Here's what we found for you
- Employment resourcesWhether you are a young person looking for a part-time job, a parent who is out of work or an individual with disabilities planning for independence, resources are available to help you navigate the job search.
- 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.
- Re-entering the communityRe-entering the community after jail time is no easy task. After being released, young people often struggle to find a place in society and require critical services and supports. They may benefit from programs to help rebuild family relationships, reintegrate into school and access public benefits, housing and employment.
- Peer pressureEvery young person experiences the pull of peer influence at one point or another. During the teen years, when the desire to conform is heightened, it can be tough to resist joining in the same risky behavior as one’s friends, peers and classmates. But doing so can have harmful and lasting consequences.
- 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.
- Mental health: young adults
Teens and young adults who have diagnosable mental illnesses may have difficulty managing daily life functions, including securing housing, employment and education without assistance. Fortunately, Stark County has many mental health and independent living programs available to help support young people as they transition to adulthood.
- Transportation: young adults
Early adulthood marks an exciting and challenging time as young people move toward independent living and financial freedom. But without dependable transportation, young adults face obstacles in finding and sustaining meaningful employment. Reliable transportation is important for accessing opportunity and staying connected to the community. Discover what local programs and services are available to address your transportation needs.
- Gangs & violence: young adults
While teens involved with violence and gang activity do face consequences, the punishments are much more severe once they reach adulthood. In addition to risking your own life, you may be putting your friends and family at risk. Not to mention the potential for years of prison time and lost employment opportunities. But that doesn’t have to be your future. Not with the support available in our community.
- 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.
- Suicide prevention: young adults
The transition to adulthood is a time of significant changes and challenges. As you seek full-time employment, experience changes in your relationships and move toward independent living, life can feel overwhelming. No matter why you are hurting, it is important to remember you are not alone. Find mental health service providers and emotional support resources for young adults in Stark County. Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 if you need immediate assistance.
- Public TransportationBefore you ride, you can view bus schedules and area maps to shopping centers, medical facilities, restaurants, grocery stores, schools, places of employment and other areas of interest. Find a transportation route that can get you to your desired destination.
- Health & insurance: young adults
For some young adults who do not receive benefits through their employers, purchasing medical insurance can be a hardship. Yet, it’s vital to secure health care coverage to stay healthy and offset large medical expenses. The Ohio Medicaid program offers those who qualify a way to obtain state-funded medical insurance, which provides coverage for many important health care services at little or no cost to the individual. Learn what Medicaid benefits could mean for you.
- Legal assistance: young adults
While youth ages 18 to 25 are still developing into mature and self-sufficient adults, many laws and policies begin treating them as adults at age 18. Poor decisions made during this time can have life-long consequences and may make it more difficult to access employment, housing and other basic needs later on. Seek out local legal assistance for the complex challenges these transition-age youth face, including record expungement eligibility.
- 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/.
- Hard times: early childhood
Young children need proper nutrition and medical care in order to grow, develop and thrive. When a household is in financial crisis, it can have serious, long-term health, social and behavioral implications throughout their lives. Fortunately, families in Stark County are not alone in facing these challenges. There are local agencies dedicated to providing food, clothing, shelter and cash assistance to those who are experiencing hard times.
Even parents who are employed with steady incomes may struggle to make ends meet when they have child.
- 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.
- Foster Children: Aging Out Resources
Children who are part of the foster care system in Stark County will eventually reach the age of 18 and age out of the program. Just like anyone else, these young adults may have medical and mental health care needs. But unlike other young people, once they age out of foster care, they no longer have the same financial and emotional backing at home.
Unfortunately, these young people rarely receive the emotional and behavioral health services they need because of a lack of insurance and family support.
- Early Childhood (Ages 0 - 3)
- Childhood (Ages 4 - 10)
- Youth & Teens (Ages 11 - 17)
- Guardianship
Guardianship is established when a person with functional needs is no longer able to maintain control over their own decisions. Because this is a legally binding process, it should only be considered as a last resort. Explore alternatives to guardianship and learn about ways to protect the rights of Stark County residents with disabilities.
OhioMeansJobs Stark County
Northeastern Ohio’s premier workforce development and training centers that connects job seekers with employers by providing numerous resources in a single location
Serving Stark County employers and job seekers with access to all community partner programs, education, training, counseling and employment opportunities.
Canton, OH 44709
Re-Entry Court
Providing transitional support for felony offenders as they return to society, including:
- Help with housing
- Employment services
- Anger management programs
- Sex offender treatment
Offer a yearlong program with four phases that begins during sentencing and continues throughout the transfer to a correctional facility, during incarceration and as the individual transitions back into the community.
Suite 105
Canton, OH 44702
Meta-Morphosis
A non-profit helping high risk youth and those coming out of criminal justice system.
North Canton, OH 44720
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Helping to support Ohioans with disabilities as they achieve quality employment and independence:
- Customized employment plans
- Education
- Social Security disability determination
Canton, OH 44709
Vantage Aging
For nearly 50 years, VANTAGE Aging has promoted successful aging by providing programs to support the needs of older adults wishing to age in place and live independently with dignity.
Meals on Wheels and Home Wellness- Health and wellness are important to the success of aging in place, and our Home Wellness Solutions and Meals on Wheels programs build on that concept by helping people remain at home by providing home-delivered meals, wellness checks,
Massillon, OH 44646
Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
Payments for medical services and lost wages resulting from injury, occupational illness and/or death during the course of employment.
Suite 200
North Canton, OH 44720
Veteran’s Service Commission of Stark County
Provides VA Benefits Assistance, Financial Assistance, Medical Transportation, and Employment Resources to Stark County Veterans and their families.
Canton, OH 44708
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.
- 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 –
Canton, OH 44702
Stark County Community Action Agency
Emergency HEAP Appointment Line: 330-617-1055
Summer & Winter Crisis
PIPP
Offers employment services, financial support and career counseling to the Stark County community.
Head Start
HEAP
HWAP (Home Weatherization)
Work Force Development
Massillon City School District
Career Technical Education – Helping students to develop professional skills and experience to prepare them for future employment:
- 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
YWCA Alliance
We improve Alliance area women’s lives, stand up for justice, and strengthen communities with a focus on three impact areas: equipping youth, economic stability and advancement and senior nutrition and health
Provides transitional housing for women, a clothing boutique, employment and transportation assistance, youth programs, and Meals on Wheels for the senior community
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:
- 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
Strengthening Stark
Strengthening Stark is a community-wide movement for our growing community. As part of their mission, they are dedicated to getting Stark County residents into better jobs and training through their Stark Career Connect program. Learn more at their website.
The Stark Jobs Platform site was created as a helpful tool for job hunters in the Stark County area. By breaking down employment opportunities by industry, location, and required qualifications, they hope to provide a comprehensive resource for those seeking jobs in Stark County.
Canton, OH 44702
United Way of Greater Stark County
Offers an Auto Repair Program through a partnership with Department of Job & Family Services
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) to help individuals file free tax returns
#300
Canton, OH 44702
CommQuest Canton
Addiction and mental health counseling, psychiatric services, case management, education and employment services, detox, hot meals, social center
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. While in our program, men receive individualized care, including but not limited to: 1-1 counseling, life coaching and life skills, job training and employment through our community work program, mentorship, financial coaching, healthy community, and more. Our goal is to prepare each man for life outside of our doors and have lasting freedom from addiction.
Akron, OH 44312
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
Goodwill Industries
Local Goodwill organizations are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that create job training programs, employment placement and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items. The Ken Weber Community Campus has walk-in services available Tuesdays and Thursdays for community resource connections. For further information on what Goodwill has to offer, please call our main campus or visit our website.
Thrift Store Locations
AT&T: Discounted Internet Services
AT&T will assign the participant to the fastest of these speed tiers available where the participant lives.
ELIGIBILITY – Must have one household member participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Also known as food stamps.
– Available for households in the National School Lunch Program,
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
Camp Country Day
Camps where children can feel safe to explore their interests in technology, sports, nature and the arts.
Canton, OH 44718
WATOES
Empowering people through community services, family structure and function to build healthy self-esteem.
Canton, OH 44705 Learn more
Be a Better Me Foundation
A community-based foundation designed to empower and encourage young people to see the good in themselves and others.
Canton, OH 44714
TomTod Ideas
Project launches, school-based partnerships and summer camps that empower middle school students to imagine the world as it could be and put those dreams into action.
Canton, OH 44702
Community Legal Aid Services
Providing legal counsel and assistance to low-income individuals and families in Northeast Ohio.
Open Monday through Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm, closed for lunch 12pm – 1pm daily.
Canton, OH 44702 Learn more
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
GiGi’s Playhouse Canton – Down Syndrome Achievement Center
GiGi’s Playhouse Canton is fulfilling the dream of the Down syndrome community of having a location where individuals with Down syndrome of all ages have a place to call their own, where they feel safe and can explore their abilities through proven programs with support and celebration. Parents no longer feel the anxiety of finding a place where their loved one will be unconditionally accepted and offered opportunity to become their best of all.
Each participant will grow with the programs at their own pace and interact with their peers in an environment of celebration and achievement.
Canton, OH 44718
Catholic Charities
Emergency rental assistance for Stark County residents (under 65): visit ccdoy.org to fill out a pre-screening application
Through tangible assistance and other essential services, Catholic Charities affirms human dignity, meets basic human needs, strengthens families, builds communities, and empowers others to transform their lives.
Suite C
Canton, OH 44703
Free Mom Hugs
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,
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.
WHO SHOULD BE REFERRED?Pregnant women and families with young children.Supporting first-time parents with home visiting services for children up to 3 years old
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?North Canton, OH 44720