The IFB Beat 12-2 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Hello everyone! This week, the IFB Beat brings you:

• An introduction to the Professional Services team.
• Details about upcoming Christmas celebrations.
• Information on signing up for The Lions Club Christmas Party.
• Sessions on Practical Savings Approaches and 403(b) Retirement Savings Accounts.

Additionally, flu shots are still available—contact the Health Clinic for details and visit the Community Low Vision Center to support the December Christmas sale!

Thank you for reading the IFB Beat, and have a wonderful week!

Anastasia Powell

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

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Meet the IFB Solutions Professional Services Team
– Christmas Plans for Asheville, Clemmons and Winston-Salem Facilities
– In the News: Lee Hartline Talks Giving Blood on WXII 12
– Programs Update: Learning About Blindness (L.A.B.)
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Join the Twin City Host Lions Club Blind/VI Holiday Celebration!
– Theater with Audio Description: Royal Curtain Drama Guild Presents “It’s Not About Us”

HR and Opportunities

– Free Flu Shots Still Available for Employees – Don’t Miss Out
– Practical Savings Approaches and 403(b) Retirement Savings Accounts
– New Job Announcements

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

 

Meet the IFB Solutions Professional Services Team

In the next few editions of The IFB Beat, we will introduce you to the IFB Solutions Professional Services department which includes Workforce Services, Community Low Vision Center, and Programs departments. This week we highlight Shannon Satterfield, Director of Professional Services and Amy Brandon, Workforce Services Administrative Assistant.

Shannon Satterfield

Director of Professional Services

With eight years at IFB Solutions, Shannon Satterfield serves as the Director of Professional Services, leading the Workforce Services, Low Vision, and Programs Divisions. Shannon first learned about IFB through a vocational rehabilitation counselor while searching for employment, and he now plays a pivotal role in creating life-changing opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

In his role, Shannon oversees business development and contract management for the Workforce Services Division, ensuring smooth operations and supervision of its employees. Additionally, he works to support the success of the Low Vision and Programs Divisions, which provide essential services for those with visual impairments.

Shannon holds an MBA from Liberty University. Outside of work, he feels blessed to share his life with his loving wife and four wonderful boys. He describes his journey at IFB as one of the best experiences of his life, dedicated to building a supportive community and making a meaningful impact.

 

Amy Brandon

Workforce Services Administrative Assistant

Amy Brandon has been with IFB for 11 years, beginning her journey in the optical department and now serving as the Workforce Services Administrative Assistant. In her role, she supports the day-to-day operations of the Workforce Services Division, handling payroll, employee assistance, and billing.

Amy’s connection to IFB began long before she joined, thanks to her father, a news anchor at WXII, who shared stories of IFB’s inspiring work. As a licensed optician, eye health has always been Amy’s passion. IFB has deepened her appreciation for vision and taught her the strength others demonstrate in facing vision loss. “Working at IFB has given me an appreciation of my vision and has shown me the strength of others in their vision loss. IFB encourages growth and gives you the tools to achieve.”

Amy has been married for 18 years and is a proud mother to three wonderful girls, including twins. Having a twin sister herself, she cherishes the special bond twins share and finds it a beautiful blessing to experience.

 

Christmas Plans for the Asheville, Clemmons and Winston-Salem Facility Employees!

Get ready to have a ton of fun celebrating this holiday season! We will be distributing Christmas hams on Thursday, December 12, (Winston-Salem) and Thursday, December 19, (Asheville). Distribution details will be announced.

On December 19, at all locations, Christmas festivities will begin at 11:30am, during normal break-times. Employees will be treated to a Christmas lunch. We also look forward to a week of festivities, stay tuned for more details.

Note, there will be a workday early dismissal on December 24 (Christmas Eve). Dismissal will be at 1 pm and all employees who clock out no earlier than 1 pm will be paid for the remainder of the scheduled workday. For all those to which this applies, please schedule your transportation accordingly.

 

In the News: Lee Hartline Talks Giving Blood on WXII 12

Lee Hartline, IFB Solutions sewing machine operator, knows how to make an impact. As a part of the outreach committee at IFB Solutions, he pitched organizing a blood drive at the Winston-Salem location several years ago. Dozens of people came to donate at the first event, which the American Red Cross put on, and two blood drives have been put on each year by the AAA Committee ever since.

“Me being blind, I can’t go out and do a lot of hands-on volunteering, but I can roll up my sleeve and give blood,” he said.

Learn more about Lee and his selfless efforts:

 

IFB Programs Update: Learning About Blindness (L.A.B.)

A team from IFB Solutions held an event at West Stanley Middle School for 128 seventh graders to share all about blindness and visual impairment. The IFB Programs group has long offered these trainings under the name “Blindside” – this fall the name transitioned to Learning About Blindness (L.A.B).

Staff from the school stood along with the IFB staff for a picture in front of the Little Red Schoolhouse bus. A big thank you to Charity Hampton, Anastasia Powell, Terri Norway, Lynn Drake with Kenny, Jackie Perrea, and Kim Shoffner for making these students aware of assistive technology, walking with a cane under a blindfold, eye conditions, guide dog etiquette, and Braille.

Community Low Vision Center Updates

Asheville and Winston-Salem CLVC December Sale!

The Community Low Vision Center team wants to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays by offering 20% off everything in stock for the month of December! Bring your shopping list and stop in!

CLVC Item of the Week:

Board Games, Card Games, and Uno, Oh My! Starting at $3.96 and up!

We have:

• Snakes and Ladders
• Tactiles Checkers and Chess
• Uno
• Phase 10
• Scrabble
• Boggle
• Much more at discounted prices

If you have questions or are interested in any of the weekly items, please contact your local CLVC for assistance.

 

From Our Community

Join the Twin City Host Lions Club Blind/VI Holiday Celebration!

Submitted by Paul Bledsoe (Lions Club President)

Mark your calendars for Friday, December 6! The Twin City Host Lions Club is spreading holiday cheer to our blind and low-vision community with a festive Christmas lunch. The celebration will take place at Knollwood Baptist Church (330 Knollwood St, Winston-Salem, NC 27104) starting at 11:30 AM.

Enjoy the sounds of the season with Christmas songs performed by Charity Hampton, IFB Low Vision Associate and S.E.E. instructor. Plus, a special visit from Santa will brighten the day as he hands out fruit and candy bags to everyone!

If you’d like to attend and haven’t yet signed up with your supervisor, please do so by December 4. Note that transportation will not be provided, so please make your arrangements in advance. Drivers providing transportation are welcome to stay and join the celebration.

We look forward to celebrating the holidays with you! Happy holidays!

 

Theater with Audio Description: Royal Curtain Drama Guild Presents: “It’s Not About Us”

Submitted by Kaila Gillespie

When: December 21, 2024
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton on University Pkwy
Time: 7:00pm
Ticket Cost: $50

If interested contact Brenda Neal at 336-408-7646. Money needs to be paid on or before December 3.

 

HR & Opportunities

Free Flu Shots Still Available for Employees – Don’t Miss Out

There is still time to take advantage of getting a free flu vaccine. to

• Boost your immunity against the flu.
• Protect those around you by reducing the spread of the virus.
• Minimize sick days and stay healthy all season.

Hourly Employees – Ask your supervisor to schedule an appointment with Nurse Venessa

Hourly Admin/Salary – Email the clinic to schedule an appointment at healthclinic@ifbsolutions.org.

Clemmons-based Employees – Email the clinic to schedule an appointment at healthclinic@ifbsolutions.org.

Note:  People 65 and older are encouraged to consult with their primary care physician or schedule an appointment at their pharmacy for a higher-dose vaccine tailored to their needs.

 

Practical Savings Approaches and 403(b) Retirement Savings Accounts

For more information, reach out to Tammy Whitmire-Powers, IFB Solutions Benefits Administrator at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

Join us on December 10, 2024, for an exciting Information Session with David Googe from Voya Financial. He’ll discuss the importance of 403(b) accounts and how you can take charge of your financial future through smart savings and investments!

30-minute sessions will be scheduled between noon and 5:00pm.

• Hourly employees should let their supervisors know if they are interested in attending a session.
• Hourly Admin and salary employees may contact Tammy Powers, Benefits Administrator, to schedule a time to attend.

Unable to attend? Please email twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org. We will connect you with David Googe for 403(b)-retirement account information.

 

New Job Announcements

For all current openings, visit https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

BSC 4PL Buyer/Program Specialist – Rock Island Arsenal BSC, Rock Island, IL

Education and work experience:

• 2+ years’ experience in Microsoft Office environment: Outlook, Excel and Word required.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, government contracting experience may be substituted.
• Procurement and Logistics experience is preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=110040&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=110041&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Presser/Tester – Asheville, NC Facility

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=110093&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=110094&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Material Coordinator – Clemmons, NC Facility

Education and work experience:

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
• 2 years’ experience in shipping and receiving.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=110162&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=110163&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

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 Groups Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/99498078576?pwd=ODJzK0sxcXZrME9yN25YRTdiNXBSQT09
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576
PASSWORD: 92638
One tap mobile
+13017158592,99498078576# US (Germantown)

13126266799,99498078576# US
+(Chicago)

Dial by your location.
877 853 5257 US Toll-free
888 475 4499 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576