STARK SENSORY CENTER
Bridging the Gap for Early Potential
Mission Statement: To break down barriers and create a truly inclusive world where every child can thrive. We provide the financial bridge to essential sensory resources when it matters most—during the critical early years. We are dedicated to ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of a child's path to growth.
OUR STORY
The Heart Behind the Center
Stark Sensory Center was born from a mother’s love and a need for change. When my daughter, Gabriella, was diagnosed with ASD at age three, I found myself in a world I didn’t understand. Like so many new parents, I felt lost. There were no clear resources, no one to turn to, and even simple family outings to places like Chuck E. Cheese were too overwhelming for her.
I had to become her advocate, performing my own research and eventually opening Sensory Escape for kids like her and their typical peers. But my mission is to pay it forward to newly diagnosed children with developmental delays. Stark Sensory Center is our way of ensuring other families don't have to navigate that journey alone.
Understanding "The Gap"
The Waitlist Reality: Many families face a 6–12 month wait for formal diagnostics or therapy. We provide immediate support during that gap.
The Cost Barrier: Essential sensory wellness programs are often not covered by insurance. We remove the financial stress.
The Inclusion Gap: We create a safe space for those who find traditional environments overwhelming.
What the Scholarship Covers
Scholarships grant families access to specialized programs at Sensory Escape, including:
SENSORY ESCAPE
Memberships
Full access to our sensory-safe facility.
THERAPEUTIC
Sensory Gym
Specialized equipment for physical and sensory development.
EXPERT-LED
Sessions
Developmental group sessions led by Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA).
CERTIFIED
Music Therapy
Purposeful, sensory-rich engagement led by certified professionals.
Community Resource Hub
Stark Board of Developmental Disabilities (Stark DD): Connect with a Case Manager and inquire about Family Support Services (FSS) funds.
OhioRISE: A specialized managed care program through Aetna for youth with complex behavioral or multi-system needs.
Akron Children’s Hospital Autism Clinic: A leading resource for care. Coming Soon: Look for the expanded clinic at the main campus.
Diagnostic Tools: We recommend ADOS testing through providers like Akron Children's or KidsLink Neurobehavioral Center.
Specialized Support: Resources for ABA Therapy and neurobehavioral evaluations.
DONOR & GRANT INFORMATION
Grant-Making Focus
501(c)(3) Status: Stark Sensory Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Early Intervention
Maximizing developmental windows for ages 0–12.
Impact Tiers
$50: Sponsors one specialized Music Therapy session.
$100: Provides a month-long membership for a newly diagnosed toddler.
$250: Covers a sensory assessment and a series of OTA-led group sessions.
$1,000: Sponsors a full year of inclusive support for a local family.
Scholarship Application
Please fill out the Scholarship Application form below:
