IFB Beat – Week of December 27, 2022

Quick Links:

News to Know
– IFB Solutions in the News
– 2022 HOURLY Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy
– Winston-Salem Cafeteria Lobby Sanitation Update
– Winston-Salem Cafeteria General Update
– Winston-Salem Employee Mattress Sale
– Many Thanks from the IFB Solutions Development Team

Programs and Services
– Volunteers Needed in Winston-Salem Location
– See what S.E.E. is Doing!
– Adult Support Group Meetings:

Community Low Vision Centers
– CLVC Item of the Week
– CLVC Item of the Month

Insider Corner
– Connect with Faith Harding, Insider Corner Editor

Community Connections
– December is Activism for Independence Month

HR and Opportunities
– Announcing 2023 Voluntary Benefits Open Enrollment January 1, 2023 through January 13, 2023
– Business Essentials 2023

Support Group Zoom Meeting Links

News to Know

IFB Solutions in the News

We announced our new board chair and new board members, and received the following coverage:

Triad Business Journal highlights Laura True’s promotion in their “people on the move” section. Here is the placement: https://www.bizjournals.com/triad/potmsearch/detail/submission/6523803/Laura_True

WNC Business also picked up the story, with a placement here: https://www.wncbusiness.com/2022/12/19/421393/laura-true-promoted-to-human-resources-lead-for-ifb-solutions

Last, if you missed, it, here’s a recap of the media coverage around Dan Kelly’s announcement as incoming CEO:

 

2022 HOURLY Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy

Please note IFB Solutions PTO policy for hourly employees:

  • If an employee’s PTO balance the last week of the calendar year is greater than zero, the balance, up to 40 hours, will be rolled over.
  • Any remaining hours (those over 40) will be paid out before January 31st, 2023 once employees have used PTO to cover any time off at the end of the year.
  • It is important to note, that any remaining balance at the end of the year will be locked from January 2nd, 2023 through January 8th, 2023 to ensure balances are whole/accurate for the payout calculations.
  • Any time off taken from Monday January 2nd, 2023 through January 8th, 2023 will be unpaid. Please note, employees may still be approved/excused to take time off during this period, however, supervisors should not code any PTO hours during that period (January 2nd, 2023 – January 8th, 2023).
  • Any hours beyond forty, will be paid out to employees on January 13th, 2023.

Supervisors and Managers, please cascade to your hourly employees.

 

Winston-Salem Cafeteria Lobby Sanitation Update

The cafeteria lobby (large room with tables and chairs) will be closed daily from 3:45pm – 4:30pm to allow ample time for deep cleaning and for the floors to dry. During this time the afternoon breaks should be over and there should be limited traffic in the cafeteria. We will monitor this change and adjust as needed. If you have any questions, please contact Angela Jordan at ajordan@ifbsolutions.org or ext. 5771. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

 

Winston-Salem Cafeteria – General Update

We are getting closer to the full Canteen Market setup, launching 6am on Tuesday, January 3rd. The current vending setup will be expanded to the left and right to include refrigerated and frozen breakfast items, sandwiches, salads and entrees, an expanded snack selection, and hot coffee in addition to the existing snacks and beverages. Our Week of January 3rd, 2023 edition of The Beat will include the full menu and pricing.

The equipment for our January 3 launch was installed Friday, December 23, and to accommodate, we adjusted the placement of the tables in the cafeteria. When you arrive on Tuesday, December 27th, the five rows of two-seater tables will be adjusted into two rows of four-seater tables and one row of one-seater tables. In addition, the microwaves that are currently to the far end of the Canteen vending setup will be moved to the left wall from the main entrance to the cafeteria lobby. Claudia Molinero will be on hand to help guide and answer questions.

We are also happy to confirm that three microwaves and one additional table are being added to the break area by the employee entrance. We are looking forward to this launch and appreciate everyone’s patience with the adjustment process over these past weeks.

 

Winston-Salem Employee Mattress Sale

IFB Solutions is clearing out inventory of commercial mattresses – this is a great opportunity to purchase a mattress made by your colleagues at a great price. Supplies are extremely limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and holds cannot be made. View the complete listing and details here.

To purchase: stop by the workstation (cubicle) of Mendy Hunt in the customer service area or call 336-245-5646. Payment is due at time of purchase, and mattresses must be picked up from the IFB Solutions Warehouse at 6180 Indiana Avenue on Thursdays in December (no delivery or disposal of old mattresses available).

Available items:

  • Universal Bed Frame for All Sizes ($25)
  • TWIN Boxspring ($99), Commodore Mattress ($150), and Extra Firm Mattress ($175)
  • FULL Commodore Mattress ($175), Standard Firm Mattress ($175), and Extra Firm Mattress ($175)
  • QUEEN Boxspring ($99) and Standard Firm Mattress ($185)
  • KING Standard Firm Mattress ($225) and Extra Firm Mattress ($275)

Mattress descriptions:

  • Commodore: pillow top (can be rotated, but not flipped) with quilted ticking in “Toast” color. 3″ foam topper for comfort.
  • Standard Firm: traditional innerspring (can be flipped) with quilted ticking in “Toast” color. 1.5″ of foam is built in for comfort.
  • Extra Firm: same as standard, but with firmer springs.

Questions? Call Mendy Hunt at 336-245-5646 or email at mhunt@ifbsolutions.org (note purchases cannot be made over email). For full details, see flyer here: http://ifbsolutions.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IFB_WS_EmployeeMattressSale_Flyer_FINAL_12-4-22.pdf

 

Many thanks from the IFB Development Team!

We hope you have had a very merry Christmas and wish you a happy New Year! May it be prosperous and full of joyful moments! We thank each supporter of IFB programs and services this past year and those who have committed their support for 2023.  We cannot wait to see what the new year brings to people participating in IFB programs! Thank you for caring for our mission!

With holiday cheer,

IFB Development Team.

 

Programs and Services

Volunteers Needed in Winston-Salem Location

Do you love to work out in the gym and familiar with various equipment? If the answer is yes, this volunteer opportunity is for you!

The Winston-Salem facility is re-opening the exercise room very soon. The updated space will include incredible new equipment thanks to a generous donation from Allegacy Credit Union. We are looking for volunteers who are sighted to teach employees who are blind and visually impaired how to navigate the room, learn equipment button functions, practice safety in the space, and more.

The time commitment for volunteers will be one hour a day during first and second breaks for one week (Monday – Thursday). If interested, contact Anastasia Powell at apowell@ifbsolutions.org or X5698. Thank you!

(Please note, we are still determining the exact date for reopening and hope to announce soon).

See what S.E.E. is Doing!

Justin shows us his orange with cloves

S.E.E. After School Winston journeyed to Italy on our seventh adventure of Christmas around the world. We used whole cloves as Braille dots or tactile markers pressed into an orange. Toasted ravioli and garlic bread sticks were a tasty snack while listening to carols in Italian.

Justin paints okra

S.E.E. After School Winston grew okra in the garden this fall. We picked and dried it. We painted it with red, white, and green to be Christmas ornaments.

 

Happy holidays to our S.E.E. students!

Tina with the Vinyl department and justin

Tina Jolly and the vinyl department adopts 2 S.E.E. kids each year at Christmas time to shower them with gifts. The generous employees collect money starting in September to provide a wish fulfilling mountain of presents. Parents attend the gift opening event to watch the thrill their child has at being made to feel so special. They spread pure joy with this tradition. A huge and heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who helped make this possible.

 

Adult Support Group Meetings:

  • Tuesday, December 27 Glaucoma support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.
  • Wednesday, December 28 Guide Dog support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.

 

Community Low Vision Center

CLVC Item of the Week:

firestick

Fire TV Stick 4K Max Wi-Fi streaming device for $49.95

Our most powerful streaming stick – 40% more powerful than Fire TV Stick 4K, with faster app starts and more fluid navigation. Alexa Voice Remote (includes TV controls).

 

CLVC December Item of the Month:

Image of Alexa Echo Show

Echo Show 10, Up to $240. Alexa can show you even more – With a 10.1″ HD screen that is designed to move with you, video calls, recipes, and shows are always in view. The speakers deliver premium, directional sound.

If you are interested in purchasing Low Vision Equipment through our Loan Program (3rd Party), please contact a Low Vision Coordinator for assistance. 

 

Insider Corner

Connect with Faith Harding, Insider Corner Editor

Have a story, new article, app, or interesting fact you want to share? Email me! Faith Harding at FHarding@ifbsolutions.org.

Have a wonderful week!

Faith Harding

 

Community Connections

December is Activism for Independence Month

Submitted by Metrolina Association For the Blind Inc

There are many ways to advocate for independence for people with blindness and visual impairment, and our Orientation and Mobility Specialist Brad Blair shares some insights.

Through Brad’s Lens

Our resident Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist, Brad Blair will share expertise and advice. Questions for Brad? Email us at communications@mabnc.org!

Who is the best advocate: Sometimes I am asked about resources for advocating for the independence of people who are blind or visually impaired. The best possible advocate is you, the person who is blind or visually impaired. We’ll talk about self-advocacy and independence within both the family and the community.

First, independence is not going to happen unless you assert yourself and your concerns. Making sure family members don’t move your things without asking you, making it clear that you can do this or that task, or gently telling family members when and how you would like to be helped are all forms of self-advocacy that have to happen at home.

Otherwise, family members may make assumptions about you and your capabilities, and it’s up to you to make your needs and preferences understood.

Now let’s talk about the community. One of the biggest steps you can take is to make sure the community recognizes you as someone with a visual impairment. So, I strongly suggest you carry your long cane when going out in public. That way, when you stop someone to ask for directions or assistance, you will already be identified as having a visual impairment, which can make getting the help you need easier!

Sincerely,
Brad

 

HR & Opportunities

Announcing 2023 Voluntary Benefits Open Enrollment January 1, 2023 through January 13, 2023

Voluntary Benefits like life insurance and short term disability insurance are different from Core Benefits (medical, dental, and vision). These run on a calendar year enrollment period. Enrollment for these Voluntary Benefits opens January 3, 2023 and closes January 13. Effective date is February 1, 2023.

We are excited to announce a new way to enroll this year: a pre-scheduled phone appointment with a licensed, professional Benefit Coach. The Benefit Coach will review the benefits, costs, answer your questions, and enroll or waive you in the benefits you choose in one easy phone call. You can even include your spouse on your call. Details are below.

MetLife has been our provider for some Voluntary Benefits, and IFB Solutions is now switching all Voluntary Benefits to MetLife. Employees who have Voluntary Benefits with Colonial need to take special note as those will cease effective January 31, 2023.

Voluntary benefits available through MetLife include:

  • Voluntary Life Insurance for Employee and Dependents
  • NEW: Accident Insurance
  • NEW: Critical Illness Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance (Admin and Hourly Admin Employees Only)
  • NEW: Worksite Short-Term Disability Insurance (Hourly Employees Only)

Enrolling in or formally waiving voluntary benefits is mandatory and may be done online or over the phone. Online Enrollment Starts January 3, 2023 through Paycom. Phone appointments are available January 5, 2023 through January 13, 2023.

If you choose to take advantage of a phone appointment with a Benefits Coach, we HIGHLY recommend you go ahead and schedule your appointment now with the information below.

  • To schedule a phone appointment with a Benefits Coach online: https://IFB.AppointmentNavigator.com (Available 24/7 on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop/computer)
  • To schedule a phone appointment with a Benefits Coach over the phone: call 1-877-277-7476, Mon – Fri, 9 am – 9 pm eastern time
  • Note that phone appointments with a Benefits Coach are available between January 5 and 13, 203 and take place Monday through Friday between 5pm and 9pm eastern time.

For those who wish to enroll in or waive voluntary benefits online, prompts and instructions will be available in Paycom on January 3, 2023.

If you have questions, please reach out to Ciara Frenette at cfrenette@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5644, or ask your supervisor to put in a Benefits Ticket to request a meeting.

 

Business Essentials 2023

IFB Solutions is pleased to be partnering once again in 2023 with Guildford College to offer Business Essentials. The target audience for this training opportunity is open to Hourly IFB associates in Winston Salem who meet all criteria set forth on the Business Essentials Application found below.

Some topics that will be covered in this participant focused training include:

  • Business-what, why and how?
  • Motivating and leading people
  • Ensuring quality.

To be eligible to participate in this course, associates must meet the following criteria:

  • An application must be completed in full at the below link
  • An updated copy of the applicant’s resume must be submitted to Brent Burkholder via email at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org.
  • All associates must be employed with IFB for at least 6 months
  • All participants must have satisfactory attendance and job performance
  • All associates must have their computer skills assessed by the Workforce Development team (HR will scheduled and coordinate this assessment).
  • All participants must be recommended to participate in this class by their supervisor. (HR will obtain recommendation).

Applications are available at:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SQbDxA4fmESiHhoGX06NHOYPKmJQb4VLrwA3jsZJq_NUN09ITzFOTjgxUVRNNFVWQVRTOUZDN0pPUC4u

The deadline to have the application and all supporting materials submitted for consideration is Tuesday January 10, 2023. For more information or questions please contact Brent at 336.245.5611.

Zoom Meeting Links

Adult Support Groups Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/99498078576?pwd=ODJzK0sxcXZrME9yN25YRTdiNXBSQT09
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576
PASSWORD: 92638
One tap mobile
+13017158592,99498078576# US (Germantown)

13126266799,99498078576# US
+(Chicago)

Dial by your location.
877 853 5257 US Toll-free
888 475 4499 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576

 

Assistive Technology Support Group Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/94434630872?pwd=aXFYSHYyWkh1SE1tWDNOdDIwVURwUT09

Meeting ID: 944 3463 0872
Passcode: 924496

+13017158592, 99434630872, #, # US (Germantown)

+13126266799, 99434630872, #, # US (Chicago)