Summer 2026 | Impact Newsletter

 

In This Edition:

Meet Dan Kelly: 90 Years of Opportunity

Letter from the Editor

From Opportunity to Leadership with Amanda Kuhl

Voices of 90 Years: Employee Reflections

Partnership in Action: Massif + IFB Solutions

Driving Impact: 10 Years of Asheville Golf Tournaments

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Dan Kelly

Meet Dan Kelly

90 Years of Opportunity: A Thank You to Our Donors

Dear Friends and Partners,

Ninety years ago, in 1936, a small group of determined community leaders gathered in a church basement in Winston-Salem with a simple but powerful belief: people who are blind deserve the chance to work, contribute, and build independent lives. With only six employees caning chairs and building mattresses, they planted the seed of what would grow into IFB Solutions, one of the largest employers of people who are blind in the United States.

As we celebrate this incredible milestone in 2026, I want to pause and say one thing clearly: THANK YOU.

For nine decades, your generosity has helped open doors that too often remain closed for people who are blind. Because of you, IFB has never been just a workplace, it has been a place where confidence grows, independence takes root, and people discover what is possible.

Today, more than 500 individuals are part of the IFB team, including over 250 who are blind or visually impaired. Across our manufacturing facilities, Base Supply Centers, professional services teams, and our expanding Workforce Services division, individuals are building careers, supporting their families, and contributing their talents in meaningful ways.

Behind every job is a story. When Kevin Fowler struggled for three years to find employment, work seemed out of reach. IFB saw his potential, and today he thrives as a remote Customer Service Representative. When Ken Mullins began losing his vision and feared his career was ending, IFB provided adaptive technology, training, and community. Today, he leads as our Vice President of Supply Chain.

And the work is far from finished. As we look ahead, we are expanding remote work opportunities, modernizing our Winston-Salem campus, and continuing to grow programs that empower people who are blind to succeed in today’s workforce.

Ninety years ago, an act of faith changed lives. Your support continues that legacy today.

Thank you for believing in talent. Thank you for believing in opportunity. And thank you for standing with IFB Solutions then, now, and into the future.

With deep gratitude,

Dan Kelly
President & CEO

 

 

Anastasia PowellLetter from the Editor

As we celebrate 90 years of opportunity, this issue reflects the heart of IFB Solutions. Our people, our partners, and you, our donors. From a small beginning in 1936 to a growing organization impacting hundreds of lives today, this milestone is a testament to what’s possible with support.

In these pages, you’ll see the power of partnership through our golf tournament, the journey of employees like Amanda Kuhl, and the impact of mission-driven collaborators like Massif.

Most importantly, you’ll hear voices directly from our employees that remind us why this work matters. Thank you for being part of this legacy and helping us build the next chapter.


Anastasia Powell

From Opportunity to Leadership
Amanda Kuhl, IFB Solutions Manufacturing

Amanda Kuhle For nearly a century, IFB Solutions has created pathways to employment for people who are blind and Amanda Kuhl’s journey shows just how meaningful those opportunities can be.

Amanda, who has low vision due to Stargardt’s disease, joined IFB in 2015 after her mother saw a television commercial about the organization. Like many individuals with vision loss, she initially struggled with self-confidence and uncertainty about her abilities. That began to change once she started working.

With support from donors, Amanda gained access to adaptive tools such as a CCTV magnifier and screen magnification. These resources allowed her to perform her job with greater accuracy and independence, while also building confidence in her skills.

She began her career on the manufacturing line producing military cold weather jackets, where her strong work ethic and willingness to help others quickly stood out. Whether assisting teammates or stepping beyond her assigned role, Amanda became known as someone others could depend on.

In 2025, she took an important step forward by applying for a Team Lead position in Helmet Pads. It was a defining moment that reflected her growth and determination. Her organization, focus, and leadership potential made her the clear choice.

Amanda’s impact has continued to grow. She was named the 2026 Winston-Salem Employee of the Year, recognizing both her leadership and the example she sets for others. In her current role, she supports her team by backing up the Production Assistant and helping ensure smooth daily operations.

Beyond her responsibilities, Amanda’s journey serves as an example of what’s possible. Her story reflects how confidence can develop over time and how barriers can be overcome with the right support. Her story also reflects a broader shift. Ninety years ago, opportunities for people who are blind were limited. Today, individuals like Amanda are thriving in leadership roles and redefining expectations.

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys video games, amusement parks, and traveling. She values the independence she has gained and the relationships she has built at IFB.

Her advice captures her journey best:

“Always go for your hopes and dreams. Don’t be afraid and never let anything hold you back.”

Amanda’s story is a reminder that opportunity, support, and determination can lead to lasting growth and leadership.

 

 

Voices of 90 Years:
Employee Reflections

 

For 90 years, IFB Solutions has been opening doors, but it’s the people who have walked through them who define our story. Behind every milestone are individuals whose lives have been transformed through meaningful work. Their experiences are the heartbeat of our mission and a powerful reminder that when opportunity is given, lives are changed.

 

 

Stanley Mills

 

“My favorite memories at IFB
are the times we come together,
like our company picnics, where
we build real connections beyond
the job. I’m proud to be part of a
place that believes in its people.”

— James “Stanley” Mills
2026 IFB Solutions Asheville Employee of the Year

 

 

Nazario Cortes

 

“Some of my fondest moments at IFB
are when we come together as colleagues
and share not just our work, but our lives.
Here, I’ve grown, built relationships, and
created a better future for my family.”

— Nazario Cortes
2026 IFB Solutions Puerto Rico Employee of the Year

 

 

 

 

David Minton

“My best memories at IFB come
from the opportunities for upward
mobility. I remember being given the
chance to work at West Point Academy,
IFB believed in me and gave me the chance
to grow. That opportunity changed my life.”

— David Minton
2026 IFB Solutions Career Achiever of the Year

 

 

Partnership in Action
Massif + IFB Solutions

Cold Weather JacketsFor 18 years, Massif has been a trusted partner in advancing the mission of IFB Solutions and creating meaningful employment for people who are blind.

The partnership began in 2008 when Massif, the original designer of the military’s Advanced Army Combat Shirt (ACS), trusted IFB Solutions to manufacture this highly specialized garment for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. From the beginning, this relationship was built on trust. “Massif’s leadership team saw the potential in people who are blind and believed in IFB’s ability to produce world-class products for their military customers,” said Randy Buckner, IFB Solutions Vice-President of Manufacturing Operations.

Over the years, the two organizations have worked closely together to enhance the performance of the ACS, collaborating on improvements and refining the garment to meet the rigorous demands of military use. In the process, Massif also served as a mentor, helping IFB expand its technical capabilities, including launching new expertise in flat seaming garments, a critical skill required for high-performance apparel.

The impact of this partnership has been extraordinary. Thanks to their support, employees have manufactured over 1.4 million shirts, contributing to fulfilling work and steady careers for individuals who are blind.

The relationship continued to grow in 2015 when IFB and Massif partnered again to manufacture cold-weather jackets for the armed services, further expanding opportunities for blind employees while strengthening IFB’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Today, Massif’s commitment extends beyond production. They proudly serve as the Presenting Sponsor of IFB Solutions’ 90th Anniversary and as a key sponsor of our 10th Anniversary Golf Tournament, celebrating the impact our employees make every day.

Massif has also supported the golf tournament since its inception, helping generate resources that strengthen IFB’s workforce and provide training and support for employees across the organization.

“Celebrating 10 years of this tournament alongside IFB’s 90th anniversary is an honor. Supporting programs that train and employ people who are blind shows how partnerships can profoundly change lives,” shared Massif leadership.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are grateful for partners like Massif. Together, we are not only producing mission-critical products, but we are also building a community of people who are self-sufficient and confident. Click here to watch the story of Massif and IFB Solutions.

 

2025 Golf Tournament photo with a sign that says Thank You for Participating Today

Driving Impact
10 Years of Asheville Golf Tournaments

As IFB celebrates 90 years of impact, one of the most meaningful ways we honor this milestone is through the IFB Solutions Golf Tournament celebrating its 10th year. Returning in 2026 to the beautiful Grove Park Inn Golf Course, this signature event brings together partners committed to changing lives.

Over the past decade, the tournament has raised more than $1.3 million, all fueling job creation, specialized training, and adaptive technology for employees who are blind. These funds directly support programs that create opportunities, including filling dozens of jobs in 2025, completing 48 engineering conversions to make roles accessible, and supporting more than 500 employees across 27 states, including remote positions.

A standout example of partnership is W. L. Gore & Associates, whose collaboration with IFB extends far beyond their Golf Tournament Presenting Sponsorship. Together, they produce high-performance protective systems such as the Extreme Weather Outer Layer (EWOL) clothing system and the Fuel Handler Suit. These garments are designed for demanding environments and manufactured by a highly skilled workforce that includes employees who are blind, demonstrating how innovation and inclusion can go hand in hand.

“Our partnership with IFB Solutions reflects our commitment to innovation and inclusion,” shared the Gore team, the tournament’s Presenting Sponsor. “Empowering employees who are blind through programs like this aligns perfectly with our values and creates lasting impact.” Their support helps ensure every dollar translates into real opportunities, from training to paychecks to essential adaptive tools.

This year, sponsorships will also help launch IFB’s new Social Services and Employee Wellness Team, providing support for transportation, benefits, and crisis needs—ensuring employees can succeed both on and off the job. As Premier Events Sponsor, S.P. Richards holds IFB accountable on the importance of measurable impact; that IFB not only provides jobs but also fosters independence and purpose.

Tatiana Russell, Grants and Development Manager, shared, “Every sponsorship and every swing help create real opportunities for people who are blind.”

If you would like to be part of the tournament, a variety of sponsorship opportunities are available, ranging from a $10,000 Welcome Reception Sponsor to a $300 Tee Sign Sponsorship. To learn more, click here for the sponsorship guide or contact Tatiana Russell at trussell@ifbsolutions.org.

As IFB marks this milestone year, the tournament stands as a powerful example of what partnership can achieve—transforming support into opportunity and building a future filled with possibility.