When the burdens of poverty are lessened, children have the chance to dream and work toward their future.
Children who grow up with limited resources and are affected by ACEs may struggle throughout school and have poor physical, mental and emotional health. They are also more likely to have diminished educational and employment opportunities throughout their lives.
Local kindergarten readiness
For the 2021-22 school year, 47% of Ohio kids were ready for kindergarten (language and literacy). However, the range for some local school districts in Stark County began at 27%.
Third grade reading proficiency
Only 33% of students in the Stark County district passed the third-grade reading proficiency test. The average across the state was 67% for the 2021-22 school year.
Cost-benefit ratio of related programs
According to Health Policy Institute of Ohio, “early childhood education programs have been found to prevent and mitigate ACEs … with an estimated cost-benefit ratio of $3.15.”
*Ohio School Report Cards 2021-22
^”Strategies to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Ohio: Ensuring a strong start for children and strengthening economic supports for families,” Health Policy Institute of Ohio, 2021.
Help us help the kids of Greater Stark County
Do you remember your first day of school? Perhaps you packed all of your new school supplies in your backpack the night before. And after waking up early and enjoying a special breakfast, you waited with your parents for the bus. Back-to-school is a special time in children’s lives, yet some kids who live just a few miles from you might not have a similar experience. Watch this video to find out how your company and team can help the children and parents in our community have a brighter future with endless possibilities.
Other ways to give
Submit a pledge form
If you’d like to contribute to our annual campaign via mail, please download our pledge form, fill it out and mail it to United Way of Greater Stark County.
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Planned and Legacy Giving
Through planned and legacy giving, you can make arrangements today to create lasting change in our community.
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Stay updated on our 2024 Annual Campaign
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Donate via QR code
Quickly and easily donate via QR code. Use a QR code app or point your phone’s camera at the code below to make a donation to our annual campaign.
Become a member of Brighter Futures Society
Want to help the children of our community year-round? Join the Brighter Futures Society for only $10 a month. You’ll help us reduce childhood poverty and Adverse Childhood Experiences in an on-going, sustainable way of investing in the future of Stark County’s children.
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Campaign toolkit
Looking for graphics to use in your marketing to help us spread the word? Download our 2024 Annual Campaign Toolkit for images and other files to help you inspire your team, family and friends to donate to our annual campaign.
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