At The Legacy Project of Stark, we know that sometimes all it takes to change the world is a little support. We believe that every student can benefit from having a mentor, and we envision a county where every student has one!
That’s why we show up — in classrooms, in conversations, and in the everyday moments that help shape a young person’s future. Our trained mentors build meaningful relationships with
middle school students, offering guidance, support, and a steady presence during some of the most important years of growth.
A Legacy Project mentor makes an impact through simple, consistent actions. As students grow, they face new challenges, opportunities and transitions. Mentors provide steady encouragement, reminding young people that they are not alone and that their voice and story matter.
Legacy Project of Stark mentors bring connection, encouragement, and empathy to K–12 students. Whether navigating friendships, expressing emotions, or finding their place in the world, students benefit from knowing someone believes in them and is there to listen, support, and celebrate their growth.
The Legacy Project of Stark is more than mentoring. It’s a place where families can gather, grow closer, and build stronger relationships. We offer a safe and welcoming environment where families can be present with one another, share laughter, have meaningful conversations, and deepen their bonds.
When students are supported and families are connected, communities flourish. At Legacy Project of Stark, we build intentional relationships that strengthen students, empower families, and create a ripple of hope, confidence, and lasting positive change.
At Legacy Project, we believe every young person already carries the seeds of resilience, curiosity, and greatness within them; our role is simply to cultivate the soil. That begins with a steadfast commitment to keep mentoring free of charge for students and their families — because access should never hinge on a price tag. We meet students where they are, embedding age‑appropriate, research‑backed programming directly into local schools and through trusted community agencies, so guidance is always close at hand.
Beyond the classroom, we open the doors of The 708, our welcoming home base, as a sanctuary where families can slow down, sort through challenges, and rediscover joy in one another without financial or time pressures. Everything we do centers on creating safe, affirming spaces where kids feel seen, heard, and valued.
We have daily requests from students wanting to be added to a group. These groups provide students with another person in the building who cares about them. Academics are temporarily set aside and it purely becomes relationship building. Students say they look forward to coming to school because of these groups. When students come to me as a counselor and don’t feel they fit in or have a friend, my first thought always goes to lunch groups.
The Legacy Project is an invaluable program here at Lake Elementary, as it affords us the opportunity to reach our students through a solid curriculum, and to connect them with quality mentors from our community. The relationships that are built through the Legacy Project help us to further provide a supportive and caring environment that is integral for the personal growth of our students.
Having the opportunity to mentor an imPACT group this year has been rewarding. My small group of students has had to navigate a variety of very difficult things. I am always blown away that they trust me enough to not only tell me about them, but they actually want my advice. I wish I could have had a program like imPACT during my formative years. It truly makes a difference in students lives
Because of generous donations from individuals, businesses, schools, and local foundations, our programs remain free for students and families. Every gift helps us build brighter futures, stronger families, and connected communities.