The IFB Beat 2-16 Edition

A Message from the Editor

February is Low Vision Awareness Month, and at IFB Solutions, we live that mission year-round. We are proud to create a workplace where employees who are blind or visually impaired have the tools, training and adaptive technology needed to succeed.

We’re also celebrating the exciting news that Senator Thom Tillis supported federal funding to expand and modernize our Winston-Salem campus—an investment in local jobs and our bright future as we mark 90 years of impact.

Be sure to welcome new hire Cliff Henderson, join us for the Feb. 17 general assembly, and read this week’s Employee Spotlight featuring Sharon Hairston. Thank you for all you do to make IFB thrive!

Quote of the week:

“The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.” — Marcus Aurelius

Thank you for strolling the Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager
apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

 

Quick Links:

New this Week

– February is Low Vision Awareness Month
– Senator Thom Tillis Supports Improvement and Expansion in NC Manufacturing
– Welcome New Hire
– Winston-Salem Facility: Feb. 17 General Assembly
– Electronic Copies of 2025 Tax Donation Receipts Available
– Annual Mammogram Clinic, New Date
– Congratulations JAWS Training Graduates
– Appointments Available, Schedule a Low Vision Exam
– iPhone Training
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Sharon Hairston, Winston-Salem Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– WSTA (Trans-Aid) Update: The UMO Mobility App is Now Live

HR & Opportunities

– IFB Retirement 401(k) Account
– Zizzl Health Medical Benefits
– Medicare Reimbursements
– Job Opportunities

IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Meeting Links
Archived Editions of The IFB Beat

 

February is Low Vision Awareness Month

February is Low Vision Awareness Month—a reminder of the importance of creating workplaces where every individual can succeed. At IFB Solutions, we stand firmly beside this mission year-round by ensuring that employees with low vision have the tools, training and support they need to perform their jobs with confidence.

IFB strives to transform opportunities once considered “sighted-only” into meaningful jobs for our almost 200 employees who are blind or visually impaired. Through specialized low-vision aids and adaptive devices, employees can perform complex, high-skill responsibilities with accuracy and autonomy.

Behind each success story are the engineers and trainers who enjoy putting their thinking caps on to figure out how to convert a job using low-vision aids or devices such as 3D printed jigs, magnifiers, CC-TV’s, medal guides, contrasting tape and special lighting. They carefully consider how each device will support the employee, making sure it is the right fit for the individual and the role.

Headshot of Denesha Scales
Denesha Scales

“Seeing an employee confidently perform a task we’ve adapted—that’s the most rewarding part of our work,” says IFB Trainer Denesha Scales. “It’s not just about the technology; it’s about creating real opportunities for independence.”

 

Senator Thom Tillis Supports Improvement and Expansion in NC Manufacturing

IFB Solutions thanks NC Senator Thom Tillis for his efforts to secure federal funding for improving and expanding IFB’s manufacturing and warehousing facilities at our Winston-Salem campus. These federal funds will enable us to make much-needed updates so that we can sustain and grow local jobs in the future. These updates will focus on four main initiatives:

  1. Construction of a 25,000-square-foot expansion to our campus which will allow us to consolidate all of our Winston-Salem area production and warehousing in one location.
  2. Safety and traffic improvements on our campus for employees who use public transportation.
  3. Modernization of our warehousing and production space with the additional space necessary to pursue and capture growth in existing or new federal government contract opportunities.
  4. Better access to our campus for commercial freight.

Importantly, there is no immediate impact for our employees who work at our Winston-Salem or Clemmons facilities. Over the next several months, the IFB leadership team will begin work on the planning and design phase. We look forward to sharing a timeline once it is available.

This is an incredibly exciting time for all of us at IFB Solutions as we kick off our 90th anniversary and build toward a bright and productive future! Again, please join us in thanking Senator Tillis for his long-standing support of IFB Solutions and the AbilityOne program.

 

Welcome New Hire

We are excited to introduce Cliff Henderson who joined the BSC team on Feb. 9. We look forward to his contributions and success. Let’s be sure to give him a warm IFB welcome!

 

Winston-Salem Facility: Feb. 17 General Assembly

There will be a general assembly meeting held on the manufacturing floor of the Winston-Salem facility on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 3:15 p.m. We’re looking forward to presenting employee of the month awards for November, December and January. There will be remarks from Dan Kelly, President and CEO.

Supervisors, please be sure to shut down all equipment, fans and other things that contribute to noise on the manufacturing floor promptly at 3:15 p.m. If your workspace is not close to the central offices (outside Travis Guerra and Edward Sykes’ doors), please move closer to ensure you can hear. Any office administration working in the building, your presence will be appreciated. Thank you.

 

Electronic Copies of 2025 Tax Donation Receipts Available

If you would like to receive an electronic copy of your 2025 tax donation receipt, please contact Naomi Venable at nvenable@ifbsolutions.org, and she will be happy to send it to you promptly. Printed copies will also be available and mailed to donors. Thank you for your continued support. We truly appreciate it.

 

Annual Mammogram Clinic, New Date

The annual mammogram clinic sponsored by Novant Health Breast Center at the Winston-Salem and Clemmons locations has been rescheduled for March 25.

Were you already scheduled? Your appointment will remain the same! More information to come.

 

Congratulations JAWS Training Graduates

Congratulations to six participants in our Cohort 2 JAWS training for Workforce Development class as they successfully completed JAWS training on Jan. 29 and 30. Shirin Aghaee, Tylaher Dailey, Caleb Church, Heather Foster, David Denne and Felipe Rodriguez Vaalezques are now eligible for employment in our Workforce Services positions where they can put their JAWS skills into practice. Best wishes to all of them as they use their JAWS skills for work, leisure and independent living.

 

Appointments Available, Schedule a Low Vision Exam

Appointments are now available for the March low vision clinic. The discounted employee cost is $40.

Clinic dates & locations:
Dr. Quilla — Asheville: March 4
Dr. Street — Winston-Salem: March 12

Book your exam:
Asheville: Grant Weathers — 828-761-2468
Winston-Salem: Charity Hampton — 336-245-5672
Email: lowvision@ifbsolutions.org

 

iPhone Training

Want to learn more about using your iPhone? Let your supervisor know that you are interested in attending the iPhone training class and they will put in a ticket to Morgan Dugan to get the process started. Bring your iPhone to each session to practice using this device with voice over and Siri. Change the iPhone from an expensive paper weight to an important independent living tool through training with Kim Shoffner and Mike Mote. Let the iPhone be a help and not a frustration.

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Sharon Hairston, Winston-Salem Facility

Headshot of Sharon Hairston

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight. Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Sharon Hairston from the T-Shirt Department.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born and raised in Stokes County, NC.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB since 2005. I was first introduced to IFB through a temporary agency and was hired on permanently about six months later.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I’m known for always smiling—it’s what helps get me through the day!

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy crafting, cooking, working in the garden and spending time with my grandkids.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Tomatoes! I absolutely love them.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: The people. Working alongside individuals who are visually impaired inspires me every day.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: “Do the best you can!”

Special thanks to Employee Relations Specialist Morgan Dugan for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

If you’re interested in attending a support group, please review the update here: https://ifbsolutions.org/the-ifb-beat-12-16-edition/#two-d.

Meetings this week:

  • Veterans support group: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 12–1 p.m. in the TADS room
  • On the Spectrum support group: Thursday, Feb. 19, 12–1 p.m. in the TADS room

 

 

From Our Community

WSTA (Trans-Aid) Update: The UMO Mobility App is Now Live

Submitted by Winston-Salem Transit Authority

The wait is over! WSTA is transitioning to a cashless system, and the UMO Mobility app is now available, eliminating the need for paper bus passes. Please review the key details below. For additional details, visit the WSTA website: https://www.wstransit.com/umo.

  • Current bus passes remain valid through late summer/early fall.
  • You may download the UMO Mobility app on any compatible smartphone from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
    • QR codes for easy download are available in the canteen and on the employee information board.
  • No smartphone? No problem. Reloadable transit cards will be available once released.
    • Cards can be purchased at the Clark Campbell Transportation Center and at participating retailers throughout the city.
    • Please note: Cards will not be sold at IFB.
    • To protect your balance, WSTA recommends linking your card to an email address or phone number.
  • You may use either the mobile app or a reloadable card, not both.
  • WSTA representatives will be onsite in mid-March to host an information session and assist employees with account setup.

 

 

HR & Opportunities

IFB Retirement 401(k) Account

Ways to access your account:
1. Contact the Ascensus call center: 855-593-7279, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

They can help if you are:

  • Logging into your account for the first time
  • Entering or changing deferral percentage
  • Experiencing username and password issues
  • Changing investments (they cannot provide advice)

2. Access your account online. Visit firstcitizens.com/retirement.

First-time login instructions:

  • User ID: Your Social Security number (format: 999009999 — no dashes)
  • Password: Your date of birth (MonthDDYYYY), Example: June 4, 1982 = June041982

3. Manage your 401(k) on the go. Download the READYSAVE mobile app to:

  • Log in securely using Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode
  • Use the same credentials as the website
  • Access financial insights and My Forecast, a tool that estimates your retirement income

For more information refer to the helpful documents below:

IFB Solutions 401(k) Plan Highlights

Anytime Access Online & READYSAVE App

Ascensus READYSAVE Flyer

Change Your Investments

If you have questions, please contact Tammy Whitmire-Powers at 336 245-5644 or twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

403(b) Rollover Instructions
Call the institution that currently manages your 403(b) for rollover instructions: Invesco at 800-959-4246 or Voya at 800-584-6001

401(k) Rollover Instructions
Complete the First Citizens Wealth rollover acceptance form. Instructions are included with the form. Send the completed rollover form and check by regular mail or overnight mail. Mailing addresses are included on the form.

 

Zizzl Health Medical Benefits

Have questions? Contact Zizzl Health at support@zizzlhealth.com or (414) 800-2278. Visit this link for answers to common questions.

 

Medicare Reimbursements

  • Enroll in Medicare or Medicare Supplemental Plan(s) and pay your first premium payment.
  • Employee pays for service/premium.
  • Employee completes off-platform form at: Non-Zizzl health (Off-Platform) Enrollment Notification
  • Allow five business days for the form to be processed and your Non-Zizzl Health (Off-Platform) account to be created in Zizzl.
  • Log into Off-Platform account in Zizzl: Welcome – Winston Salem Industries for the Blind Inc.
  • Upload receipt. This step MUST be completed each month. Please note: Medicare claims will require receipt of your Medicare premium payment.
  • Add
  • Claim is reviewed for approval and employee is reimbursed via direct deposit.

How to Get Medicare Verification for Reimbursement

  1. Log in to your Social Security (SSA) online account.
  2. Select Benefit Verification Letter
  3. Download or print the letter
  4. The letter will automatically show the current date and your monthly Medicare deduction amount.
  5. Submit the letter for reimbursement

Note: As long as you are eligible for Medicare, the Benefit Verification Letter updates automatically each time it is accessed.

 

Job Opportunities

Utility Person — Maintenance, Asheville

Education and Work Experience

  • Prior experience in a manufacturing facility is preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/202995
Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/202996?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Presser/Tester, Asheville

Education and Work Experience

  • On the job training will be provided.
  • Prior experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/203262
Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/203263?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

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.

 

IFB Beat Phone Lines

English line: 336-245-5691

Spanish line: 336-245-5663

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Support Group Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/86167111929?pwd=G9vSBWcnTFrMHixqb19TpU7q8sQW1N.1

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929
Passcode: 992614

One tap mobile:
+13126266799,86167111929# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,86167111929# US (New York)
888 475 4499 US Toll-free
877 853 5257 US Toll-free