CANTON, OHIO (September 15, 2026) – United Way of Greater Stark County and Alliance City School
District celebrated the launch of Strong Neighborhoods, Strong Families programming at Alliance
Elementary School on September 14, expanding school-based family support in Alliance and marking the
first of four new United Way locations planned for the 2026/2027 school year. The expansion brings family
support into more school communities and makes it easier for families to access help in places they
already know and trust.
The ribbon-cutting celebration brought together school and community leaders, funders, and local
partners to recognize the launch of Strong Neighborhoods, Strong Families programming at Alliance
Elementary and the investment being made in children and families in the Alliance area.
“The expansion at Alliance Elementary now makes United Way’s Strong Neighborhoods, Strong Families
programming available at Alliance Preschool, Alliance Early Learning School and Alliance Elementary,”
said Angela Perisic, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Stark County. “By bringing Strong
Neighborhoods, Strong Families directly into schools, we can make it easier for families to find someone
who can listen, help them navigate challenges and connect them with the right resources.”
Through Strong Neighborhoods, Strong Families, families with young children can connect with support
related to housing, transportation, food resources, parenting support and other community resources. A
Community Health Worker, provided in partnership with Access Health Stark County, serves as a trusted
point of connection for Alliance Elementary families and helps them identify resources based on their
individual needs.
“Our school can do a lot for children, but we know that we can’t do the work alone,” said Lesli Waller,
Principal at Alliance Elementary. “When our school, families, United Way, and community partners work
together we can support the whole child, and the whole family, and sometimes even step in before a
challenge becomes a crisis.”
The partnership reflects a shared understanding that a child’s success is closely connected to the
wellbeing and stability of their family.
“Our students don’t leave their challenges at the doorstep when they leave home. They bring those
challenges with them whether it’s housing insecurity, food insecurity, or mental health challenges,” said
Rob Gress, Superintendent for Alliance City Schools. “We can’t do it all alone in the school. It’s comforting
to know there are organizations, like United Way, who can help us meet those challenges.”
Families at Alliance Elementary who would like to learn more about United Way’s Strong Neighborhoods,
Strong Families can connect with their Community Health Worker through their school office.
About United Way of Greater Stark County: United Way of Greater Stark County builds community
capacity to alleviate the impact of poverty and empower families to unleash their potential. Through
school-based programming and community partnerships, United Way connects children and families with
resources that help build skills, strengthen relationships and provide immediate economic support.
Media Contact:
Carrie Clemens
Chief Advancement Officer
United Way of Greater Stark County
Phone: (330) 491-9974
Email: [email protected]
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