MEET MARGARET
The Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities coordinates and funds services for people with physical and intellectual differences like autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. This is the first in a series introducing some of the children and adults we help live their best lives.
Margaret proudly wears the red uniform that identifies her as a valued member of the Riesbeck's Bakery team.
Margaret is pictured with two people who recognized her potential to work in the bakery. On the left is Janie, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with Belco Works, and on the right is Shandyn, her Service and Support Administrator (SSA) with the County Board.
If you are a customer of the Riesbeck’s bakery, chances are your muffins, cookies, or loaf of bread have been carefully packaged by a woman named Margaret.
Margaret is one of many people with developmental differences who are employed locally, and Riesbeck’s is one of those businesses that values a diverse workforce.
Margaret works about four days each week in the bakery at Riesbeck’s. The other times she scans documents for the Belco Works Document Destruction department.
Belco Works is the provider Margaret chose to reach her employment goals. When the job at Riesbeck’s was presented as an option for her, Margaret was afraid. She thought her physical disability would prevent her from being able to close the bakery containers.
That wasn’t much of a concern for other people in her life, though. Janie, her supervisor at Belco Works, and Shandyn, her County Board SSA, knew what she was capable of doing.
“Margaret does the things that need to be done and does them well, Janie said.”
Shandyn echoed that sentiment. “She has such a strong mind and is determined to succeed.”
The team at Belco gradually introduced Margaret to tasks she would eventually take on in the bakery. As she discovered what she was capable of, her confidence began to grow. With time and encouragement, she felt ready to take the next step – working in the community.
Today her eyes light up when she talks about what she does in the bakery and how much she likes it. She is also excited to work in the new Belco Works plant that is slated to open this spring in the Fox Commerce Park.
Margaret has a simple yet encouraging message for others with developmental differences who may be afraid to try competitive employment.
“Do it. You will love it.”
Belco Works is a private provider that delivers services like adult day support and employment to people with differing abilities. Learn more at www.belcoworks.com
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