Sisters of Charity Health System: A Collective Story of Impact

Across the ministries, programs, and foundations of the Sisters of Charity Health System, we see the impact every day — in the lives of individuals and families who find care, stability, opportunity, and hope through our work. The recently released 2025 Sisters of Charity Health System Impact Report is our shared opportunity to step back, come together, and tell that story — not as individual organizations, but as one connected ministry.

This report represents more than numbers. It is a reflection of a collective mission in action that spans Cleveland, Canton, and South Carolina, where each of us plays a distinct role in advancing healing, service, and human dignity.

Why This Report Matters

We share this report as an overview of the far-reaching impact of our collective work and a way to:

  • Better understand the breadth of our work as part of the Sisters of Charity Health System
  • Demonstrate the power of partnership and shared mission
  • Inspire continued collaboration, investment, and growth

We invite you to explore the report and see how, across all ministries, programs, and foundations, our shared work is making a measurable and meaningful difference.

Early Childhood Resource Center Highlights:

  • 2,030 children served statewide through the SPARK kindergarten readiness program, with nearly 19,000 in-home visits
  • 20,300 books distributed through the SPARK program
  • 450+ dads received fatherhood services
  • 326 families assisted in finding quality child care
  • 8,610 early childhood educators attended 631 trainings offered by ECRC staff
  • 709 child care programs served in 6-county region 

Read the full Mission in Action: 2025 Impact Report here.

Rooted in a Shared Mission of Care and Community

The Early Childhood Resource Center is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System, united by a shared commitment to strengthening families and improving community health. Guided by the spirit and values of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, we view early childhood education and family support as essential foundations for lifelong wellbeing.

The center was established in 2000 following a community needs assessment led by the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton, which identified a critical need for accessible, high-quality child care and early learning opportunities in Stark County. Since then, we have focused on improving the quality of early learning experiences, supporting the early childhood workforce, and ensuring families have the resources they need to help children thrive.

As part of the Sisters of Charity Health System, we reflect a holistic approach to health. This perspective recognizes that children’s early experiences, strong family relationships, and supportive learning environments play a vital role in long-term physical, social, and emotional outcomes. That belief shapes our work across educator professional development, family engagement, kindergarten readiness initiatives, and community partnerships.

Together, the Early Childhood Resource Center and the Sisters of Charity Health System address unmet needs by supporting young children and families during the most critical years of development. Through this connection, we extend the Health System’s mission beyond clinical care, helping to build stronger families, more resilient communities, and healthier futures for generations to come.