The IFB Beat 11-24 Edition

A Message from the Editor

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your hard work, dedication and commitment to our mission.

In this week’s edition, you’ll find important updates on open enrollment, employee resources, our staff giving campaign and more. Please take time to review each section so you don’t miss any critical deadlines or opportunities.

We wish you and your loved ones a happy, safe and restful Thanksgiving. Whether you’re traveling, gathering with family, or simply taking time for yourself, we hope the holiday brings warmth, joy and a well-deserved break.

Thank you for all you do—and enjoy this week’s updates!

Quote of the week:

“Excellence is not a skill, it’s an attitude.” — Ralph Marston

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

– Only Four Days Left to Enroll for 2026 Benefits
– Social Services & Employee Resources Center Update: Winter Coats & Cane Support Available
– Reminder: Christmas Bonus Announcement
– IFB Annual Staff Giving Campaign
– Veterans Day Celebration
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Nazario Cortes, Puerto Rico Facility
– JAWS Training Update
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– MAB iPhone Group
– Shop Rainbow Tarts!

HR & Opportunities

– Reminder: Retirement Plan Announcement
– Job Opportunities

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

 

Only Four Days Left to Enroll for 2026 Benefits

Open enrollment ends this Wednesday, November 26. This is your opportunity to:

  1. Enroll in ICHRA medical coverage
  2. Update ancillary benefits (dental, vision, short-term disability, voluntary life insurance, accident coverage, critical illness coverage)
  3. Re-enroll in Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Don’t wait—make your elections today to ensure coverage for the 2026 plan year.
_______________________________________________________________

Open Enrollment Dates

November 17–26, 2025
Telephonic appointments are available on November 24 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST
Links and QR codes are included in the following documents to self-enroll in ICHRA medical coverage and ancillary benefits through Paycom.

2026 IFB Solutions ICHRA & Guardian Open Enrollment Accessible
IFB Telephonic Accessible

Important reminder: Health Care and Dependent Care FSAs do not roll over. You must re-enroll for the 2026 plan year.
_______________________________________________________________

Determine Which Scenario Applies to You

Scenario 1: You need to enroll in ICHRA medical coverage and/or ancillary benefits. Includes: dental, vision, short-term disability, voluntary life insurance (employee, spouse, child), accident coverage, critical illness coverage (Guardian), and Flexible Spending Accounts (CBIZ).
Action – ICHRA Medical:

  • Call The Cason Group at (855) 520-6769 to schedule an appointment with a licensed insurance representative.
  • Use the link or QR code included in this IFB telephonic flyer to schedule.

Action – Ancillary Benefits (Guardian & CBIZ):

  • Review and update elections in Paycom > Benefits > Open Enrollment.
  • Use the “Self-Enroll: All Other Benefits” link or QR code in this flyer.
  • Call The Cason Group at (855) 520-6769 if you would like assistance.

Scenario 2: You want to contribute to a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2026
Action:

  • You must enroll during the open enrollment window. This benefit does not automatically roll over from 2025.
  • See options listed under “Action – Ancillary Benefits (Guardian & CBIZ).”

Scenario 3: You are waiving all coverage
Action:

  • Confirm that all ancillary benefits are waived in Paycom > Benefits > Open Enrollment by end of day November 26, 2025.
  • See options listed under “Action – Ancillary Benefits (Guardian & CBIZ).”

Scenario 4: You need to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B
Action:

  • Call (800) 772-1213 or visit medicare.gov to enroll.
  • If enrolling in Part B or Parts A & B for the first time, coverage will be effective January 1, 2026.
  • Request an Employment Verification Form by emailing twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.
  • Contact The Cason Group Medicare line for assistance with supplemental coverage.
  • You will receive an employer credit if you pay for all or part of your Medicare supplemental insurance.
  • If you self-enroll or use your own agent, notify The Cason Group as soon as your enrollment is complete.

Scenario 5: You are enrolled in Medicaid
Action:

  • According to ICHRA guidelines, employees do not qualify for an employer credit if they are enrolled in Medicaid, regardless of whether coverage is free or requires a monthly premium.

 

Social Services & Employee Resources Center Update: Winter Coats & Cane Support Available

As colder weather settles in, we want to ensure every IFB employee stays warm and comfortable. If you are in need of a coat, please work with your supervisor to submit a ticket and schedule a brief meeting with Monica Lattany. Thank you for helping us make sure everyone is prepared for the season.

Important:

  • Coats are available for IFB employees only.
  • All scheduling must be coordinated through your supervisor.

If you are in need of a new cane or a replacement cane, please also submit a ticket through your supervisor to schedule a meeting with Monica Lattany. We will make sure a cane is ordered for you promptly.

 

Reminder: Christmas Bonus Announcement

To our dedicated IFB employees, we thank you for all your hard work this year! As a gesture of our appreciation, a Christmas bonus of $100 has been approved by our executive team. This bonus will be provided to all hourly, hourly administrative, salaried and temporary employees. To qualify, employees must be hired and active by November 23, 2025. The bonus will appear as an additional line item on your November 28 regular payroll check. To ensure you receive the full $100 after taxes, the amount will be adjusted to cover FICA taxes. For temporary employees, the bonus will be distributed through your agency, so the timing may vary depending on your agency’s pay schedule.

 

IFB Annual Staff Giving Campaign

Our annual staff giving campaign officially kicked off on November 13! Each year, we invite employees to take part in something truly meaningful—an opportunity to give back to the organization that continues to invest in you. Thanks to your generosity, this year’s campaign is already off to a fantastic start.

Employees like Angela Hanes are grateful for your support:

Headshot of Angela
“Every donation allows people like me to receive JAWS (Job Access With Speech) computer training, which helps me become more independent.”

And from Skyler Mejia:

Headshot of Skyler
“I have low vision and I don’t know how it may change over time, but if it does, I’m grateful for donations that support braille classes—because I never know when I might need them.”

Your contributions make a real difference. They provide adaptive equipment, essential training and life-changing opportunities that empower our employees to grow and succeed. As always, everyone is welcome to participate in the campaign, though giving is entirely optional.

Donor Appreciation Gifts

  • All employees who donate $25 or more will receive an IFB blanket.
  • Family members are also encouraged to join in! When a family member donates, they’ll receive a blanket, and you will be automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win a camp chair and table on December 18.

Want to support the campaign? Here’s how:

If you have any questions, please contact Naomi Venable at nvenable@ifbsolutions.org. Thank you for your continued support!

 

Veterans Day Celebration

Veterans Day lunch group photo
IFB veterans

IFB veterans enjoyed a heartfelt celebration in their honor at this year’s Veterans Day event. They were treated to delicious food, great conversation and a special surprise—“mail call” from the R.J. Reynolds High School color guard.

This sentimental moment brought many back to their days of service as they received handwritten letters, just like the long-awaited mail they once looked forward to. Each veteran also received a cap featuring the IFB logo with “Veteran” written in braille. It was a meaningful and fun way to honor their service, sacrifice and continued contributions to our IFB community.

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Nazario Cortes, Puerto Rico Facility

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight. Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Nazario Cortes from the IWOL department.

Headshot of Nazario Cortes

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I worked at IFB from 2006–2013 and returned in 2021. My daughter introduced me to IFB.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I’m a talented carpenter.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy agriculture and spending time working outdoors.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Everything—I enjoy every food I eat!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: The culture of respect we have here.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: In life, we should stay positive and take chances every day.

Special thanks to Gladymar Aponte Quintana, Human Resources Representative/Recruiter, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

JAWS Training Update

We’re excited to celebrate Todd Schoeller, who successfully completed JAWS training on November 10 through our Workforce Development program. He passed his final exam with excellence, demonstrating strong skills that prepare him for work-from-home employment opportunities.

JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is an essential screen reader software that allows people who are blind or visually impaired to use computers independently by converting on-screen text into speech or braille output. Mastering this tool is a major step toward job readiness and digital independence. Please join us in congratulating Todd on this exciting achievement and the next step in his career journey!

 

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

 

 

From Our Community

MAB iPhone Group

Submitted by Metrolina Association for the Blind

The MAB iPhone group meets monthly to learn and discuss the ways members of the blind and visually impaired community use their iPhones to achieve and maintain an independent lifestyle. Whether you are new to using your iPhone, want to share your knowledge, or just to listen, the iPhone group is here for your support. November 24, 1–3 p.m. at MAB or on Zoom.

If you have any questions about the group or wish to propose a topic for discussion, email Doug Curley at MAB.iPhone.group@gmail.com or call him at 980-253-1761. Join the iPhone Zoom meeting here.

 

Shop Rainbow Tarts!

Submitted by Carl Williams, Winston-Salem Facility, Assembly Department

Interested in supporting a blind-owned business? Looking for an easy and affordable way to bring your favorite smells to your home or give as a gift? Look no further. We have wax melts, warmers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners and much more. See Carl Williams (Tina Jolly’s department), call 336-970-0650, email info@rainbowtarts.com or visit rainbowtarts.com. We braille products upon request at no charge and orders can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. priority mail. Free shipping for orders $65 or more.
Rainbow Tarts — where everything makes scents!

 

 

HR & Opportunities

Reminder: Retirement Plan Announcement

Fantastic news about your retirement! The board of directors has once again approved a 1% company contribution to all W-2 employees’ retirement plans—our way of saying thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Even better news: There’s a new 401(k) plan coming January 2026

We’re transitioning from a profit-sharing plan to a 401(k) with a company match—giving you more control and flexibility over your retirement savings.

Here’s how it works:

  • Contribute pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to your 401(k) (subject to IRS limits).
  • IFB Solutions will match 100% of your voluntary contributions, up to 5%—helping your retirement savings grow faster.

More details coming soon:

  • Informational sessions in December will cover 401(k) plan options, company match details, and tips to maximize your savings.
  • Watch your inbox for dates and registration details—you won’t want to miss it! Let’s make fiscal year 2026 a year of growth, savings, and financial empowerment!

 

Job Opportunities

Sewing Machine Operator III — Asheville

Education and Work Experience

  • Prior experience operating single and double needle machines
  • Consistently meet production and quality standards of a Level II operator

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=185579&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=185580&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

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