2-1-1 helpline delivers food to neighbors in need during pandemic

In April 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin Greer found himself homebound in his downtown Canton apartment, without a way to buy groceries. “That was a really rough time,” he said. “Living on the 6th floor of my building, it was like a prison cell. [I] was stuck. Even getting the mail is a nightmare.” Alone and …

McKinley high school student being interviewed

FAME program provides pathway to college for African American students

For many students, the path to college can be a challenging one. From admissions tests to financial aid, it’s a complex process. For African American males in Stark County, one program is helping to make the path to college more attainable. A roadmap to college FAME, which stands for Focus on African American Males in Education, is a pre-college program …

Stark County THRIVE helps curb infant mortality rate

Stark County THRIVE is working to ensure that more babies in Stark County celebrate their first birthdays. In 2013, the Ohio Department of Health identified Stark County as one of nine communities in the state with the highest infant mortality rates and a wide racial disparity between the rate of deaths in black infants and white infants. Canton City Public …

SPARK prepares Alliance preschoolers for success in kindergarten and beyond

More children in Alliance are entering kindergarten ready to learn thanks in part to a program through the Early Childhood Education Alliance, called SPARK. SPARK, which stands for Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids™, is an in-home program that helps children ages three to five prepare for school by building reading, language, math, and social skills. The program began as …

United Way urges action to reach fundraising goal

(Canton, Ohio) Nov. 19, 2019 — With just three weeks left in the annual campaign, United Way of Greater Stark County is making a final push to reach its aggressive fundraising goal. The organization has so far raised $3,710,124, which is 60.1% of its $6.1 million goal. “We’re so grateful to those in the community who have already rallied around …

Literacy Kit Assembly – Volunteer Event

Wednesday, December 11th – 4 PM – 5:30 PM Location: United Way of Greater Stark County Office In Ohio, almost 40% of kids entering kindergarten are not on track at the beginning of the school year in language and literacy. This, in turn, can lead to learning struggles throughout school and leads to us facing a statewide workforce crisis. This …

Nonprofit Partners Release 2019 Stark County Community Assessment

Stark County, Ohio (Oct. 22, 2019) — United Way of Greater Stark County and Stark Community Foundation in partnership with The Center for Community Solutions released today the 2019 Stark County Community Assessment, a comprehensive data report. The assessment pulls together, in one place, the most timely, relevant data on health, social and economic conditions in Stark County. “Recognizing the …

Volunteer Spotlight: Amy Mast

I first joined the steering committee for United Way of Greater Stark County’s Women United (formerly Women’s Leadership Council) in January 2014, and in April 2019, I became chair. While serving on the steering committee, I assisted with creating a new strategic plan for Women United. We revised our mission to: “Women United engages women in creating opportunities for supporting …

Volunteer Spotlight: Bob Fernandez

As a life-long Stark County resident, Bob Fernandez wanted to give back to his community from an early age. “I had parents who had a great deal of pride in Stark County, and they instilled that in me,” said Fernandez. “I always had an eye on the vitality and health of the community. When I reached an age where I …