IFB Beat 10-7 Edition

A Message from the Editor

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donations and support to our fellow employees who were affected by Hurricane Helene. In times of crisis, it’s heartwarming to see how our IFB team comes together to care for one another. Your kindness has made a real difference in the lives of those who needed it most. Thank you for showing the true spirit of compassion and unity. Together, we are stronger.

In this weeks issue:

  • Asheville update for the week 10/7.
  • WS/Clemmons folks: schedule your flu shot, available October 8 and 9.
  • Reminder: Newport/First Citizens Wealth retirement plan update.
  • Reminder: Complete the 2024 Employee SSDI Survey by October 11.
  • We’re celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Thanks for reading the IFB Beat and have a wonderful week!

Anastasia Powell

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

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Reminder: ACTION NEEDED: 2024 Employee SSDI Survey
– Asheville Facility Update for the Week 10-7
– Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month
– See what S.E.E. is Doing!
– IFB Support Group Updates
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Reminder: NC A&T Research Participants Needed

HR and Opportunities

– Reminder: WS and Clemmons Facilities Flu Shot Update
– Reminder: Newport/First Citizens Wealth Retirement Plan Update
– New Job Openings

Support Group Zoom Meeting Links
Archived Editions of The IFB Beat

Reminder: ACTION NEEDED: 2024 Employee SSDI Survey

2024 Employee SSDI Survey: for employees who have not signed-up for assistance  through your supervisor and would like to independently complete the survey.

The National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is collecting data on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) reform and the negative impact of the SSDI ‘Cash Cliff.’ This issue continues to affect employee income and attendance, and NIB is actively addressing it with Congress.

To strengthen NIB’s advocacy efforts, they are seeking valuable data. We are asking all blind employees, at every level, to consider completing this national survey. Participation is entirely optional and anonymous. The survey will collect no identifying information, and the results will be analyzed in aggregate only. It aims to gather insights from employees who are currently receiving SSDI benefits, those who have received them in the past, and those who have never received them.

IFB Solutions wants to support this initiative and is committed to assisting employees with it in hopes of effecting some changes that may benefit a large part of our blind employee population.

Please complete the survey by October 11, 2024. If you need assistance contact Morgan Dugan at mdugan@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5612.

Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6VR5JN

 

Asheville Facility Update for the Week 10-7

The IFB Solutions Leadership is meeting daily to prioritize the well-being of our employees while continuing to serve our customers. Although our Asheville manufacturing facility remains intact, many of our employees are facing significant challenges in accessing clean water, food, and essential hygiene supplies. You, along with others in the community and sister AbilityOne Agencies, have worked quickly to ensure these essentials are available.

We care deeply about their well-being and have identified specific needs to address. With your support, we are taking action to help them.

The plant will reopen on Monday, October 7, for employees who are able to make it to the facility. Operating hours will be from 7am to 5pm. Water, food and other essentials are still available for employees and their families. Executive and senior leadership will be on site throughout the week to ensure support.

The Asheville team extends heartfelt thanks for the many items collected, allowing employees to pick up what they need. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has shown their generosity. 

Thank you for your ongoing support.

 

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Observed each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or “NDEAM,” we celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. NDEAM’s purpose is to confirm our commitment to ensuring disabled workers have access to good jobs, every month of every year. That’s the spirit behind this year’s theme: “Access to Good Jobs for All.”

IFB Solutions recognizes the employment barriers and remain committed to changing lives by creating job opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.

“I’ve found a job opportunity I truly love!”, says Kayla Cole, Workforce Services call center representative. Watch her story here.

 

See what S.E.E. is Doing!

young man playing the flute in the schoolhouse kitchen for the S.E.E. kids

S.E.E. fun day included J Zhu playing the flute and teaching the kids how to play it as well. He is a student at Atkins High school and wanted to share music with others. We also enjoyed a game of UNO with print/Braille cards and a chicken nuggets lunch with chips and fruit cups or bananas.

 

IFB Solutions Support Group Updates

Upcoming Meetings:

  • Monday, October 7 AAA Committee meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

talking label wand

Talking Label Wand for $88.74

Want an accessible way to label ANYTHING? This handy label wand comes with 232 labels -160 round, tactile labels and 72 rectangular, washable labels. It has two gigabytes of built in memory with 250 hours recording time.

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

 

From Our Community

Participants Needed for Research Study on Emotional Expression

Submitted by NC A&T State University Research Department

NC A&T State University is seeking individuals with visual disabilities (severe visual impairment or blindness) to participate in a research study. This study aims to better understand emotional experiences and how facial muscles are used to express emotions.

Interview Details:

  • Informal, approximately 60 minutes or less
  • Interview questions will focus on emotional experiences in daily life and facial expressions.
  • Participants will receive a $10 e-gift card upon completion.

Eligibility:

  • 18 years or older
  • Severe visual impairment or blindness

Interview Location:
Flexible, at a location of your choice (for example: your place, public libraries, community centers, NC A&T research lab, or any quiet, comfortable place you prefer). We will come to your selected place.

Interested?

Please reach out to schedule an interview:

This study has been approved by the NC A&T Institutional Review Board (IRB # HS23-0098). The principal investigator, Dr. Hyung Nam Kim, can be reached at (336) 285-3471 or hnkim@ncat.edu. More about Dr. Kim’s work can be found at

https://www.ncat.edu/employee-bio.php?directoryID=1604499297.

 

HR & Opportunities

WS and Clemmons Facilities Flu Shot Update

For more information, reach out to Tammy Whitmire-Powers, IFB Solutions Benefits Administrator at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

Flu shots will be available for Winston-Salem employees on October 8th and 9th. If you’re an hourly employee and would like to get vaccinated, please inform your supervisor. Nurse Venessa will be visiting administrative areas throughout both days, and you can let her know if you’d like to participate. Clemmons employees can schedule their flu shots directly by contacting Venessa at x5685. Remember, a Flu Vaccine Consent Form will be required before you receive your shot.

For employees under 65, the health clinic will offer the standard dose of the Flu Vaccine (Inactivated Influenza) to help protect you this season. If you’re 65 or older, we recommend consulting your primary care provider or scheduling an appointment at your pharmacy for a higher-dose vaccine suited to your needs.

Why get vaccinated?

  • Boost your immunity against the flu.
  • Help reduce the spread and protect those around you.
  • Minimize sick days and stay healthy all season.

Appointments will also be available after October 8th and 9th while supplies last.
Let’s work together to protect our health—because staying healthy is a team effort!

 

Newport/First Citizens Wealth™ Retirement Plan Update

In November, your Newport/First Citizens Wealth retirement plan account will move to a new recordkeeping platform.

What to expect:

  • You will have one-touch access to your account —anytime—on the new mobile retirement app, READYSAVE™, to help you stay on track.
  • Your service team will still be available to assist you at the same phone number you use today: 855-593-7279.
  • You’ll still be able to log in to your employee website with your current username and password, even after your account has moved.
  • You’ll see subtle design enhancements to the website over time.
  • There is no action required on your part!

Important Dates:

  • November 13 – This is the last day to request transactions, including exchanges, until after the migration is complete. Requests must be made before 4:00 p.m. ET. Access to your online retirement account will also be paused as migration begins.
  • November 15 – The migration begins.
  • November 15-17 – You’ll experience a brief pause in access while accounts are securely migrated.
  • Week of November 18 – Your account is ready and may be accessed via the new mobile retirement app, READYSAVE™.

For more information, reach out to Tammy Whitmire-Powers, IFB Solutions Benefits Administrator at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

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.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=102730&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=102731&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

Quality Auditor – Winston-Salem Facility

Education and work experience:

  • High School graduate or equivalent
  • 1-3 years previous Quality Inspection experience preferred

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=102738&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=102739&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

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

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Adult Support Groups Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/99498078576?pwd=ODJzK0sxcXZrME9yN25YRTdiNXBSQT09
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576
PASSWORD: 92638
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Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576