Our History
Opportunity for Every Ability
Our History
Our History
Where We Started. How We've Grown.
Our History
Belco's story is one of evolution, rooted in community, driven by purpose, and always centered on the people we serve.
In 1966, a small group of parents in the Ohio Valley had a vision: their adult children with developmental disabilities deserved a place to work, to contribute, and to belong. What started as Belco Crafts in a church basement, offering jobs making ceramic wind chimes, has grown into a modern, multi-division organization with a proven track record of excellence.
As our community's needs evolved, so did we. When interest in crafts waned, we expanded into contract and professional services. In 2003, ceramic manufacturing ended; in 2005, Belco Crafts became Belco Works, a name that reflected our growing impact. In 2017, we expanded further by acquiring Tomorrow's Corner, a facility providing day programming and community engagement for adults with developmental disabilities.
The most recent piece of our journey occurred in February of 2026 when we expanded our services in Licking and Muskingum.
Today, operating as Belco, we've refreshed our identity for the next generation while honoring the legacy of those who built this organization from the ground up. Our name has changed, but our mission never has.
Founding Belco
In 1966, a small group of parents in the Ohio Valley founded Belco Crafts to give their adult children with developmental disabilities a place to work, to contribute, and to belong. In a small church basement, they made ceramic wind chimes for community members and those individuals were able to find a sense of purpose.
Hammond Road Building
In the 1970s, Belco moved out of the small church basement and into a building of their own, forming the foundation for the organization we know today.
Belco Services Expand
As Belco grew, they expanded into contract and professional services. In 2003, ceramics manufacturing ended and we focused solely on our professional services
Belco Crafts Becomes Belco Works
After making changes to our service offerings, we decided that Belco Crafts no longer represented what we do. So, Belco Crafts became Belco Works.
Belco Privatizes and Gains Accreditation
Belco was originally established as the non-profit adult services branch of the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and remained affiliated with the County Board until 2009, when it branched off and became its own entity. Privatization of adult services providers in Ohio was necessary for legal compliance with federal rules, as well as financial efficiency at the local level.
At this point, Belco also became accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), earning the maximum accreditation during surveys every 3 years. This credential assures customers and funding sources that our organization conforms to international standards of quality.
Tomorrow's Corner
In 2017, Belco expanded with Tomorrow’s Corner, our day programming and community engagement. This gives our adults with developmental disabilities a new sense of community and belonging.
The COVID-19 Pandemic
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Belco experienced a business interruption that significantly reduced its number of individuals served. We underwent restructuring in order to ensure maximum efficiency as a smaller team.
New Location
Belco Document Destruction and Production Services got a new facility in 2025! With a larger space and new equipment, the new building allowed us to expand production and become NAID Certified to offer secure and confidential shredding.
Belco Today
Belco is continuing to grow! We’ve rebranded to identify more with the next generation and the progress that Belco has made. We’ve expanded into new counties in Ohio and we’re always looking for opportunities to support our individuals.
Let's Connect Today.
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Whether you're looking to learn more about our services, connect with our team, make a referral, or explore a partnership—we're here.