About Us

AHEAD began its operations in 1995. Our core mission was, and remains, to address issues that keep at-risk students from being successful in school. Specifically, our mission is to serve children and their families by removing barriers to learning and self-sufficiency through improving their academic, emotional, and social well-being in a safe environment.

In November of the following year we began our first after-school enrichment program at Franklin Elementary School in Massillon. We served twenty-five children initially. That number increased to fifty in 1998. In 1999, the school district received a $1.5 million multi-year federal grant which facilitated the after-school program’s expansion to other elementary schools as well as the establishment of a summer component. AHEAD assumed an advisory role at that time. Ever since, AHEAD has promoted community awareness of the benefits of after-school enrichment.

Commencing in 2005, AHEAD has taken a leading role to establish CARE Teams in the Massillon Schools. CARE Team is a multi-faceted approach to assist students who are experiencing serious difficulties in school. In addition, AHEAD provides both direct assistance and support to families in distress, including assessments and referrals to other agencies which provide shelter, food, medical, clothing and social services.