IFB Beat – Week of July 1, 2024

A Message from the Editor

Anastasia Powell Headshot

Greetings all! Just a friendly reminder: IFB Solutions will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.

This week, be sure to check out our President and CEO Dan Kelly on NIB’s “Heard and Empowered” podcast. You’ll also find a congratulations to the Asheville Facility on their recent safety award, an announcement for an Asheville Popcorn Social, and get an update on the 2024 IFB Solutions Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser.

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

July 4 Holiday Schedule
IFB Solutions Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser Update
Check out NIB Heard & Empowered: Strategic Advocacy and Influencing Public Policy on Capitol Hill with Dan Kelly
Asheville Facility Popcorn Party, July 9
Congratulations to the Asheville Team on NC Dept. of Labor Safety Award!
Reminder: Winston-Salem Facility Canteen Hours Update
IFB Support Group Updates
Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

Bowling Event
Royal Curtain Drama Guild Presents “Cleaning House”
Introducing Our Latest Musical Talent: “Night in Paris” by Oryan Battis featuring Lamont Hicks

HR and Opportunities

New Job Openings

Support Group Zoom Meeting Links

 

July 4 Holiday Schedule

IFB Solutions will be closed on Thursday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We will be open to a normal work schedule on Wednesday, July 3. For employees operating on a Monday-Thursday schedule, you’ll return to normal schedule on Monday, July 8. For those on a Monday-Friday schedule, Friday July 5 is a normal work day.

 

IFB Solutions Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser Update

Dear Volunteers and Staff, we crushed it! 🎉 The 8th Annual Golf Tournament was an absolute hit, and it’s all thanks to YOU! Thank you for contributing your time at the Welcome Reception and/or Golf Tournament. We couldn’t do it without you! We’ve raised more than $190,000 (and the generosity keeps rolling in!).

These funds will go a long way in supporting job training programs and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, helping IFB Solutions continue to make a meaningful impact in our community. Thank you for being part of it – and take a moment to view Joshua Denton’s story that was shared during our welcome reception:

 

 

Check out NIB Heard & Empowered: Strategic Advocacy and Influencing Public Policy on Capitol Hill with Dan Kelly

Headshot of Dan Kelly with text: Podcast June 12, 2024 Episode #31 Podcast with Dan Kelly, Strategic Advocacy: Influencing Public Policy on Capital Hill with Dan Kelly

Hoby Wedler welcomes Dan Kelly, vice president of public policy for the National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind (NAEPB), and president and CEO of NIB associated nonprofit agency IFB Solutions. Dan is a dedicated advocate for people who are blind and visually impaired whose unwavering dedication shines through every aspect of his work. He shares his experience with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that has affected three generations of his family, and how it has shaped his path.

Hoby and Dan also discuss his strategic leadership and passionate support for NIB and NAEPB’s ongoing efforts to expand the AbilityOne® Program to increase employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. This year’s key initiative urges Congress to mandate a Department of Defense allocation of 1% of its procurement budget to this program.

Tune in to hear motivating insights about the intricate process of legislative advocacy and the importance of personal stories in driving policy change: https://heardandempowered.org/strategic-advocacy-capitol-hill-dan-kelly?utm_source=Agency&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=GRC

Asheville Facility Popcorn Party, July 9

Spread the word! The Asheville Facility’s HR department will be hosting a Popcorn Party on July 9 in the cafeteria. Come socialize with friends and enjoy popcorn during your last break!

 

Congratulations to the Asheville Team on NC Dept. of Labor Safety Award!

Josh presents certificate to Jeff.
Josh Dobson with the NC Department of Labor presents the award to Jeff Ellis, Asheville Facility employee.

The NC Department of Labor recently presented IFB Solutions Asheville with the Silver Safety Award for their outstanding 2023 safety efforts. Currently, Asheville employees have worked over 3000 days without a lost time accident. Congratulations, Asheville! Keep up the SAFE work!

 

Reminder: Winston-Salem Facility Canteen Hours Update

Effective Monday, July 1, the Winston-Salem facility canteen will not have coverage for assistance during the following times:

  • 8:30am-8:45am
  • 11:00am-11:15am
  • 1:00pm-1:30pm

The canteen will remain open during these times but will not have an assistant. This time change will accommodate our canteen attendant’s break schedule. Please note these hours and plan your canteen needs accordingly.

 

See what S.E.E. is Doing!

Raised plant beds at the schoolhouse

S.E.E. Day Camp kids planted the raised garden at the schoolhouse with red/white/blue flowers, spices such as lavender/oregano/chives/rosemary, and vegetables such as squash/okra/tomatoes/cucumbers. Since it was so very hot the campers enjoyed watering each day with the garden hose. Most of the water went onto the plants and not the campers.

 

IFB Solutions Support Group Updates:

Upcoming Support Group Meetings

  • Monday, July 1 AAA Committee meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room
  • Wednesday, July 3 RP support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Set of 3 Multipurpose Silicone Lids

Set of 3 Multipurpose Silicone Lids For $18.99

These Multi-Function Silicone Lids are a must-have for any kitchen! They can be used for meal preparation as a microwave bowl cover, pot lid, or even jar opener. When serving food, they can be used as trivets or hot pads! Easily store these in drawers or cabinets, or even stick them to your refrigerator. These lids feature a strong airtight suction seal.

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

 

From Our Community

Bowling Event

Submitted by Bobby Ashworth

The AAA Committee and IFB Winston-Salem Facility employee Bobby Ashworth, are organizing a family bowling event for employees on Saturday, July 13th, from 2 PM to 5 PM at Bowlero Bowling Lane, located at 811 Jonestown Road, Winston-Salem NC.

Bowling and shoe rental are free. The only requirement from Bowlero Bowling Lanes is that we purchase food and beverages from the snack bar. This event is open to all employees and their families. Handrails will be available for blind bowlers, and there will be people on hand to teach and assist those who have never bowled before. Even if you don’t want to bowl, come out and enjoy the company of your coworkers. There is also a large arcade on site.

If you plan to attend or have any questions, please see Bobby Ashworth in the Marker Department or an AAA member.

 

Royal Curtain Drama Guild Presents “Cleaning House”

Submitted by Kaila Gillespie

When: August 16, 2024
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton on University Pkwy
Time: 7:00pm
Ticket Cost: $45

If interested contact Brenda Neal at 336-408-7646. Money needs to be paid on or before July 27.

Introducing Our Latest Musical Talent: “Night in Paris” by Oryan Battis featuring Lamont Hicks

Submitted by Oryan Battis

Hi Team,

We’re excited to share a special treat in this week’s newsletter—our very own Oryan Battis has just released a new song, and it features a fellow colleague! Titled “Night in Paris,” this captivating track showcases the incredible talents of Oryan and our colleague Lamont Hicks, who goes by the stage name Nuk Jupiter.

Check out “Night in Paris” on YouTube and experience the unique blend of Oryan’s musical talent and Nuk Jupiter’s distinctive style. Let’s show our support for these talented artists and enjoy the music they’ve crafted together!

Listen to “Night In Paris featuring Nuk Jupiter” here.

 

HR & Opportunities

New Job Announcements

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.

 

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