IFB Solutions Receives $25,000 Grant from the Truist Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nicole Ducouer nducouer@ifbsolutions.org, M 304-685-2393

Nonprofit will use grant to bridge existing gaps in low vision services in the Triad

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Dec. 1, 2021) – Local nonprofit IFB Solutions, the largest employer of people who are blind in the country, announced today that it has received a $25,000 grant from the Truist Foundation to help people who are low vision connect with IFB’s services and resources.

As part of its mission of employment, training and services for people who are blind or low vision, IFB operates Community Low Vision Centers open to the public at its manufacturing campuses in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark. The Truist Foundation grant will help IFB launch a new initiative to increase awareness for its low vision services starting with a focused community effort in the Triad.

Low vision is defined as vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts. Low vision occurs in people of all ages and is more common in people over 65. In the Triad, the estimated number of people over 65 with vision challenges is 32,200, and those numbers are projected to increase as the youngest baby boomers hit 65 in 2029.

“Our Community Low Vision Centers are unique resources for people who are low vision and their families,” said Chris Flynt, Director of Programs and Community Low Vision Centers at IFB Solutions. “We have a wide variety of assistive tools and technologies available for people to try out, including a space that’s designed to mimic how people would use the products at their own homes. And our Center staff members are low vision themselves, so they bring invaluable personal insights to the experience.”

The IFB Community Low Vision Centers offer these assistive tools and technologies for sale as well as low vision exams, and a portion of the grant will be used to provide financial assistance for these products and services to customers who qualify.

The primary focus of the Truist Foundation grant will be a broad community awareness program with a long-term goal of serving 3,000 additional individuals who are low vision each year.

“The commitment of IFB Solutions to employ, serve and support residents of the Triad embodies Truist’s purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Cantey Alexander, Triad regional president for Truist, speaking on behalf of Truist Foundation. “With this grant, IFB Solutions will reach more members of our community and have a greater positive impact on the lives of those who are blind and low vision, and their families.”

IFB Solutions is hiring a Low Vision Outreach Coordinator to lead the awareness and community engagement efforts. Those efforts will include developing relationships with local eye care professionals, retirement communities and other long-term care facilities to make them aware of IFB’s low vision services.

“With low vision, it is common for people to give up on hobbies and activities that they previously enjoyed or that gave them independence,” said Flynt. “What’s exciting for us is the opportunity to show people that there are easy-to-use tools and technologies available at our Centers that will help them maintain their independence and quality of life.”

To learn more about the IFB Community Low Vision Center or to book an appointment with a low vision specialist, visit the website at https://communitylowvision.org/

ABOUT IFB SOLUTIONS IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., in addition to operating nearly 20 office supply stores across the country and producing mattresses. IFB produces eyewear under its Twenty200 brand at its Winston-Salem lab and operates a retail location in Winston-Salem. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible summer camps, afterschool programs and activities for children who are blind, and Community Low Vision services through its low-vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark. ifbsolutions.org

ABOUT TRUIST FOUNDATION

The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation’s grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

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