Here's what we found for you
- Parenting support
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.
- Resources for Parents
Nothing prepares you for parenthood. Parenting has been called the ultimate long-term investment. It’s one of the most complex and challenging jobs you’ll face in your lifetime – and also the most rewarding. Find local resources to help you navigate parenthood in Stark County.
- Affordable child care
Find local resources, organizations and public assistance programs dedicated to making reliable, safe and affordable child care accessible to all families in Stark County. Child care assistance helps to pay a portion of your child care costs, so you can continue to work and support your family.
- Young parents
The transition to parenthood is difficult at any age, and especially for teens and young adults. Find local parenting resources, programs and organizations available to support young parents in Stark County, both financially and emotionally. Benefits of social support services for first-time parents include improved parenting knowledge, enhanced parent-child relationships and increased economic self-sufficiency.
- You’re Not a Bad Parent if Your Child Needs Support for their Mental HealthIf your child comes to you with an issue that may be impacting their mental health, you might feel guilty. However, they simply need your support.
- Developmental Disabilities Family Support
Caring for a child with developmental disabilities can be a significant financial and emotional challenge. Stark Help Central has gathered together some of the most common resources to help you provide the care your child needs. From transportation and child care to cash, food and employment support, learn about the resources available to you.
For more information on how to apply for accessible plates or windshield placards, visit bmv.ohio.gov/.
- Introducing StarkHelpCentral.comStarkHelpCentral.com provides information and support to youth, young adults and engaged members of our community.
- 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.
- 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,
- 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.
- Children with incarcerated parentsHaving a parent in prison can have a significant impact on a child’s mental and behavioral health. To help reduce the risk for negative outcomes, such as depression, substance use and criminal behavior, it is important for communities to wrap around children with incarcerated parents.
- Foster & adoption: early childhood
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.
- Child custody: childhood
Child custody decisions differ depending on many factors, one of which is the child’s age. Children ages 4 to 10 thrive best when their experience in school remains consistent and parental involvement is frequent and structured. Determining the best child arrangements can be confusing, especially during difficult situations such as divorce or separation. Find resources to help Stark County parents and caregivers navigate child custody cases.
- 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.
- Becoming Resilient is a Daily PracticeResiliency daily practices and tips to help you build a strong foundation of character. Face life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
- From a Mom Who Knows: Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
I love to take my children out of the house. Whether it is shopping, the park, going for a walk around the neighborhood, to church, or on an adventure- we are always on the go. However, as a parent of two special needs daughters, both with different needs, this can be a challenge. Having one child with physical disabilities means we must make sure the location is accessible and can be accommodating to our specific needs.
- 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.
- Improve Family Dialogs with StarkMHAR Conversation Cards
Once your family is seated around the dinner table, the typical conversation starter is: “So, how was your day?”
And the typical answer? “Fine.”
Getting your child to say anything more can be a lot of work.
But what if you stopped thinking of the child’s attitude as the problem, and started with the question? What if there were some truly interesting questions you could ask your family? And what if they were excited to think about them and answer?
- Migrant workingPeople who work outside of their home country are especially susceptible to human rights violations. They are often forced to work in unsafe, unsanitary environments and face abuses that go largely unseen and unreported. Find local resources to support these underrepresented employees.
The Pregnancy & Parenting Center
Accurate, up-to-date information and pregnancy support:
- Pregnancy testing
- Limited ultrasound
- STD testing
- First prenatal visit
- Community referrals
- Education and resources
- Post-abortion counseling
- Support Groups
Canton, OH 44708 Learn more
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
Parents Anonymous
Self-help group encouraging parents to make lasting, effective, positive changes in their lives.
Canton, OH 44708
Stark Community Support Network
Community safety net linking families to resources and social services.
- Community Support Services (Mental Health & Substance/Alcohol Abuse) – Identify, Link, and Support individuals and families through the mental health and alcohol and substance abuse system.
- Community Response Team (Trauma Care and Community Violence) – Refer, Assist, and Advocate for individuals and/or families experiencing trauma.
- Infant Mortality (THRIVE) – Identify and Support women through their pregnancies to reduce infant mortality.
Stark County Fatherhood Coalition
The Stark County Fatherhood Coalition is committed to empowering fathers to take an active, positive, and consistent role in their children’s lives. We believe strong fathers help build strong families, and strong families build thriving communities.
Canton, OH 44702
AHEAD, Inc.
AHEAD Inc. is a local non-profit that has supported Massillon children and their families for more than 30 years. Our purpose is to help remove the barriers that can make learning difficult, so every child has the chance to grow, succeed, and feel supported. We work side-by-side with Massillon City Schools and community partners to connect families with meaningful services and resources.
AHEAD offers a variety of supports designed to strengthen students both in school and at home.
Massillon, OH 44646
Access Health Stark County
Free, trusted support for your health and well-being.
Our Community Health Workers are from the community and connect you to healthcare and local resources at no cost to you.
We proudly serve (must live in Stark County):
- Pregnant and maternal women (until baby reaches age one)
- Adults with chronic health conditions
- Children ages 0–8
We can help you access:
- Food assistance
- Clothing
- Housing or rent support
- Diapers
Canton, OH 44707
Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank
Provides diaper and period supply support for individuals and families, including:
- Diapers + wipes
- Period supplies
- Adult incontinence briefs
Distributed through 32 Community Distribution Site Partners across Stark, Tuscarawas, Carroll, Wayne, Medina, Harrison, Summit, Belmont, and Holmes counties.
Canton, OH 44735
The Ken Weber Community Campus At Goodwill
Located in downtown Canton, the Campus is home to Goodwill offices and 20+ other non-profit organizations that share collaborative outreach to the community and find efficiencies through shared space and services.
Goodwill is a nonprofit, social service agency dedicated to improving the lives of all people by providing skill-building programs and services needed to help remove common barriers to good jobs and independence.
Canton, OH 44707
Family Empowerment Ministries, Inc.
FEMI’s mission is to provide services that unite and strengthen families and individuals.
Alliance, OH 44601
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
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.
North Canton, OH 44720
Catholic Charities Service Portage and Stark Counties
Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties shares the mission held by Catholic Charities USA: to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures and to call the entire Church and other people of good will to do the same.
Suite C
Canton, OH 44703
OhioGuidestone
Providing counseling, support, advocacy, and education with a focus on prevention and treatment in the home, community, office, or telehealth.
Suite A
North Canton, OH 44718
Stark County Educational Service Center
Shared services provided by the Stark County ESC include special education and pre-school classes, psychologists and other related service providers, curriculum development and supervision, and professional development. The Stark County ESC serves as the fiscal agent for Help Me Grow, CARE Teams, the Stark/Portage Area Computer Consortium, Stark County Family Council, Stark County Schools’ Council of Governments and State Support Team 9.
North Canton, OH 44720
George Dunwoody Foundation
Support programs and mentorship for parents to become better informed about their child’s needs.
JRC Learning Center
Early child care services for children whose parents are working to further their educations.
Canton, OH 44705
Safe Place for Newborns: Mercy Medical Center ER
Confidential emergency shelter and medical care within three days of birth.
Canton, OH 44708
North Canton Primary Preschool
Nurtures young children, ages 3 to 5, as they begin to spend a few hours away from their homes, parents and familiar surroundings.
North Canton, OH 44720
Day Reporting
A jail diversion program offering a variety of services and programs for offenders, including:
- Chemical dependency treatment
- Parenting groups
- Community service opportunities
Suite 101
Canton, OH 44702 Learn more
Home Helpers
Respite care is provided to seniors, working parents, new mothers, and individuals who require recuperative or continuing care. Their services and schedules can be customized to your needs.
Suite 400
Canton, OH 44718
Alliance Pregnancy Center
These confidential, cost-free services include:
- Abortion Information
- Adoption Agency Referrals
- Adoption Information
- Maternity & Infant Supplies
- Medical Referrals
- Parenting Education
- Post-Abortion Support
- Pregnancy Options Information
- Pregnancy Tests
- STD/STI Information
- Support for Men
- Ultrasound (Onsite)*
Suite 102
Alliance, OH 44601
Give an Hour
Give an Hour is a nonprofit with a mission to develop national networks of volunteer professionals to respond to acute and chronic conditions, providing those in need with help and hope. We provide a number of peer support group programs, including:
- Mass Violence
- Military
- Military Family
- Interpersonal Violence
- Parent
- Financial Fraud
- Rare Caregiver
Aultman Hospital
The largest hospital in Stark County.
- Emergency Room provides services for individuals with urgent health care concerns. Also a place for parents to safely and legally give their babies up.
- Aultman Serenity Program provides medical forensic nursing care to individuals impacted by violence, including abuse and neglect, domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual assault.
- Grief support groups
Canton, OH 44710
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio, Inc. has been serving the local community for more than 100 years as an independent Goodwill affiliate. While most people recognize Goodwill as a retail thrift chain, that is only a portion of the Goodwill mission.
Goodwill is a nonprofit, social service agency dedicated to improving the lives of all people by providing skill-building programs and services needed to help remove common barriers to good jobs and independence.
Canton, OH 44707
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
Help Me Grow-Early Intervention
North Canton, OH 44720
Stark County Community Action Agency
A significant program provider of services, working with a commitment and creativity to promote self-sufficiency among low-income persons.
Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC)
As part of its mission to promote the healthy development of young children, we offer 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.
Canton, OH 44703
United Way of Greater Stark County
- Offers an Auto Repair Program through a partnership with the Department of Job & Family Services
- Offers a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) to help individuals file free tax returns
#300
Canton, OH 44702
Lighthouse Ministries of Canton
Lighthouse Ministries has devised a multi-pronged approach to supporting and empowering neighborhood children and teens: The After-School Program, The Summer Activities Project, Cultivate, and The Evening Youth Ministry Clubs.
Canton, OH 44707