The IFB Beat 8-24 Edition

IFB Solutions Beat logo, Stay Connected, white IFB arrow pointing right

 

From the Editor

A lot is happening across IFB this week. From celebrating our Asheville employees of the month to looking back at 90 years of history, to financial wellness resources, annual inventory reminders and a new Employee Spotlight, there’s something for everyone.

This Week at a Glance

– Reflections on 90: Learn how we began operating as “IFB Solutions.”
– Cue the Applause: Congratulate our Asheville employees of the month for January through July.
– Financial Wellness, Check!: Winston-Salem employees: learn about Financial Pathways of the Piedmont and sign up for services during lunch on August 25 and 27.
– Mark Your Calendar: Annual plant inventories are coming up. Check the schedule and plan accordingly.
– Health & Wellness: Tips from the Atrium Health Clinic on building healthy sleep habits.
– Tap In: Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
– Calling All Veterans: Blind and low-vision veterans may be eligible for free Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses through a partnership with the Blinded Veterans Association.

Take a few minutes to catch up, celebrate your fellow team members and check out the resources and opportunities available to you.

Anastasia Powell

 

Have an HR, history or event-related question you’d like to ask me and have addressed in the 8-31 Beat? Send it to apowell@ifbsolutions.org and check back next week.

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

Quote of the week: “Together everyone achieves more.” — Unknown

Anastasia Powell's written signature

Anastasia Powell, Communications Manager
336-245-5698

 

 

Additional Quick Links

– Decade Day Recap
– Employee Spotlight: Ashley Meadows
– Winston-Salem Support Groups
– Music With Impact
– Shop Rainbow Tarts
– Jobs

IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Links
Beat Archives

 

Reflections on 90

Did you know? In 2016, Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind officially began operating under the name IFB Solutions. While the organization’s legal name remains Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, the new name reflects the broader scope of our work and the innovative ways we serve people who are blind or visually impaired, and represents our continued commitment to finding creative solutions that remove barriers, create meaningful careers and improve quality of life across the communities we serve.

 

Cue the Applause

Join us in celebrating our Asheville employees of the month! Each of these team members has been recognized for their hard work, dedication and positive impact. Please help us congratulate our honorees:

  • January: Joyce Clark
  • February: Taylor Bruton
  • March: Karen Morse
  • April: Viktor Yuziuk
  • May: David Jagielski
  • June: Joe Milner
  • July: Shane Drake

We are proud to recognize each of you for your outstanding contributions and commitment to our team. Thank you for all that you do to help make IFB Solutions a great place to work.

 

Financial Wellness, Check!

Attention Winston-Salem facility employees

Looking to take greater control of your finances, improve your credit, create a budget, prepare for homeownership or learn more about managing your money?

Financial Pathways of the Piedmont offers resources, education and professional guidance designed to help individuals build financial well-being and work toward their financial goals.

Interested in signing up? Stop by during your lunch break on Tuesday, August 25 or Thursday, August 27. Amber and Morgan will be at the back of the cafeteria to provide more information and help employees sign up.

Whether you’re working toward a specific financial goal or want to strengthen your financial knowledge, this is a great opportunity to learn about the resources available to you. Your financial goals matter—take the first step toward building a stronger financial future!

 

Decade Day Recap

Employees had a great time celebrating 90 years of IFB with an ice cream social and throwback dress-up day! Employees showed off their creativity by dressing in styles representing their favorite decades, from the 1930s through the 2020s. Enjoy these photos capturing the fun as we celebrate 90 years of opening doors of opportunity and changing lives for people who are blind.

Shelley Hannah and Denice Drake wearing poodle skirts for the Decade Day event.   Asheville facility employees who dressed up for the Decade Day event.   Anthony Hernandez dressed up for Dress for the Decade day.   A Winston-Salem facility employee and their guide dog at the 90th anniversary ice cream event.

A Winston-Salem facility employee enjoys ice cream at the 90th anniversary ice cream event.   A Winston-Salem facility employee enjoys ice cream at the 90th anniversary ice cream event.   Employees serving ice cream at the 90th anniversary ice cream bar event at the Winston-Salem facility.   A Winston-Salem facility employee enjoys ice cream at the 90th anniversary ice cream event.

 

Annual Plant Inventory Schedule

Our annual plant inventories are just around the corner! Please mark your calendars with the dates below and plan accordingly.

Schedule

  • Clemmons warehouse: August 26, 27 and 28
  • Winston-Salem plant: September 16, 17 and 18

Additional information and instructions will be shared by your supervisor as each inventory date approaches. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support in helping make this year’s inventories a success!

 

Health & Wellness

Atrium Health Clinic Tip of the Month: Getting Better Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for your body and brain, helping support memory, immunity, mood, focus, energy and long-term health. Most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep each night.

Small, consistent habits can make a big difference. The on-site clinic recommends maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, keeping your bedroom cool and comfortable, limiting screen time before bed, watching caffeine and alcohol intake, staying active during the day and listening to your body when you have trouble falling asleep. Keeping a sleep journal can also help identify patterns and habits that may be affecting your rest.

Want more tips for getting better sleep? Click below to read the full guide, including practical recommendations for improving your sleep routine and creating healthier sleep habits.

Read “Getting Better Sleep” for more information.

 

Employee Spotlight: Ashley Meadows

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Ashley Meadows, Customer Care Coordinator at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Ashley joined the IFB family with a passion for supporting both the military community and people who are visually impaired.

Headshot of Ashley Meadows

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Sicklerville, New Jersey

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I joined IFB on August 25, 2025. I became part of the IFB family because I wanted to assist both the military and people who are visually impaired. I’m also a military spouse and have lived at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for three years.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: Horseback riding, reading and gaming!

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Panda Express Thursdays

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: Interacting with customers and fellow team members.

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: “Everything happens for a reason!”

Join us in thanking Ashley for the work she does to support our customers, military community and IFB team.

Special thanks to BSC Store Manager – JBMDL, Kelly Nutter, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

Tap In

Did you know that IFB is active on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn? Check out this week’s post, and give us a follow!

A young girl sitting at a computer, being instructed how to use a screen reader by an adult man.

Without detection, vision disorders can impair a child’s development and learning, and even lead to lifelong vision loss. Schedule regular exams, implement screen breaks and encourage UV-blocking sunglasses outside. Learn more and explore Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month resources at nationalcenter.preventblindness.org/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winston-Salem 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

 

 

Community Corner

Music with Impact

OryAn Battis, a talented blind musician, recently released a new seven-track EP titled SO, and this project is especially meaningful because it marks his first collaboration with another visually impaired artist.

The artist he collaborated with is a female musician from Louisville, Kentucky. Together, they created a project that blends R&B and rap into a quick, 19-minute listen.

The EP’s title, SO, has a special meaning: the “S” stands for Solo, and the “O” stands for OryAn.

We’re proud to spotlight OryAn and celebrate his creativity, talent and collaboration with another artist who is visually impaired. Be sure to give SO a listen and show our blind artist some support!

🎧 Listen to SO on YouTube here.

Congratulations, OryAn! We can’t wait to hear what you create next! 🎤🔥

 

Shop Rainbow Tarts

Submitted by Carl Williams

Interested in supporting a blind-owned business? Looking for an easy and affordable way to bring your favorite smells to your home or give as a gift? Look no further.

We have wax melts, warmers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners and more. See Carl Williams (Tina Jolly’s department), call 336-970-0650, email info@rainbowtarts.com or visit https://www.rainbowtarts.com. Check back often for sales!

We braille products upon request at no charge and ship within the US via priority flat rate mail. Rainbow Tarts — where everything makes scents!

 

 

HR & Opportunities

Calling All Veterans

IFB veteran employees at the Winston-Salem facility, gathered together for a Veterans Day recognition in 2025.
IFB veteran employees at the Winston-Salem facility.

Are you a blind or low-vision veteran? You may be eligible to receive a FREE pair of Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses! The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) has partnered with Meta to help provide free Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses to eligible blind and low-vision veterans.

These innovative glasses can assist with everyday activities such as identifying objects, reading information, receiving visual assistance and navigating daily life with greater independence. BVA is also providing training and resources to help veterans get the most out of this technology.

Interested in Receiving a Pair? For more information reach out to:

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

 

Jobs

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

 

Support Group Zoom Links

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