The IFB Beat 8-3 Edition

 

From the Editor

Welcome! This edition is packed with ways to stay informed, get involved and celebrate the incredible employees of IFB.

This Week at a Glance

– Reflections on 90: Travel back to 1958 and discover how partnerships helped shape the future of IFB.
– Book Your Eye Exam: September appointments are available in Asheville and Winston-Salem.
– Decades & Dessert: Enjoy ice cream during second break and dress in your favorite decade-inspired outfit as we celebrate 90 years.
– Android 101: Improve your smartphone skills with hands-on accessibility training.
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Ana Fernandez, Puerto Rico: Learn about Ana’s passion for helping others succeed.
– Shop Rainbow Tarts: a blind-owned business
– 36 Years of ADA: Learn how to stay involved in advancing accessibility.
– Calling All Veterans: Veteran employees who are legally blind may qualify to receive a free pair of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses through a special NIB program.

 

Thank you for strolling the Beat. We hope you enjoy this week’s stories and encourage you to participate in the many opportunities happening across IFB.

Quote: “Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” — Ralph Marston

New! Have an HR, history or event-related question you’d like to ask me and have addressed in the 8-10 Beat? Send it to apowell@ifbsolutions.org and check back next week.

Anastasia Powell, Communications Manager
336-245-5698

 

 

Quick Links

– Tap In
– Winston-Salem Support Groups

HR & Opportunities

– Jobs

IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Links
Beat Archives

 

Reflections on 90

In 1958, the Winston-Salem Lions Club began searching for a new way to support Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, now IFB Solutions. They met with the North Carolina Commission for the Blind and leaders of Winston-Salem Goodwill Industries, deciding that the organization should be under the leadership of Goodwill Industries’ board.

After relocating operations to a former foil plant in Winston-Salem, manufacturing expanded to include packaging items such as combs and handkerchiefs, refinishing furniture and tuning pianos.

 

 

 

Book Your Eye Exam

Are you due for your yearly exam or need a quick checkup? Book an appointment with a low vision specialist today! Visually impaired employees can receive an eye exam for $40.

Asheville, September 9: Dr. Quilla
Winston-Salem, September 10: Dr. Street

To schedule an appointment, Asheville employees should contact Grant Weathers at 828-667-9778. Winston-Salem employees should contact Charity Hampton at 336-245-5672.

 

Decades & Dessert

Ice Cream & Retro Day

 

Get ready to chill out and step back in time as we continue celebrating 90 years of opportunity at IFB.

Join us for a delicious ice cream treat, then show off your favorite retro style by dressing in clothing inspired by one of the decades from the 1930s through the 2020s.

Whether you go vintage, groovy, neon or totally rad, we can’t wait to see your creativity!

Asheville: Wednesday, August 12, during second break
Winston-Salem: Thursday, August 13, during second break

Enjoy a cool treat, snap some fun photos with your coworkers in your retro attire, and help us celebrate 90 amazing years of making a difference. We can’t wait to see everyone dressed to impress from their favorite decade! 🎉🍨

 

 

 

Android 101

Want to get more out of your Android phone? Whether you’re new to Android or want to build your confidence, these hands-on classes are designed to help you succeed.

Classes will cover the basics, including:

• Tapping and swiping with confidence
• Navigating your phone using accessibility features
• Opening and using common apps
• Tips and tricks to make everyday tasks easier

If you’re interested, let your supervisor know. They will work with Morgan Dugan to schedule your appointment and get you started. Learning new technology can help you stay connected, work more efficiently and gain greater independence. Sign up today and keep learning!

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Ana Fernandez, Puerto Rico

Welcome to Employee Spotlight. This week, we are excited to feature Ana Fernandez, supervisor of the IWOL department.

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

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I rejoined IFB in 2020, but I first worked with the Winston-Salem location in 2006. My passion for working with people—especially those who are blind—led me back to IFB.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I enjoy drawing and painting.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I love going to church and spending time with my family.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite meal?
A: Rice and green peas, pork and pasteles.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I enjoy dedicating my time and skills to helping people who are blind develop new skills and reach their full potential.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: “Never lose faith.”

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

 

Tap In

Did you know that IFB is active on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn? Check out this week’s post, and give us a follow!

   

A blast from the past…

During the 1970s, IFB Solutions experienced rapid growth in sales and employment. IFB’s leadership and the Goodwill Industries board of directors determined that the organization had grown to the point that it should have its own board. This change gave IFB more autonomy and helped to further focus its mission of creating opportunities for people who are blind.

Access on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

 

Winston-Salem 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 Corner

Shop Rainbow Tarts

Submitted by Carl Williams

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 more. See Carl Williams (Tina Jolly’s department), call 336-970-0650, email info@rainbowtarts.com or visit https://www.rainbowtarts.com. Check back often for sales!

We braille products upon request at no charge and ship within the US via priority flat rate mail. Rainbow Tarts — where everything makes scents!

 

36 Years of ADA

Submitted by Winston-Salem Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities

To everyone who joined us for the 36th annual celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act, thank you! Your presence, support and participation helped make this year’s celebration truly meaningful. Whether you attended as a community member, vendor, panelist, volunteer, sponsor or advocate, we are grateful you chose to celebrate with us.

If you missed part of the event — or would like to experience it again — click the link below to watch FOX8’s coverage of the celebration.

FOX8 Coverage Video

As we enter August, we encourage you to continue supporting the spirit of the ADA. Inclusion and accessibility are not one-day conversations — they are year-round commitments. Together, we can continue removing barriers, promoting equal access and creating a community where everyone belongs.

The Winston-Salem Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities is also entering an exciting new chapter. Over the coming year, we’ll be introducing a new name, welcoming new members, expanding partnerships throughout the Triad and increasing our efforts to advance accessibility and inclusion.

We want you to be part of that journey. If you have ideas, feedback, or know of accessibility barriers in public spaces, businesses, parks or organizations, please reach out. Your voice helps guide our work and strengthen our advocacy.

Thank you again for believing in our mission and helping make this year’s celebration a success. We look forward to working alongside you as we continue building a more accessible and inclusive community for all.

With gratitude,

Winston-Salem Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities
(336) 245-5678, wsmcpd@gmail.com

 

 

HR & Opportunities

Calling All Veterans

If you are a veteran employee who is legally blind, defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with best correction or a visual field of 20 degrees or less (verified through a VA disability rating decision or SSA determination), you may be eligible to receive a FREE pair of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses through a special program supported by Meta and the National Industries for the Blind (NIB).

These AI-powered smart glasses can help enhance independence, accessibility and everyday living.

If you’re interested in learning more or applying, please contact Amber Frederick by email at afrederick@ifbsolutions.org or by phone at (336) 245-5619. She will guide you through the entire process, including determining eligibility, completing the application and answering any questions you may have. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

 

 

Jobs

Accounts Payable Specialist, Winston-Salem

Education and work experience:

• A four-year accounting degree preferred (or equivalent) or 4–5 years of comparable accounts payable experience is required.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/237413

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/237414?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

 

Support Group Zoom Links

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