start Smart programming and events for children from infants to pre-teens. For information about Technology Training Services, contact [email protected]. Multiple branches throughout Stark County. Visit the website to find the closest one.
715 Market Ave. NCanton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 452-0665
Phone: (330) 452-0665
Email: [email protected]
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1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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9:00 am - 8:00 pm
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9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Contact Congress
Ohio legislators
Reach out to your local legislators about issues you’re passionate about. This is the best way to influence public policy on a larger scale.
Helpful links
Active Minds
Supporting students across the nation through education, information, advocacy and leadership opportunities.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
An online community dedicated to suicide prevention through education, research, advocacy and support.
A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Getting Through to Your Elected Officials
Compiled by the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, this guide provides comprehensive information on how to communicate effectively with elected officials.
Autism Speaks
Self-advocacy resources and guides for young people who have been diagnosed with Autism.
Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition
Advocating for education and awareness to help influence public policies and strengthen Ohio communities.
NAMI Smarts for Advocacy
Helping individuals, families and friends affected by mental illness to transform their experiences into grassroots advocacy campaigns.
Ohio Self-Determination Association
Hub of self-advocacy resources for people with disabilities.
People First of Ohio
Provides self-advocacy assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC)
Resources about self-advocacy and support for self-advocacy groups.
Stark County District Library
Online collection of books and resources about self-advocacy.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
A database with topics and issues affecting youth and young adults.