Belco Works marks 50 years of service

As a result of the agency’s work, hundreds of people have developed skills that have led to greater independence and self-sufficiency.

Executive Director Anne Haning invites former employees, board members, families and friends to a 50th anniversary reception from 4-6 p.m. Thursday at Friends Church in St. Clairsville.

Belco Works is a non-profit leader in the document destruction business with its facility-based and mobile units that travel across the Ohio Valley.  It also offers janitorial and contract services like packaging, assembly, bulk mailing and specialty wood products, all provided by adults with disabilities.

“We at Belco Works are proud of the past 50 years and looking forward to sharing our success with friends, families and supporters that day,”Haning said.

Belco Works was established in 1966 by a group of parents who wanted a place for their adult children with disabilities to go during the day. It was called Belco Crafts, a nod to the ceramic wind chimes and other handmade items created there, and was at that time the non-profit division of the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Belco grew to become a provider of quality contract services like packaging and assembly, so the production of ceramics was halted. In providing contract services, Belco has proudly partnered with local businesses such as Liberty Distributors, Eastern States Packaging, Eagle Manufacturing and Freeport Press. With a concentration on work, jobs and skills’ training for people supported, the name was changed in 2005 to Belco Works, with the tag line “It’s not just a name … it’s what we do.”

“Today, we take pride in providing resources for meaningful employment and community opportunities that best match the desires and abilities of each person,” said Haning. “Many have chosen to pursue jobs with local businesses, and we are there to support them as they experience the success and pride that comes with a job and a good paycheck.”

In 2012, Ohio’s Employment First Initiative was introduced, part of a national initiative that promotes opportunities for young adults and others to explore employment in the community as the first and preferred option. As a response, Belco Works created Employment Works as a community-based alternative to traditional services.

“Employment Works places a stronger emphasis on work experiences and preparation and is helping adults prepare for and find rewarding jobs in the community,” Haning said.

Haning also noted that the shift to community-based services means the organization continues to learn, grow and change to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

There have been other requirements that have shaped Belco Works into the organization it is today. The non-profit separated from the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities in 2009, joining the ranks of other private providers of supports. This means that the Belmont County Board of DD funds the services delivered at Belco Works, but is not involved in or responsible for daily operations, management or the delivery of services and supports.

Belco Works is governed by a board of directors. John S. Marshall is president of the board. Other board members are Dick Dolan, Kirke Porterfield, the Rev. Lee Eilert, Michael Parkinson, Al Davies, Jerry Delman and Jessica Puglisi-Sanders.

Belco Works employs nearly 60 people as direct support professionals. There are 150 local residents with disabilities who have chosen Belco Works to provide them with job training, job coaching, employment, personal growth and other day supports.

“We are thriving as a nonprofit business and will remain committed to providing the type of supports that help people with disabilities achieve independence and success, “ Haning said.

For more information, log onto its website at  www.belcoworks.org  or call 740-695-0500.

http://www.timesleaderonline.com/news/local-news/2016/08/belco-works-marks-50-years-of-service/