Belco Works is a non-profit organization that provides employment opportunities that uphold the dignity of individuals with developmental disabilities. Originally Belco Crafts, it was founded in 1966 by parents who wanted their adult children with developmental disabilities to have a place to work. Today, Belco is a leading provider of packaging, assembly and document destruction services, employing adults in a modern, light industrial plant and in community job settings.
Belco Works is a full-service packaging and assembly source for a variety of business and industry needs. Currently, they package all of The Homer Laughlin China Company's Fiesta Dinnerware ordered through the J.C. Penney Catalog, package screws for Simonton Windows, construct the cardboard inserts that are wrapped around furniture for shipment for Eastern States Packaging, vacuum inserts out of screw-on lids for Technocap, glue rubber gaskets in lids for Eagle Manufacturing Company, and process clothing returned from catalog orders for re-sale for Cabela's. They have trucks that can pick up work or the work can be shipped to them and delivered via their loading dock. They can customize their work to fit any project and are looking to expand their services to include more Ohio-based companies.
In addition to their in-house labor force of 125 employees, Belco's employment program provides job opportunities in the community. They provide skills assessments and training, interest inventories, job development, and long-term support to ensure success for the employee and qualified, well-trained, productive workers for the employer. According to Employment Services Director Peg Gast Stipetich, they're looking to expand this service and have a number of people capable of working in all different types of work environments.
Belco Works also offers confidential collection, shredding and disposal of business and personal documents. Shredding is open to the public and can be dropped off or picked up. Currently, they have 300-400 contract customers, both individuals and companies, who rent shredding containers. In addition, mobile shredding can be done on-site to comply with federal laws.
Belco's wood shop specializes in pre-cut pallet lumber for all types of businesses as well as survey stakes and other wood products. Only the finest hardwoods like oak, cherry, and walnut are used, assuring quality construction and durability. No order is too big or too small and discounted rates are available for bulk orders.
Their recently-launched FUTURES program focuses on important lessons for life and work for the individuals they serve. The program offers courses in general social skills, self-esteem building, relationships, workplace etiquette and dressing for success, among other topics. It also offers job shadowing, hands-on training, mock interviews and job coaching. Another new offering is a volunteer program, which will give the people they serve a chance to give back to the community while also getting real work experience. For this program they are looking to partner with area agencies and organizations that need volunteers.
To learn more about all the opportunities and services available through Belco Works, visit them on the web at www.belcoworks.com. To talk about employee or volunteer services, call Peg Gast Stipetich at 695-0500 ext 152, and for in-house work, shredding, or wood shop information, contact Rick Helms at 740 312-3054.
Belco Works - It's not just a name...it's what we do!
