The IFB Beat 2-10 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Hello everyone!

We’re continuing our highlight of Low Vision Awareness Month! Join the Winston-Salem Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Winston-Salem Community Low Vision Center on Tuesday, February 11, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM to recognize this important month. Stop by during your lunch break to learn more about eye health.

Also, don’t miss this issue’s Employee Spotlight featuring Fred Harris, and be sure to review the latest security update on badge-restricted doors at the Winston-Salem Facility.

The quote of the week is back!

“You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you. Go work with it.” ~ Anonymous

Thank you for strolling The IFB Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager
apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

Quick Links:

New this Week

– February is Low Vision Awareness Month: Week 2
– Winston-Salem Facility: Important Security Reminder
– IFB Beat Employee Spotlight: Fred Harris
– Programs Update: S.E.E. Winter Camp
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Magical Milestone Day at Kaleideum
– Recognizing Disability Advocacy: A Powerful PBS Playlist

HR and Opportunities

– New Job Announcements

IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Meeting Links
Archived Editions of The IFB Beat

February is Low Vision Awareness Month: Week 2

Millions of people in the United States are living with visual impairments, according to the National Eye Institute. These impairments can make everyday activities like driving, reading, or cooking more challenging, and they cannot be corrected with glasses, contacts, or standard treatments like medication or surgery.

The good news is that vision rehabilitation services can empower individuals with visual impairments to maximize their remaining vision and continue doing the things they love. However, many people diagnosed with eye diseases or conditions causing visual impairment may not know where to find these services.

This Low Vision Awareness Month helped spread the word about the exceptional customer care offered by IFB Solutions through the Community Low Vision Centers.

The Winston-Salem Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities is partnering with the Winston-Salem Ronald G. Sherrill Community Low Vision Center to recognize Low Vision Awareness Month on Tuesday, February 11, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Join us during your lunch break to learn about eye health and practical ways to maintain it. Take this opportunity to learn, share, and support Low Vision Awareness Month!

 

Winston-Salem Facility: Important Security Reminder

To ensure the safety and security of our building and employees, please ensure that all badge-restricted doors remain closed and are not left open. If you notice a door propped open or not securing properly, please report it immediately to our Director of Compliance, Environmental Health, and Safety, Angela Jordan. Your cooperation is essential in maintaining a secure workplace. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

 

IFB Beat Employee Spotlight: Featuring Fred Harris

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight! Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Fred Harris.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Alabama but also spent some time living in West Virginia. After that, I moved here and have been here for over 30 years now.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for about 21 years. Before that, I worked at Reynolds. During that time, I learned about IFB and decided to make the move here.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I’m a big fisherman, and I really enjoy working in my yard.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I absolutely love camping, especially at the beach. I also enjoy going to watch races since my brother-in-law is a drag racer.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: I love meals like chicken teriyaki, but I’m also a huge fan of Mexican food.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: The best part about working at IFB for me is the people. I’ve met some amazing individuals, and I really enjoy getting to work with them every day.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: I always tell people to enjoy every day because you never know when it might be your last.

Special thanks to Morgan Dugan, IFB’s Employee Relations Specialist, for supporting these highlights.

Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

IFB Programs Updates:

S.E.E Winter Day Camp

Dan Kelly – President and CEO of IFB Solutions – attended the S.E.E. Winter Day Camp Friday, January 3 session. He was there while campers were making 3/2/1 muffins in the microwave. We appreciate him coming to show his support for our Programs.

 

Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups:

If you’re interested in attending a support group, please review the update here: https://ifbsolutions.org/the-ifb-beat-12-16-edition/#two-d

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Sunlight Low Vision Floor Lamp – White for $69.99

The Sunlight Table Lamp with Bendable Neck simulates outdoor sunlight, providing natural quality light that’s clear, bright, and easy on the eyes. It’s the perfect desk lamp for reading, working, and hobbies. Get a Sunlight Lamp and see what you’ve been missing!

If you have questions or are interested in any of the weekly items, please contact your local CLVC for assistance.

 

From Our Community

Magical Milestone Day at Kaleideum

Submitted by The Kaleideum Center

Join Kaleideum for “1” Amazing day of magic, music, and fun to celebrate the museum’s first birthday at 120 West 3rd Street! This action-packed celebration is perfect for all ages and promises an unforgettable experience with activities and surprises around every corner:

• Discover the fun side of learning during our interactive Science of Magic Show.
• Be amazed by the Steve Feldman Magic Show, where illusions and wonder come to life.
• End the day on a high note with karaoke in the Digital Dome—your chance to shine!
• Embark on a thrilling Museum Mystery Scavenger Hunt and uncover hidden surprises.
• Get up close and personal with a “Party Animal” encounter, featuring some of Kaleideum’s coolest critters.
• Indulge your sweet tooth with birthday cake and create your own keepsakes at the button-making station.

And that’s not all! With even more fun activities throughout the day, you won’t want to miss this magical milestone celebration. Gather your family and friends and help Kaleideum make its first birthday in the new location one to remember!

 

Recognizing Disability Advocacy: A Powerful PBS Playlist

Submitted by Winter Robinson

This incredible playlist created by PBS, highlights the stories of Black disabled individuals and Indigenous people, shedding light on their lives, struggles, and contributions. Each video in this playlist includes audio description and ASL, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience. One of the audio-described videos in the playlist caught my attention—it featured the story of Thomas Wiggins, a blind, enslaved piano player. It made me realize how valuable this playlist could be for others at IFB Solutions, especially those of us who are blind or visually impaired.

This remarkable miniseries features stories of disability activists and celebrates their courage and achievements. Hosted by award-winning musician and disability rights advocate Lachi, the series showcases the lives and cultural contributions of lesser-known historical figures with disabilities.

Not only is it informative, but it also serves as a powerful tool for disability advocacy. I encourage everyone to explore this playlist and learn from these inspiring stories: PBS Playlist on YouTube.

 

HR & Opportunities

New Job Announcements

For all current openings, visit https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

In Line Inspector – Winston-Salem Facility

Education and work experience:

• High School graduate, GED or equivalent
• 1-3 years quality inspection experience preferred in quality control/assurance.
• Textile and apparel experience preferred.

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=119634&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

For more information, please contact a member of the recruitment team at careers@ifbsolutions.org.

IFB Beat Phone Lines

English line: 336-245-5691

Spanish line: 336-245-5663

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Support Groups Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/86167111929?pwd=G9vSBWcnTFrMHixqb19TpU7q8sQW1N.1

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929

Passcode: 992614

One tap mobile

+13126266799,86167111929# US (Chicago)

+16465588656,86167111929# US (New York)

888 475 4499 US Toll-free

877 853 5257 US Toll-free

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929