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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.

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.

Public assistance applications can take up to 30 days to complete. If you need immediate food, clothing, housing or medical help, please view these other resources:

• Clothing &

If you or someone you know is in need of clothing or furniture assistance in Stark County, there is a network of community resources you can turn to for support. Whether you need baby, back-to-school, professional or everyday clothing, clothing resources are available here at home. If you’re moving into a new place can be intimidating when you’re not sure where to find affordable furniture. Below you’ll find places that can help you turn a house into a home,

Today, teens have rates of abuse and neglect that are as high as or higher than those of young children. To make matters worse, this abuse often comes from the hands of family members – the very people responsible for keeping them safe. Teenagers are often more vulnerable than they let on, masking the internal turmoil they’re experiencing. Find local programs helping to support these young people on their path toward understanding and recovery.

For young people from 16 to 21 in Stark County, independent living services are available during the transition out of foster care. Specialists can help with the coordination of services to help facilitate a happy and healthy journey toward adulthood. Learn more about the social and support services available to teens and young adults in the Stark County foster system.

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 or a loved one, it is important to find ways to participate. Below are some tips for Mental Health Awareness Month.

Addiction leaves countless individuals and their loved ones reeling from its devastating impact. As a disease, addiction is frequently misunderstood and stigmatized. Beyond the stereotypical images of substance use, addiction can have behavioral and psychological effects.   

If you’re helping someone with addiction issues, the first thing is to know there is always hope and a way forward.   

To provide meaningful help to a loved one struggling with addiction,

If you are unsure of where to go for medical issues or don’t have a primary care physician, there are hospitals, medical centers, and urgent care facilities throughout Stark County. They can help you stay in good health, address any concerns or illnesses, or tend to more immediate needs and minor injuries. Affordable resources for medical and mental health services are available near you.

Bullying among adolescents can take many forms. As children get older, how they bully becomes more sophisticated and harder to identify. In addition to taunting, threats or physical attacks, the rise of social media has introduced another category of bullying – cyberbullying. As teens have more and more access to social media, gaming and the internet, bullies use these platforms to harass and humiliate others. Find programs and resources in Stark County to help support young people who are affected by bullying.

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,

Young people between the ages of 18 and 25 can face significant obstacles as they move toward independent living. Whether you are aging out of foster care or struggling to achieve self-sufficiency with limited resources, you are not alone and help is available. Get started with local resources for basic needs and emotional support.

Children are susceptible to human trafficking because they are young, vulnerable and easily manipulated. Often, they are victimized by the very people who are responsible for their care. Runaways and children from marginalized populations are especially at risk for child labor, sexual exploitation and other forms of human trafficking. Learn how to report suspicions and support young victims in Stark County.

It is important that children receive immunizations early in life to help protect them from potentially life-threatening illnesses and diseases. If your child is behind on their shots, don’t worry. Your pediatric or primary care physician can help determine a make-up vaccination schedule, so your child can get safely back on track.

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.

The family court considers many factors when considering the best custody arrangements for youth and teens. As children get older, their school schedules become more complex and they likely have stronger opinions about their living arrangements. Most judges encourage flexibility when it comes to caring for older children, so they are best set up for success. Find help navigating teen custody cases in Stark County.

Every baby should grow up in an environment where they are loved and protected. However, sometimes young children are placed in unfortunate situations that jeopardize their safety and well-being. Whenever a parent is unable to provide adequate care, a child may be removed from their home and paired with a foster or adoptive family.

Currently, many children in Stark County are in need of fostering or adoption, especially children with functional needs and sibling groups.

Many Stark County community members choose to expand their families through fostering and adoption. For children who need a stable home, the permanent care of adoption or the temporary safe haven of fostering can help. Even if you are not sure if fostering or adoption is the right path for you, find information to help you learn about the options available.

Most children who are eligible for adoption in Stark County are over the age of six and have experienced some level of trauma,

Inflation has hit Stark County hard, especially at the grocery store. Many families are struggling to provide healthy and nutritious meals. There are several community food banks in the area to help with food assistance. Below is a list of food pantry resources for your family to receive help with food.

The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank offers pantry distributions all over Stark County. Visit their website for up-to-date distribution schedules.

The UK organization LifeSIGNS started dedicating March 1st as Self Injury Awareness Day in 2002. Now, 20 years later, it is a national awareness day for many countries, including the U.S. Self-injury goes by other names, including self-harm and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and encompasses a large range of actions that one takes to cope with extreme emotion, release tension from these emotions, or take back a perceived loss of control. While teens tend to be the most likely to self-injure,