News Release

In Honor of Military Appreciation Month, IFB Solutions Donates 500 Masks to Kernersville VA Clinic

Posted on by Seth

Nonprofit is donating masks made by people who are blind to VA hospitals in each community where it has facilities

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Director of Corporate Communications
(304) 685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org
Dropbox link for photos and b-roll here.

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (May 21, 2020) – Recognizing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local VA medical providers, and in honor of Military Appreciation Month, nonprofit IFB Solutions, the largest employer of people who are blind in the U.S., donated 500 masks to the VA Clinic in Kernersville. The donation includes 100 N95 masks for the VA’s medical team and 400 cloth masks produced by IFB employees in the Winston-Salem facility for patients and clinic staff.

IFB Solutions is donating another 1,000 masks to VA facilities in Asheville, N.C. and Little Rock, Ark., where it also has manufacturing operations. The nonprofit recently ramped up mask production at its Winston-Salem facility having received its first order against a contract to produce cloth masks for the U.S. Air Force.

Scott Smith, an IFB Solutions employee and Navy veteran, went to the Kernersville VA Clinic for the mask donation.

“As a veteran, it’s especially meaningful to me to participate in today’s donation of masks to the Kernersville VA Clinic,” said Smith. “Our military manufacturing work at IFB Solutions creates hundreds of jobs for people like me who are blind or visually impaired. To be able to go beyond that work and donate to fellow veterans, and the medical teams serving them is a tremendous honor. I know I speak for all of my colleagues at IFB that we are proud to play a small part in protecting those workers on the new front lines of this pandemic. We hope that these masks provide a sense of security for veterans and their families as they continue to seek medical care during these uncertain times.”

The washable cloth masks that IFB is donating to the VA medical facilities also are available for sale to the public through IFB’s online retail outlet, bscsource.com. Each mask sold helps IFB achieve its mission of creating opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired in need of employment, training and services. The masks are sold in packs of 50 for $149.49 and shipping is free. Larger packs of 500 masks also are available.

“We very much appreciate this donation of masks from IFB Solutions and its team of employees,” said Les Eason, Chief, Voluntary Service for the Kernersville VA Clinic. “This support means a great deal to our medical team and those we serve as we all navigate these challenging times.”

Dropbox, courtesy of IFB Solutions, includes:
(Note: B-roll and still images show sewing of white masks available for sale to the public)
– B-roll of employees working on IFB mask production line
– Still photo of IFB plant manager Garry Russ wearing the white IFB mask
LINK: bit.ly/MasksIFB

About IFB Solutions (IFB)
IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., in addition to operating nearly 20 office supply stores across the country and producing mattresses. IFB produces eyewear under its Twenty200 brand at its Winston-Salem lab and operates a retail location in Winston-Salem. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible summer camps, afterschool programs and activities for children who are blind, and Community Low Vision services through its low-vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark. ifbsolutions.org

# # #

 

IFB SOLUTIONS NOW SELLING MASKS TO THE PUBLIC, EACH SALE HELPS CREATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND

Posted on by Seth

Mask will be sold on bscsource.com in packs of 50 for $149.49

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Director of Corporate Communications
(304) 685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org
Dropbox link for photos and b-roll here.

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (May 14, 2020) – Local nonprofit IFB Solutions, the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the U.S., has started selling cloth face masks produced at its Winston-Salem facility to the public through its online retail store, bscsource.com. The washable, 100% cotton knit masks are available in packs of 50 for $149.49 with free shipping. Larger packs of 500 masks also are available. Each sale helps provide employment for people who are blind or visually impaired.

“Earlier this month we announced that IFB would be producing masks for the U.S. Air Force and we are excited that we are now able to expand our production to include sales to the general public,” said Silas Martin, IFB Solutions chief operating officer. “The packs of 50 are ideal for businesses and other organizations for their employees, customers and clients. And each pack sold helps support IFB’s mission of providing opportunities for people who blind or visually impaired in need of employment, training and services.”

bscsource.com offers more than 500,000 different products ranging from masks to discount office supplies, office furniture and janitorial supplies. Many of the products offered at bscsource.com are made by people who are blind or visually impaired employed by nonprofit agencies like IFB Solutions.

Twenty-two people work on IFB’s mask production line, including Cole DeLuca who first connected with IFB Solutions at age 6 when he received assistive technology through the IFB Community Low Vision Center. He participated in IFB’s SEE summer camps offered free to children who are blind and later joined IFB as an optical technician. This spring, Cole received training to work as a sewing operator on the mask production line.

“Millions are unemployed. I am blessed I got the call to do this work,” said DeLuca. “I’m very proud to be sewing masks for the U.S. Air Force as well as for the general public. It’s awesome knowing that the more masks our team makes and sells through bscsource.com helps create employment opportunities for people like me who are visually impaired.”

Dropbox, courtesy of IFB Solutions, includes:
(Note: B-roll and still images show sewing of white masks available for sale to the public)
– B-roll of employees working on IFB mask production line
– Still photo of IFB plant manager Garry Russ wearing the white IFB mask
LINK: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1yhr7a0j3y20xid/AACLWw_GubHeyi16Vl1lxGkva?dl=0

About IFB Solutions (IFB)
IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., in addition to operating nearly 20 office supply stores across the country and producing mattresses. IFB produces eyewear under its Twenty200 brand at its Winston-Salem lab and operates a retail location in Winston-Salem. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible summer camps, afterschool programs and activities for children who are blind, and Community Low Vision services through its low-vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark. ifbsolutions.org

# # #

 

IFB SOLUTIONS TO MAKE 10,000 MASKS FOR U.S. AIR FORCE

Posted on by Seth

Nonprofit leverages textile operations and its experienced sewing operators to ramp up production

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Director of Corporate Communications
(304) 685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org
Dropbox link for photos and b-roll here.

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (May 4, 2020) – Local nonprofit IFB Solutions, the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the country, has started production on 10,000 masks for the U.S. Air Force at its Winston-Salem facility. IFB, which already makes a variety of apparel products for the government, including apparel, mattresses and office supplies, quickly ramped up a mask production line and employee training.

“We’ve got an amazing team of experienced sewing operators, so we were able to jump on this order within a matter of days,” said Silas Martin, IFB Solutions chief operating officer. “It’s a significant order that will keep the team busy for several weeks and even longer if we receive additional orders.”

IFB Solutions has been deemed essential to the security of the nation and a critical manufacturer for the Armed Forces by the U.S. Dept. of Defense therefore certain lines of business have remained open and operating during the coronavirus pandemic.

Twelve IFB employees work on the mask production line, including Winter Robinson, 25 years old who is visually impaired and deaf in one ear. Winter previously worked in IFB’s optical lab before being retrained to join the mask production team.

“I have family in the Navy and Army and several who have served in combat. I can’t see, so I can’t serve, but I can help out by making these masks. I love knowing I can do my part,” says Robinson. “This job gives me an opportunity to keep working, earn a paycheck and support my community.”

IFB’s mask production team will ramp up to 1,000 masks per day with capacity for more should additional orders come in. IFB is hiring experienced sewing operators to work on these masks and several other product lines. Job information can be found at www.ifbsolutions.org/careers or by calling (336) 245-5665.

IFB’s order for the Air Force masks is part of a larger agreement for up to 576,000 masks managed by fellow AbilityOne agency LCI, based in Durham, N.C. IFB, along with five other agencies, are all producing masks to fulfill the entire contract. All of the participating agencies and LCI provide employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. “IFB Solutions is incredibly excited to partner with another not-for-profit agency like LCI on this Air Force contract,” says Martin. “This opportunity provides employment for people who are blind at a time when unemployment is sweeping the nation. We’re also proud of this work because it keeps our troops safe.”

“When the Air Force reached out to us about supplying masks for the bases, we were honored to answer the call,” said DuWayne Gilbertson, vice president, business development at LCI. “As our country navigates its way through unchartered territory in the face of COVID-19, we feel it’s extremely important to help protect those who protect us and keep us safe every day.”

Mask production at IFB is now underway and LCI expects to make its first shipment to the U.S. Air Force by mid-May.

Dropbox, courtesy of IFB Solutions, includes:
– B-roll of employees working on IFB mask production line
– Still photos of employees, including Winter Robinson, working on IFB mask production line
LINK: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/arx84adx04zjr6q/AAAwq9EdgK_eQD-pLVFqgnQoa?dl=0

About IFB Solutions (IFB)
IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., in addition to operating nearly 20 office supply stores across the country and producing mattresses. IFB produces eyewear under its Twenty200 brand at its Winston-Salem lab and operates a retail location in Winston-Salem. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible summer camps, afterschool programs and activities for children who are blind, and Community Low Vision services through its low-vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark. ifbsolutions.org

# # #

 

IFB Solutions Opens Twenty200 Eyewear Store Creating Opportunities For People who are Blind

Posted on by jaraujo

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Director of Corporate Communications
(304) 685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (March 5, 2020) – IFB Solutions, a non-profit organization based in WinstonSalem and the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the country, has opened its Twenty200 Eyewear optical store at 631 Coliseum Drive NW in Winston-Salem. IFB had previously operated an optical store on its North Point Drive campus. Purchases from Twenty200 Eyewear help IFB create opportunities for people who are blind across its organization.

“Our new location on Coliseum Drive will make Twenty200 Eyewear more accessible to the WinstonSalem community and generate greater awareness for our mission of creating opportunities for people who are blind,” said Nicole Ducouer, senior director of corporate communications for IFB Solutions. “Each purchase of eyeglasses, sunglasses or contact lenses from Twenty200 Eyewear helps create local opportunities for people who are blind.”

The Twenty200 Eyewear optical shop carries a wide range of popular eyewear brands including RayBan, Costa, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade and Ana Hickmann. Staffed by licensed opticians, Twenty200 Eyewear is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Most of the eyeglass orders are then fulfilled by IFB’s optical lab on its Winston-Salem campus. Additional information about Twenty200 Eyewear is available at www.twenty200.org.

IFB Solutions operates an optical lab on its campus that supports the Twenty200 Eyewear optical shop as well as other commercial customers. The lab is staffed by individuals who are blind or visually impaired using equipment that IFB has modified for use by individuals with limited sight including magnified and high-contrast displays. The lab was built more than a decade ago to support IFB’s contracts with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. At its peak, the lab produced more than 1,200 pairs of eyeglasses per day for veterans and their families as well as for commercial customers. In late 2019, IFB was forced to scale back operations in its optical lab because of a court order giving priority for VA contracts to veteran-owned businesses over AbilityOne nonprofit agencies like IFB Solutions that employ people who are blind or have other significant disabilities. IFB is pursuing new commercial opportunities, including the move of its Winston-Salem location which it hopes will generate more eyeglass orders.

“Throughout IFB’s 84 years of serving people who are blind or visually impaired, the Winston-Salem community has been incredibly generous in supporting our mission through donations and grants, as well as by making purchases of our products,” said Ducouer. “We look forward to welcoming even more customers through the door at our new Coliseum Drive location and inviting them to be part of our mission through a purchase of eyewear or contacts.”

About IFB Solutions (IFB)
IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., in addition to operating nearly 20 office supply stores across the country. IFB produces eyewear under its Twenty200 brand at its Winston-Salem lab and operates a retail location in WinstonSalem. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible summer camps, afterschool programs and activities for children who are blind, and Community Low Vision services through its low-vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark. ifbsolutions.org.

About Twenty200 Eyewear
Twenty200 is a brand of IFB Solutions that offers a range of eyewear in approachable styles with a focus on kind, patient service. The Twenty200 name reflects the mission powering the brand: helping people see perfect 20/20 vision while proceeds create opportunities for people with legally blind, or with 20/200 or worse, vision. The Twenty200 Eye in Winston-Salem, NC 27106. twenty200.org.

U.S. House of Representatives Passes Legislation to Re-Open Path to Employment for People who are Blind

Posted on by

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Director of Corporate Communications
(304) 685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Dec. 17, 2019) – Late Monday afternoon the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4920, the Dept. of Veterans Affairs Contracting Preference Consistency Act, which grandfathers in VA contracts that predate the Veterans Benefits Act of 2006 to restore eligibility for nonprofits who create jobs for people who are blind like IFB Solutions.

The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Virginia Foxx and supported by Rep. Mark Walker. It came to the floor after passing unanimously in the House Veterans Affairs Committee on Dec. 5. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate.

“We are very grateful to Representative Foxx for her leadership in passing H.R. 4920 in today’s session,” said Dan Kelly, IFB Executive Vice President of Strategy and Programs. “With this legislation, we can ensure that thousands of people who are blind or have other significant disabilities keep their jobs and continue their path to independence.”

Earlier this fall, IFB Solutions lost all three of its optical contracts with the VA employing more than 137 people at its facility in Winston-Salem. Two of those three contracts predate the Veterans Benefits Act and would return to IFB if the proposed legislation becomes law.

At the heart of the issue are two federal programs created by Congress – the AbilityOne program established in 1938 to help those who are blind or have other significant disabilities find employment, and the Veterans First program established in 2006 to set aside some VA contracts for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Typically, AbilityOne has been exempted when programs like Veterans First are created but when Congress passed the VBA in 2006, it neglected to specify that exemption, creating the opportunity for conflict.

In 2016, PDS Consultants filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Government, saying that it should receive preference for the VA’s optical contracts over IFB Solutions. IFB went to court to protect its contracts and the 137 jobs supported by that work. A court decision found in favor of PDS and the VA began transitioning its contracts from IFB in the summer of 2019. Since that time, IFB has maintained a small crew of employees in its optical lab.

“I hope we see this legislation become law very soon because I’m ready to have my colleagues return to work,” said Scott Smith, an IFB employee who is visually impaired and a Navy veteran. “The jobs we have at IFB are life-changing. Before coming here, I could not find a job even though I had many years of work and military experience. We need places like IFB and the contracts that make our jobs possible.”

In addition to pursuing a legislative solution with the proposed Dept. of Veterans Affairs Contracting Preference Consistency Act, IFB Solutions has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its case and potentially overturn the earlier lower court decision. IFB expects to hear whether or not its case will be heard by the end of January.

“We don’t believe it was ever the intention of Congress or of the Courts to keep people who are blind or visually impaired from finding jobs,” said Kelly. “There is enough business with the VA for both groups which is what this new legislation is designed to address.

“With strong advocacy from nonprofits like IFB, organizations like the Blind Veterans Association and the National Federation for the Blind, and legislative leaders such as U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx and U.S. Representative Mark Walker, I’m very hopeful that the thousands of people like me and Scott Smith who are blind or have other significant disabilities will soon have the employment opportunities Congress intended when it created the AbilityOne program in 1938.”

IFB Solutions loses 47 jobs as VA ends optical contract, announces filing for case to be heard by U.S. Supreme Court

Posted on by

Contact
Seth Anderson, IFB Solutions Director of Marketing
336-908-0925 | sanderson@ifbsolutions.org

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Sept. 10, 2019) – On Aug 31, the Dept. of Veterans Affairs ended the first of three optical contracts with IFB Solutions effectively eliminating 47 positions at the nonprofit agency. IFB had hoped to maintain the contract by filing one last motion in Federal Claims Court requesting a stay of contracting action by the VA until its protest with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) can be heard. On Sept. 4, a judge denied the request and the VA has moved forward with a new vendor.

“We are devastated for our employees whose positions have been eliminated with the loss of this VA contract,” said David Horton, IFB Solutions President and CEO. “From the beginning, we’ve said that we will fight for these jobs all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. Now, we are doing just that with our official filing.”

IFB Solutions is petitioning the Court to review the judgment of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit from October 2018 giving priority to veteran-owned small businesses over AbilityOne agencies employing people who are blind in VA contracting awards.

In its filing with the Supreme Court, IFB Solutions wrote, “The harms from the Federal Circuit’s decision are deeply disturbing. Already, the VA has canceled numerous contracts held by AbilityOne qualified nonprofit agencies, which will result in the near-immediate termination of employment of hundreds of blind and severely disabled individuals, many of whom are veterans themselves. The injury does not stop there. The loss of those jobs means there will be a corresponding reduction in the ancillary services that these nonprofit agencies can provide to the blind and severely disabled in their communities.

“Only this Court can protect countless blind and severely disabled employees from a devastating loss that Congress never intended.  Accordingly, the Court should intervene now to protect those who are most in need of protection.”

According to the U.S. AbilityOne Commission, more than 46,000 people who are blind or have significant disabilities are employed through the AbilityOne program, including more than 7,000 veterans. And, more than 36,000 veterans and their families receive rehabilitation and other services from AbilityOne agencies. The U.S. Supreme Court will decide in October which cases it will hear for the upcoming year.

“The toll on our workforce has been intense, especially for our employees who are blind or visually impaired and who face huge barriers to employment,” said Horton. “Nationally, 7 out of 10 working-age adults who are blind are not in the workforce. In addition, more than half of our employees relocate here to take positions with IFB Solutions as the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the country. For those employees who’ve just started to put down roots in Winston-Salem, the prospect of losing their positions and possibly leaving our community entirely is heartbreaking.”

 

VA Moves to End IFB’s Remaining Contracts Set to End this Fall

As IFB Solutions awaits a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, the VA also is moving forward with ending IFB’s remaining two contracts supporting 90 additional jobs in the optical lab. Those contracts are set to end on Sept. 30 and Oct. 31. In total, 137 IFB employees are at risk of losing their jobs, including 76 employees who are blind and 15 employees who are veterans.

 

Congress Also a Possible Recourse

IFB Solutions along with its fellow AbilityOne agencies and National Industries for the Blind continue to work with members of Congress on a possible legislative solution.

“We’re thankful to our local representatives — Senator Thom Tillis, Congressman Mark Walker and Congresswoman Virginia Foxx — who have shown support, promised action and reached out to the VA directly,” said Horton. “Our shared goal is to find a path forward that enables the VA to maximize contracting awards for veteran-owned small businesses without eliminating or reducing AbilityOne jobs for people who are blind or severely disabled.”

IFB Solutions is not alone in looking to Congress for an answer. In response to prior media inquiries, the VA has stated, “If Congress wants to change the federal laws it has set that govern this process, it can choose to do so.”

“As we have said all along, we simply do not believe that Congress ever intended for people who are blind or severely disabled employed by AbilityOne nonprofits, including thousands of veterans, to lose their jobs or lose access to services in order for veteran-owned businesses to gain contracting opportunities,” said Horton. “Whether we work with Congress on a solution or make our case before the U.S. Supreme Court, we will find a way to maintain life-changing employment opportunities for people who are blind.”

 

IFB Solutions Impact by the Numbers

137: Total jobs at risk in the IFB optical lab

76: Optical employees who are blind losing their jobs

15: Military veterans in the optical lab losing their jobs

7,600*: Total military veterans employed by AbilityOne agencies nationwide

36,000*: Military veterans and family members receiving rehabilitation and other services from AbilityOne agencies

*https://abilityone.gov/commission/documents/U.S.%20AbilityOne%20Commission%20FY%202017%20PAR-Final.pdf

Media Update: VA grants IFB Solutions 2-week contract extension

Posted on by

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Programs
336-685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

Today, we received notice from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs that it is extending the optical contract slated to end on July 31 for two additional weeks with a new end date of August 15. This brief extension gives us additional time to find possible positions within our organization for those 47 affected employees. However, it is not the outcome we had hoped for as we believe the VA should not be taking business away from AbilityOne nonprofits like IFB Solutions who provide life-changing jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired. Every day, our employees go to work wondering when the next contract will end.

IFB Solutions has two remaining contracts with the VA that employ an additional 90 people.  Both of those contracts are slated to end this fall, putting a total of 137 people, including 76 who are blind, 15 who are veterans, out of work.

We will continue to advocate on Capitol Hill and in the courts to press for a solution that will enable the VA to maximize contracting awards for veteran-owned small businesses without eliminating or reducing AbilityOne jobs for people who are blind or severely disabled. During our meetings on Capitol Hill last week, we heard from many members of Congress about their intent to communicate with VA Secretary Wilkie that his department cease attempting to take way any current AbilityOne Procurement List contracts from non-profit organizations employing people who are blind or severely disabled as that is not consistent with the intent of Congress.  And, in early September, we will file a petition for our case to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court as we pursue all available legal and legislative options to get this issue resolved. There is plenty of business with the VA for both veteran-owned small businesses and AbilityOne nonprofits.

We are grateful for the support of the national lawmakers we met with last week in Washington, D.C. who want to see a solution to this issue. We also are grateful for the many people in the community who’ve shared their support for our organization and our employees.

IFB Solutions facing loss of 76 jobs for people who are blind, 137 total jobs as a result of policy changes at the VA

Posted on by

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Programs
336-685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (July 23, 2019) – IFB Solutions, the largest employer of people who are blind in the country, is about to experience several rounds of job cuts that will have a devastating effect on the blind community. The 137 people who work in its optical lab, including 76 people who are blind and 15 veterans, face job cuts with the first wave of 47 lost positions expected by the end of July.

The job losses are a result of policy changes with IFB’s optical lab customer, the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, which has had long-term contracts with the nonprofit since 2000. The VA made the changes following a recent court order that the Rule of Two as currently outlined in the Veterans Benefits Act gives priority to veteran-owned companies over AbilityOne nonprofits like IFB Solutions. IFB Solutions has been fighting that legal interpretation for three years.

“We do not believe that Congress ever intended to benefit veteran-owned small businesses at the expense of people who are blind or severely disabled,” said Dan Kelly, chief operating officer at IFB Solutions. “There is plenty of business for both veteran-owned small businesses and AbilityOne nonprofits, many of whom, like IFB Solutions, also employ a significant number of veterans.”

IFB Solutions has joined fellow AbilityOne nonprofits who employ people who are blind from across the country in asking Congress to clarify its intent with the Rule of Two. On July 24 and 25, IFB Solutions CEO David Horton and IFB optical lab employee Scott Smith will join other AbilityOne representatives in Washington, D.C. to meet with national lawmakers, including Reps. Virginia Foxx and Mark Walker and Sen. Thom Tillis, to discuss the impact on people who are blind or visually impaired. Earlier in the month, a bi-partisan letter clarifying intent with the Rule of Two was signed by 34 members of Congress, including Reps. Foxx and Walker, and delivered to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.

“I’ve spent my entire career creating and fighting for jobs for people who, like me, are blind and face a job market with limited opportunities – 70 percent of working-age adults who are blind are not employed,” said Kelly. “AbilityOne nonprofits like IFB Solutions provide employment for more than 45,000 people who are blind or severely disabled. If we aren’t vigilant in protecting the jobs as intended by Congress when it created the AbilityOne program back in 1938, those individuals may have nowhere to turn.”

In addition to creating jobs, AbilityOne nonprofits provide critical rehabilitative and support services to hundreds of thousands of people, including thousands of veterans. IFB Solutions alone serves nearly 4,500 people who are visually impaired each year through its Community Low Vision Centers and mobile vision units. And, more than 150 children who are blind or visually impaired attend its free SEE summer camps and after-school programs.

“We are committed to continuing to serve our community, but the loss of our optical contracts with the VA is a significant hit to our business,” said Kelly. “We’re hopeful that Congress will take the necessary action that continues to maximize contracting awards for veteran-owned small businesses without eliminating or reducing AbilityOne jobs for people who are blind or severely disabled. If not, we are fully prepared to return to the courtroom and petition to have our case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.”

IFB Solutions Honored by Triad Chapter of the Risk Management Association at Annual Award Luncheon

Posted on by

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Programs
336-685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (July 2, 2019) – IFB Solutions was honored at the 4th annual Excellence in Business Award Luncheon hosted by the Triad Chapter of The Risk Management Association. Each year, the chapter honors three local organizations and one individual for their success in business and contribution to their communities. IFB Solutions was nominated for the award by BB&T in the non-profit category.

IFB Solutions Chief Financial Officer Rob Burgess and Employee Relations Manager Brent Burkholder accepted the award. During the presentation, Triad Chapter President Theresa Arrighi of BB&T highlighted IFB’s commitment to the community through its mission of employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. In the Triad area, IFB Solutions employs nearly 350 people who are blind and offers extensive training programs so they can progress in their positions and careers of choice.

IFB Solutions also is a critical community resource for those who are blind or visually impaired. The nonprofit operates four Community Low Vision Centers serving hundreds of adults and children each year with assistive devices and technology. The Centers are the hubs for IFB’s Focus on Literacy programs which pair school-age children with free assistive devices and technology to use at home to complete their homework and foster a love of reading. IFB also runs the SEE (Student Enrichment Experience) program for children in grades K-12 with a year-round calendar of free, after-school activities and summer camps teaching valuable independent living skills and fostering personal confidence.

“We are very honored to be recognized by the Triad Chapter of The Risk Management Association for our success and impact on our community. As the largest employer of people who are blind in the country, our commitment to serving the larger community through jobs, training and services as well as programs such as SEE and the Community Low Vision Centers is clear,” said Burgess. “The unemployment rate for people who are blind is an astounding 70 percent, and IFB Solutions is working very hard to change that statistic by creating jobs of choice and encouraging greater independence and confidence in individuals of all ages.”

IFB Solutions Takes to the Big Screen, Wins Coveted Telly Award for Summer SEE Camp Video

Posted on by

Contact
Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Programs
336-685-2393 | nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (June 17, 2019) – The team at IFB Solutions, the largest employer of people who are blind in the country, is staying red-carpet ready. The Winston-Salem based nonprofit has been part of three award-winning videos or documentaries this spring. Most recently, IFB was honored with the prestigious Telly Award for “The Perfect Summer: SEE Camps 2018”, a video about its SEE (Student Enrichment Experience) summer camps for children who are blind or visually impaired. (video courtesy of IFB Solutions)

The SEE Summer Camp video was created and directed by IFB Solutions marketing content specialist Ben Daniels. It showcases the inspiring camp experiences, which are offered at no cost to the families, and made possible with community support. The video received a Gold Award in the Craft Voiceover category made by a non-broadcast group and a Gold Award in the General Charity category. Voiceover for the video was provided by children from the Winston-Salem community and Killian, a SEE camp participant from Asheville, created the beat for the video’s opening music. Other charities who submitted videos to the competition included The Ronald McDonald House, Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

The Telly awards were established in 1979 to honor excellence in video and television across the screens. In IFB’s award categories, they are judged and voted by the Telly Awards Judging Council comprised of industry professionals who have all previously won the Telly Awards highest accolade.

“I’ve been involved with the television and video industry for nearly a decade, and it has always been my dream to win a Telly Award,” said Daniels. “To be recognized by your peers for great work is truly the highest honor anyone could receive.”

In April, “Blind Adventure Camp”, a documentary short about IFB’s SEE Adventure Camp along the Nantahala River made its national debut at the RiverRun International Film Festival in Winston-Salem. Director Rod Murphy and former SEE camper Shareff Stewart spoke during a panel discussion following the screening about the importance of making films that celebrate the abilities and talents of young people who are blind. (video trailer courtesy of Rod Murphy, Collective Projects)

IFB Employees accept award

In March, IFB Solutions was again profiled in a national documentary, “A Journey Home”, produced by Massif Films Production with Jared Cruce Studio. Massif, a world-leader in flame-resistant apparel for the U.S. Military, also is a customer of IFB’s textiles manufacturing division. The film profiles IFB Solutions employees Lynn Drake, Roderick Wilson and Rick Gaefe as well as other individuals also working for agencies who are part of National Industries for the Blind. (video courtesy of Massif Film Productions and Jared Cruce Studio)

In May, the film was selected for the “Best of the Best” category at the Brand Film Festival held in New York City. It also won both a Gold and Silver Stevie Award in the Business Documentary and Corporate Social Responsibility categories in the 2019 American Business Awards. IFB Solutions senior director of corporate communications Nicole Ducouer and Daniels joined the Massif Film team for the Stevie Award presentation in New York City on June 11.

“People often tell us that IFB Solutions is one of the best-kept secrets in Winston-Salem,” said Ducouer. “These award-winning videos and films are great avenues for more people to become aware of the great work happening here both on the manufacturing floor and out in the community for people who are blind or visually impaired.”