March 27, 2020





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S tark County - A Village in Action

During this unprecedented time in our nation's history, the African proverb - "It takes a village" - is undeniably taking on a special meaning across the nation, our state and here in Stark County. 
 
Greater Stark school districts, organizations, businesses and community are using their collaborative "whatever it takes" spirit to ensure the health and safety of students and families in the midst of public social distancing and evolving health directives. We say "thank you" for the support you offer today and what you will continue to do in the future. Thank you for bringing to life a village in action. Thank you for making resiliency, kindness, hope, integrity, respect, courage and love, Greater Stark County's strongest contagion. 
  • Education - Greater Stark school district staff members rapidly and passionately responded with the help of volunteers, social services and businesses to continue feeding, educating, and supporting their students and families in amazing ways. For example, area museums are supporting digital learning and TomTod Ideas is offering Daily Adventure emails.
  • Mental HealthStark County's community mental health agencies continue to serve the mental health and addiction needs of students and families through the creation of telehealth options. Local students and families may also reach out to the Stark County Mobile Response Team at 330-452-6000 or by texting "4hope" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
  • Foundations - Foundations are providing financial support. The Stark Community Foundation, Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton and other local funders have teamed up to mobilize the Immediate Impact Alert Fund providing resources to community organizations experiencing financial challenges.  
  • Business and OrganizationsBusinesses are providing free resources to help families and schools: Comcast and Spectrum are providing internet access assistance. Video conferencing software companies are providing free access to schools. AEP has committed to not disconnecting customers late on their payments. SARTA has continued their transportation services and are not charging fares to riders. Atlantic Foods is offering a Food4Home service with curbside pickup. United Way's 2-1-1 Helpline provides free and confidential counseling on food, health care and other resources.
Mr. (Fred) Rogers, the late children's show host, stated on an episode about fear: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" The  Stark Education Partnership will continue to collect the numerous active resources among our village, and we encourage you to respond by sharing your own "helper" comments with us.
About the Partnership Long Header
The Stark Education Partnership - a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Stark County, Ohio -   is a catalyst, engaging and collaborating with education, business, civic and community stakeholders to drive sustainable improvement and innovation to provide all students with education and career success.   

 
Questions or comments? Email septpurses@gmail.com or call 330-452-0829. Visit our website at http://www.edpartner.org