IFB Beat – Week of July 25, 2022

News to Know

Update on Search for New President and CEO of IFB Solutions

A Message from David Horton, President and CEO of IFB Solutions:

As we settle into our fourth fiscal quarter, I want to provide an update on the search for IFB Solutions’ next President and CEO. Our Board of Directors appointed an official Search Committee this past spring, and they have been diligently working through the process of advertising the position, reviewing potential candidates, and conducting interviews.

The Search Committee has shared with me that they have a great list of very qualified candidates, and I have every confidence that from these options they’ll find a leader who has a passion for our mission paired with the knowledge, leadership skills and character to drive this great organization forward.

The new President and CEO will be selected by the end of September (the end of our fiscal year) and will officially start January 1, 2023. My role will change at that time to support the new President and CEO for a transitionary period. While I’m excited about my full retirement, I’m focused on doing whatever it takes to complete a successful transition of leadership.

I look forward to seeing all the great things in store for IFB Solutions in the years to come.

 

Announcing New Employees at the Winston-Salem Facility!

Geoffrey Rono began working on June 7, 2022 as an assembler/packer. He is working under the direction of Tina Jolly in the staples department at our Winston Salem Location. He enjoys swimming in his free time. He also likes to spend time with his siblings who are also visually impaired.

 

Noah Davis began working on May 31, 2022 as an assembler/packer. He works under the direction of Tina Jolly in the staples department at our Winston Salem Location. He likes to record music. His hobbies also include collecting vintage electronics and records.

 

Mack Kelleher began working on May 31, 2022 as an assembler/packer. He works under the direction of Tina Jolly in the staples department at our Winston Salem Location. He enjoys spending time with his family. He also likes to spend his time outdoors.

 

Brenda Neal began working as a return employee on July 5, 2022 as a machine operator I. She works under the direction of Vicki Keaton in the ACS department at our Winston Salem location. She enjoys event planning for those that are visually impaired. She also loves to spend time with her 3 great grandchildren and cooking for her husband.

 

Regis Farrington began working on July 5, 2022 as a machine operator I. She works under the direction of Vicki Keaton in the Airborne Ruck Sack department at our Winston Salem Location. She enjoys designing custom jewelry for people. She also loves to listen to music.

 

David Spangler began working on July 12, 2022 as an assembler/packer. He works under the direction of Ellissia Rouson in the pinnacle department at our Winston Salem Location. He enjoys reading books. He also likes to watch TV during his free time.

 

Roy Roberson began working on July 12, 2022 as a machine operator I. He works under the direction of Ellissia Rouson in the pinnacle department at our Clemmons Warehouse. He enjoys reading history information. He also likes to watch all kinds of movies during his free time.

 

Howard Patterson began working as a return employee on July 12, 2022 as an assembler/packer. He works under the direction of Tina Jolly in the markers department at our Winston Salem location. He loves to bowl. He has been in the Blind Bowling League of Winston Salem for 44 years.

 

Promotion Announcements

Melissa Tuttle has been promoted to the newly created position of Supply Chain ERP Analyst. During the past year, Melissa has done a great job of learning D365 for Supply Chain. In addition to the support, she has been providing, she will be responsible for insuring Purchase Trade Agreements will be timely uploaded into D365.

 

Zachary Cain has been promoted to IFB Solutions’ Contracts Administrator. Zachary has been with IFB Solutions for six years and has worked in Contracts for the past two years. Zachary is a great fit to now lead all things contracts for IFB Solutions. I know he will do an amazing job supporting your needs.

 

Please join us in congratulating Melissa and Zachary on their new roles at IFB Solutions!

 

People Who Are Blind or Low Vision Can Now Receive 12 Accessible COVID-19 Tests

On June 22, 2022, the federal government announced a new initiative to expand the availability of testing options that are more accessible for people who are blind or low vision and who use a smartphone. For more information about the announcement, visit: https://acb.org/accessible-COVID-tests-announcement.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the number of tests people will receive with each order of the more-accessible tests has been increased from two to twelve. They will ship in six separate packages of two, each with its own tracking number.

People who placed orders before this change took effect will need to place a new order to receive the additional tests. Shipping information from orders is not being saved, in accordance with the privacy/security policies of the USPS website, so there is no way for additional tests to be shipped automatically.

 

Q&A with HR Update

In discussions between HR and AAA Committee leadership, it has been determined that only AAA members will attend the previously announced meeting on July 27^th . Next steps of communication will be decided following that meeting. Thank you.

 

Programs and Services

See what S.E.E. is Doing!

The S.E.E. Day Camp Winston kids played 9 holes of soft golf at Tanglewood Park. Soft golf is played with a softball sized foam ball and oversized golf clubs. Walking down the fairways, greens, and even the roughs to get the ball in the bucket-like hole was a great way to get in some steps and enjoy the sunshine.

 

Adult Support Group Meetings:

• Monday, July 25 Guide Dog support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.
• Tuesday, July 26 Glaucoma support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.
• Thursday, July 28 Blind Ambitions support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.
• Thursday, July 28 Assistive Technology support group meeting from 7:00-8:00 via Zoom (zoom link at end of newsletter)

Community Low Vision Center

CLVC Summer Sale!

During the Month of July, the Community Low Vision Center will be hosting a Discount Sale on various Products. Come by your local Center and check out the discounted items. Discounts are as high as 50% off.

CLVC Item of the Week:

The Bean Quiet Sound Amplifier – Single/Double – $199.95/$295.95. Not yet ready for expensive hearing aids? Try The Bean quiet sound personal amplifier which rests discreetly in your ear and enhances your hearing experience, so your conversations become more effective in social situations, and at a distance. It features a built-in sensor that automatically adjusts to the surrounding noise level and amplifies soft sounds, while keeping the volume steady on louder sounds. The BEAN comes with a starter kit, which includes 7 ear tips of different sizes and materials for best fit and comfort, batteries, and a leather case. This unit is a single ear amplifier, but The Bean is also available as a pair, model 781054. Not returnable.

The Low Vision center is a one stop shop! While you are purchasing a Bean Quiet Sound Amplifier check out an Echo Dot with portable stand!

 

CLVC July item of the month:

Ramble Tag/Metro Cuff – $39.95.

This is a simple yet clever device that allows a sighted individual to more easily guide a visually impaired person who is wanting a guiding arm. The Ramble Tag/Metro cuff wraps around the guide’s upper arm. A drop loops from the cuff gives the guided person a handhold for guiding, without having to physically hold or touch the sighted guide. This allows for close contact guiding, while not having to get too close. The loop affords a little more space and independence between the guide and the guided and may offer a more comfortable way for a stranger to guide a person needing assistance. As a contactless guidance method, Ramble Tag is particularly useful for those who wish to avoid touching their guide and physical boundaries can be easily respected.

 

Insider Corner

Read The Visitor and the Amaranth, submitted to the library for the blind by IFB employee Diana Soto

Summary: An unexpected visit shakes the foundations of Miguel’s life rooted in precious memories of the past. Getting stuck two decades ago, he experiences a whirlwind of emotions with Anid, a beautiful young woman from his college years. Suddenly,  those memories become a torment threatening to alter his reality and destroys who he fights to be in the present. Enjoy this inspiring  audio book.

 

Oryan Battis Album the Process

Everything starts with a process. Oryan Battis started his path with IFB in 2019. Currently working in PTU, he shares his journey in his first album, The Process. In this Afro-beat inspired track “Priorities” Oryan shines loving light on his daughter, expresses natural talent in “Born Fly,” and shows his determination to stand up in, “Bounce Back.” Listen to the entire album The Process and let him know what you think.

 

Rewarding Recipe

2 heaping cups of honest communication

2 heaping cups of love

2 heaping cups of kindness

2 heaping cups of cooperation

1 dash of hard work

1 pinch of humor

Mix with understanding and bake in warmth for 365 days a year!

 

Have a story, new article, app, or interesting fact you want to share? Email Faith Harding at FHarding@ifbsolutions.org and we will post it.

 

Community Connections

Celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act!

This July we celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). There are several events planned that provide an opportunity for education and enjoyment.

On July 26, a/perture cinema located at, 311 W 4th St, Winston-Salem NC, 27101 will show two films from 7:00pm-8:30pm. One film, Autism in Love, features a local couple; Marlene and R.V. Kuser, followed by the area premier of Straighten Up and Fly Right.

On July 29, SECCA located at, 750 Marguerite Dr, Winston-Salem NC, 27106 will host the screening of Reinventing the Wheel from 4:00pm-8:00pm as part of an ADA Through the Arts celebration.

In addition to the film screening there will be live performances, interactive art exhibits and a panel discussion. Marlene and R.V. Kuser will be on site for a book reading and signing.

Also, COVID vaccines, boosters and resources will be available as well as music and refreshments.

If interested, please register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MvbayWdQFMkrzCz_0bTdeSi_AtE08syO5CGoZbebXvQ/edit

 

Opportunities

We are HeRe for you!

Are you looking to make a difference among IFB Solutions? Have you thought about being a mentor to new hires? This is an excellent opportunity to get to know your new coworkers, gain friendships, and feel internal reward for helping others out and make a difference! If you have been employed at IFB Solutions for two years or longer, you are qualified! Please reach out to Haleigh Yarboro at 5635 or hyarboro@ifbsolutions.org if you are interested.

Job Announcements

After School Program Coordinator- Charlotte

Education and work experience:
• Bachelors degree in Human Service field/Education required
• Must have 5+ years of teaching experience within the school system
• Social Work experience a plus but not required

External candidates may apply at
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=43660&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909
Internal candidates may apply at
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=43661&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

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)