The IFB Beat 10-5 Edition

 

From the Editor

This week’s IFB Beat celebrates people, progress and programs. From recognizing the talents of people with disabilities to celebrating employee achievements and sharing helpful resources, there’s something for everyone.

This Week at a Glance

– National Disability Employment Awareness Month
– Promotion Announcement: Luyann Ledesma, Chief Human Resource Officer
– Questions, Answered: Feedback for next year’s company picnic
– Welcome Back!: Shannon Myers and Marvin Pearson
– Health & Wellness: Flu shot information for Asheville and Winston-Salem and tips for protecting yourself during cold, flu and COVID-19 season.
– Newest JAWS Graduates: Rich Ray, Sherri Brunn and Tina Witherspoon
– Employee Spotlight: Aisha Barnes
– Community Corner: Information about the Salvation Army Angel Tree program and the White Cane Awareness Walk in Asheville.

Take a few minutes to catch up, celebrate your coworkers and explore the resources available to you. Thanks for being part of the IFB team!

 

Have an HR, history or event-related question you’d like to ask me and have addressed in the 10-12 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: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Anastasia Powell, Communications Manager
336-245-5698

 

 

Additional Quick Links

– Asheville, Save the Date: Flu Shots
– Winston-Salem, Save the Date: Flu Shots
– Atrium Health Clinic Tip of the Month
– Tap In
– Winston-Salem Support Groups
– Jobs

IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Links
Beat Archives

 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities and raises awareness of barriers that can prevent people from finding meaningful employment and building careers.

The 2026 NDEAM theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” The U.S. Department of Labor is carrying last year’s theme forward in honor of America’s 250th birthday. It highlights the important role people with disabilities have played in shaping workplaces, communities and our economy.

At IFB Solutions, creating opportunities for people who are blind and visually impaired is at the heart of our mission. For 90 years, IFB has provided employment opportunities that help people build skills, gain confidence, support their families and pursue greater independence.

An inclusive workplace means more than providing a job. It means recognizing each person’s abilities and providing the tools, training, technology and accommodations needed to succeed. At IFB, we meet people where they are and help them discover their talents, but there is still work to do. In August 2026, 39.8% of working-age people with disabilities were employed, compared with nearly 75% of people without disabilities.

This NDEAM, we celebrate the value and talent people with disabilities bring to the workforce. Together, we can continue opening doors, challenging expectations and creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.

 

 

Promotion Announcement

We are pleased to announce that Luyann Ledesma has been promoted to Chief Human Resource Officer and will join the executive team at IFB Solutions.

Luyann has played a critical role in guiding our organization through a record amount of change over the past three years. Her leadership, judgment and commitment to our employees have helped us navigate significant organizational and workforce challenges while keeping our people at the center of our decisions.

As Chief Human Resource Officer, Luyann will provide strategic leadership for our corporate human resources function, including workforce strategy, talent development, organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, compensation and benefits and our employee resource center. She will also assume profit and loss responsibility for our Workforce Services contract staffing business, providing leadership for its growth, operational performance and financial results.

This expanded role reflects the importance of our people strategy to the future of our organization and mission. As we continue to evolve our workforce, strengthen our culture, and pursue new opportunities for people who are blind, having HR leadership represented at the executive team table will be increasingly important.

We are thrilled to have Luyann join the executive team and look forward to the perspective, experience and leadership she will bring to our organization in this new role. Please join us in congratulating Luyann on this well-deserved promotion.

 

Questions, Answered

Employee question: Will there be an opportunity for employees to share what they enjoyed and what they would like to see next year at the company picnic?

Answer: Yes! We want to hear from you!

The company picnic was all about celebrating our employees, having fun and spending time together and your feedback can help us make next year’s event even better. Please email me at apowell@ifbsolutions.org and tell us:

• What you enjoyed most about this year’s picnic
• What you would like to see at next year’s event
• Ideas for new games or activities

Whether you loved the games, wanted more time to participate, discovered a new favorite activity or have a great idea for next year, we want to hear it!

Thank you to everyone who came out, participated and helped make the picnic a success. Your feedback will help us continue creating events that are fun, inclusive and focused on our employees.

 

Welcome Back!

We’re excited to welcome familiar faces back to the IFB family! Please join us in giving our returning team members a warm welcome.

Winston-Salem: Shannon Myers
Workforce Services (WFS): Marvin Pearson

Shannon and Marvin, we’re glad to have you back at IFB!

 

Health & Wellness

Asheville, Save the Date: Flu Shots

Walgreens will be on site on Thursday, October 15 from 9 a.m. to noon to give flu shots to interested employees. They will also have the COVID vaccine and Tetanus/Whooping Cough vaccines available. Please let your supervisor know if you are interested in receiving any or all of the offered vaccines.

 

Winston-Salem, Save the Date: Flu Shots

Wednesday, October 14, Winston-Salem facility: Flu shots will be available at no cost to full-time, part-time and temporary employees.

Who is eligible? Employees under age 65 may receive the standard flu vaccine at the IFB Solutions On-Site Clinic. Employees age 65 and older are encouraged to contact their primary care physician or pharmacy about receiving a higher-dose flu vaccine.

How to schedule your flu shot

• Hourly Employees: Please let your supervisor know if you would like to receive a flu shot.
• Administrative Employees: Send your request to Charity Hampton at champton@ifbsolutions.org to schedule an appointment on October 14 or stop by the Board Room on October 14 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to receive your vaccine.

If you are unavailable on October 14, call the IFB Solutions On-Site Clinic at 336-716-8301 after October 14 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are available while supplies last.

Why get a flu shot?

• Help protect yourself against the flu.
• Help reduce the spread of the flu to others.
• Stay healthy and minimize missed work.

Let’s work together to stay healthy this flu season! See links below for additional flu vaccine details.

Flu Vaccine FAQ
English: Flu Vaccine — What You Need to Know
Spanish: Flu Vaccine — What You Need to Know

 

Atrium Health Clinic Tip of the Month: Cold, Flu or COVID-19?

Cold, flu and COVID-19 are all contagious respiratory illnesses caused by viruses, and because many of their symptoms overlap, it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart.

Know the signs: fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, sneezing, body aches, headaches and fatigue can occur with one or more of these illnesses. COVID-19 may also cause shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell.

When should you seek medical care? Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms are getting worse or not improving. Seek immediate medical attention for:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent chest pain or pressure
• Confusion or difficulty waking or staying awake
• Symptoms that become severe or suddenly worsen

Protect yourself and others:

• Stay up to date on recommended vaccines.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Stay home when you’re sick.
• Consider wearing a mask around others when you’re sick.

Remember, symptoms can look different from person to person. If you have questions or are at higher risk for severe illness, talk with your healthcare provider.

Want to learn more? Check out our helpful guide to compare common symptoms of a cold, the flu and COVID-19 and learn when it’s time to seek medical care. Access here.

 

Newest JAWS Graduates

Please join us in congratulating Rich Ray, Sherri Brunn and Tina Witherspoon on successfully completing Basic JAWS training for Workforce Development on September 21!

JAWS training is an important step toward building greater independence and expanding career opportunities for people who are blind. By developing essential computer skills and learning how to navigate technology using a screen reader, participants are better prepared to pursue employment opportunities, including remote work through Workforce Services (WFS).

This training can open doors to new skills, greater confidence and increased independence while helping employees prepare for career advancement and upward mobility. For many participants, learning to use technology independently can be an important step toward achieving personal and professional goals.

Congratulations, Rich, Sherri and Tina! Your hard work and dedication are worth celebrating. We are excited to see where these new skills take you!

 

Employee Spotlight: Aisha Barnes

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Aisha Barnes from IFB’s rags and wipes department. A Winston-Salem native, Aisha has been part of the IFB team since 2015. Get to know Aisha, learn what she enjoys outside of work, and discover the positive attitude she brings to life.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Winston-Salem, NC

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB since 2015. A friend referred me, and I’ve been working here since I was 16 years old.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy bowling, and I’m part of a bowling league!

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: I love tacos!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I enjoy the work I do and interacting with my coworkers!

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: “Stay positive always!”

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.

 

Tap In

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

October 2:  🏭 It’s National Manufacturing Day! To recognize the day, IFB Solutions welcomed high school students from The Franklin School of Innovation for a tour of its Asheville facility.

Students learned how manufacturing operations can successfully incorporate inclusive employment practices. Highlights included the manufacturing of textile equipment and complex apparel for the military, full-scale digital cutting and ultrasonic welding, and office product packaging and assembly. Learn more about these operations here.

   

 

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

Salvation Army: Angel Tree

If you are a parent in need of help providing presents for your children this Christmas, click here or see below for additional information.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program was able to provide Christmas gifts for more than 1,500 kids in the Winston-Salem area last year. We hope to reach over 2,000 kids this year.

Angel Tree registration begins at 6 p.m. on Monday October 5. Click here for the registration page.

Application requirements:

• Children must be 0-12 years old
• Documents needed: 1) Valid photo ID for parent, 2) Proof of residency such as a power bill, 3) Birth certificate or shot record with child’s birth date on it for each child
• Applicant must have primary legal custody, or paperwork showing legal guardianship, of the child
• Must live in Forsyth, Stokes, Davie, or Yadkin County

 

White Cane Awareness Walk

Join us in celebrating White Cane Awareness Day! Come together with community members to recognize the white cane as a symbol of independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 1– 3 p.m.
Where: Pack Square Park (the terraces), 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, N.C. 28801

• Brief presentation on White Cane Awareness Day
• Connect with local organizations supporting vision loss
• Light refreshments provided
• Most importantly – build community with others!

 

 

 

 

 

 

HR & Opportunities

Jobs

Employee Support/Social Services Representative

Education and work experience

• A bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, counseling, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• A minimum of two years of experience in social work, case management, or employee assistance, preferably in a nonprofit or human services setting is required.
• Knowledge of state and federal benefit programs (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, FMLA, ADA) and community resources for housing, healthcare, and financial support is preferred.
• Experience working with individuals who are blind, low vision, or have disabilities is preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/249401

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/249402?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Production Assistant, Military Markets (Asheville)

Education and work experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 1–3 years experience in a production environment preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/249437

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/249438?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

 

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)
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888 475 4499 US Toll-free
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