IFB Beat – Week of September 18, 2023

A Message from the Editor

As we approach the end of our financial year (September 30), please read below a message from Dan Kelly, President and CEO.

As a reminder, I’m always looking for feedback on what to include in The IFB Beat – please share your thoughts! If you’re in a location other than the Winston-Salem Facility, I’d especially love to hear what’s new and share it with everyone.

Like The IFB Beat riddles? Enjoy solving this one:

A cowboy rode into town on Friday. He stayed for three nights and rode out on Friday. How is this possible?

Stroll The IFB Beat and find the answer. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager

apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Update from Dan Kelly, President and CEO
– Tips for a Safe and Productive Workplace Part 9: COVID Updates Part 2
– Winston-Salem Facility Inventory Reminder
– See what S.E.E. is Doing
– Adult Support Group Meetings
– CLVC Item of the Week

From Our Community

– Insider Corner

HR and Opportunities

– Medicare / Medicaid Resources
– New Job Openings

Support Group Zoom Meeting Links

 

New this Week

Update from Dan Kelly, President and CEO

IFB’s financial year ends September 30, and as we approach its close, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to each of you for your professionalism and dedication during the undoubtedly difficult changes we’ve navigated over the course of the last year. Know that these decisions were not made lightly, and we remain unrelenting in our commitment to being America’s leader in building life-changing opportunities for people who are blind.

When I first became CEO of IFB Solutions, I knew I had a responsibility to each of you to keep this organization successful for years to come. For months, our leadership team worked to identify areas of improvement company-wide, assess our most pressing needs and develop strategies to meet these top-priority goals across three key areas.

The first was to consolidate our physical footprint to achieve production and operational efficiencies across our manufacturing lines and reduce overhead costs.

The second ongoing focus is to grow our Workforce Services division, which currently employs 45 people who are blind working in professional positions throughout multiple states. Within the next three years, our goal is to grow this number to more than 300 work-at-home jobs, which will eliminate a key barrier to work: transportation.

The final focus area is on product development. Since launching this ongoing objective, we’ve already seen significant improvements, but our team will continue to assess and, if needed, refine our business strategy to better drive job growth in our manufacturing, assembly and packaging operations — which serve as great workforce entry points.

Because of this hard work and the unrelenting commitment of our employees, IFB Solutions will enter the 2023-2024 fiscal year on a more sustainable path forward, better positioned for growth and success in the future.

I could not be prouder of the progress we have already made as an organization across these three areas in such a short amount of time. None of these things have been simple or easy, but by working together as a team, we are already well on our way to greater success. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.

Dan Kelly

IFB Solutions President and CEO

 

Tips for a Safe and Productive Workplace: COVID Updates

The CDC recently updated their COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Vaccines continue to be the best way to protect yourself against this disease. To stay up to date, the CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 years and older get 1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. This updated vaccine is recommended whether you have received any original COVID-19 vaccines. For more information on this update and when additional doses are recommended please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.

Thank you,
Angela Jordan Director of Safety and Environmental Health

 

Winston-Salem Facility Inventory Reminder

The Winston-Salem Facility manufacturing operations will be closed on Wednesday, September 20 and Thursday, September 21 for inventory. Manufacturing operations will return to a regular schedule on Monday, September 25. For those to whom this applies, please schedule your transportation accordingly. If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor.

 

See what S.E.E. is Doing

At S.E.E. After School, there is time to relax with a game of UNO. It is also a great time to practice social skills of taking turns, encouraging others, kind teasing, staying positive whether winning or losing, having polite conversation, following the rules of the game, plus brushing up on Braille or large print numbers/colors. It is a fun way to maintain orientation skills of finding the draw from and in play stacks of cards; holding a handful of cards and picking out one card from the draw pile or your hand improves your motor skills.

 

Adult Support Group Meetings:

View our highlight of the Retinitis Pigmentosa Support Group here.

Upcoming Support Group Meetings

• Monday, September 18 AAA Committee meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room.
• Tuesday, September 19 VIPS Club meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room.
• Wednesday, September 20 Diabetic support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.
• Thursday, September 21 Assistive Technology support group meeting from 7:00-8:00 via Zoom (link at end of newsletter).

 

CLVC Item of the Week:

Serene Wireless TV Headphones for $109.95
Smart, personal sound amplifier allows the user to hear the dialog clearly on the TV. They are specifically designed to improve voice clarity. Plug the charging dock and transmitter into the television or cable box and then hear sound both through the TV and the wireless headphones. Headphones work up to 330 feet away from the transmitter. Volume is controlled with buttons on the side of the headphones. Lightweight headphones operate for 8 hours after a 3-hour charge.

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

The IFB Beat Riddle:

Thanks for strolling! You found the answer.

Q: A cowboy rode into town on Friday. He stayed for three nights and rode out on Friday. How is this possible?
A: His horse’s name is Friday.

From Our Community

Insider Corner

This section is edited by Faith Harding. Have something to share? Email Faith at fharding@ifbsolutions.org. 

Cam’s Coffee Co presents free American Sign Language classes. Sign-up today!

At Cam’s Coffee Co, they believe that communication transcends barriers and bridges hearts. That’s why they’re excited to announce a wonderful opportunity for you to learn a language that connects communities and spreads understanding – American Sign Language (ASL).

Throughout the month of September, in honor of Deaf Awareness Month, they’re offering free virtual ASL classes for individuals of all skill levels. Whether you’re taking your first step or looking to enhance your signing abilities, their classes cater to everyone’s journey.

Class Details:

• When: The month of September
• Where: Online (virtually)
• Instructors: Expert ASL instructors ready to guide you
• Levels: Infant/Toddler, Beginner, Intermediate,
• Why: To foster inclusivity, enrich communication, and celebrate the beauty of ASL

How to register: secure your spot today by CLICKING HERE to see class times and to register. Space is limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a journey of learning and unity.

But that’s not all – they’re excited to announce a special partnership! They’ve teamed up with Kaleideum to offer an in-person infant/toddler ASL class in Winston Salem, NC. Watch your little ones explore and learn through sign language in a safe and interactive environment.

Click here to register!

Spread the word and invite your friends and family to join this incredible learning experience. Let’s embrace the beauty of language and create a world where every voice is heard and valued together!

Faith Harding

FHarding@ifbsolutions.org

Connecting, collaborating, and continuing to drive across amazing bridges.

 

HR & Opportunities

Medicare / Medicaid Resources

IFB Solutions is partnering with White Oak Benefits to provide our employees with an educational presentation and resources on Medicare Basics and Extra Benefits that you may be able to receive. If you’ve been on Medicare for years or are new to Medicare there are ways for you to reduce costs, get benefits like grocery cards, and get more money back in your social security check as well as many other benefits. Micah Lutz from White Oak Benefits will be presenting to all employees that have Medicare about how they can get the best coverage and most benefits possible and how White Oak Benefits can be their trusted advisors for Medicare going forward.

White Oak will be onsite:

• Asheville: September 26, 2023 at 11:00AM
• Winston: September 27, 2023; 11AM, 1PM, 2PM

If interested contact the HR department.

 

New Job Announcements

For all current openings, visit https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Manufacturing production Supervisor – Winston-Salem

Education and work experience:

• Associate degree or related/equivalent work experience required.
• Experience in Apparel Manufacturing is a plus.
• Engineering experience strongly considered.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=72439&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=72440&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

For information about any employment opportunities with IFB Solutions please contact Brent Burkholder at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org or X5611.

 

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)