Grand Opening of New Massillon Office

5 hours ago
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Encourage Foster Care and Encompass Christian Counseling officially opened their new office at 7317 Portage Street NW in Massillon, OH with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by community members, staff, and local partners on Friday, May 22, 2026. The event marked a significant expansion of the organizations’ capacity to provide mental health counseling, foster parent training, and family support services across Stark County and surrounding communities.

“We are excited to open our new Portage office of Encompass Christian Counseling and Encourage Foster Care,” said Kevin Hewitt, President & CEO. “This office is more than a building — it’s a place where hope grows. We are honored to serve Massillon and grateful for everyone who helped make this day possible.”

For nearly 20 years, services were provided from a renovated one‑story ranch house built in 1956, which accommodated six counseling offices. While that space faithfully served thousands of clients, the community’s needs eventually outgrew its capacity. The new 8,393‑square‑foot facility features 19 offices for clinicians and administrative staff, a dedicated life skills room equipped with a kitchen, washer, and dryer where clinicians can work with clients on basic living skills so they are better prepared to integrate into the community, and a new training and group room designed for foster parent training sessions and group therapy.

The opening reflects our ongoing efforts to meet the rising need for mental health care and foster care resources throughout the region.

“This office represents our commitment to walking alongside individuals and families with compassion, excellence, and hope. We are grateful for the community’s support and excited to deepen our impact in Massillon,” said Sheila Wagler-Mills, Director of Encompass.