IFB SOLUTIONS NAMES OFFICERS and NEW MEMBERS OF ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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IFB logo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions
nducouer@ifbsolutions.org or 304-685-2393

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     

IFB SOLUTIONS NAMES OFFICERS and NEW MEMBERS OF ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Oct. 7, 2021) – Nonprofit IFB Solutions, the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the country, announces its Board of Directors officers for the 2021-22 term and welcomes a new board member.

Brenda Diggs will serve as Chairman.  She is a retired senior executive of Wachovia Corporation, now part of Wells Fargo. She currently consults in the areas of leadership and board development, operational and financial management, organizational planning, and strategic management.

Erik Cobham will serve as Vice Chairman.  He is vice president of strategy and business development for Avon Protection and a retired Lieutenant Colonel with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Robert Colucci will serve as Treasurer.  He is a business consultant and retired senior executive with Essilor of America, an international ophthalmic optics company.

Kathryn Garner will serve as Secretary.  She is a retired teacher and former sales and marketing executive for T.W. Garner Food Company.

Leo Stepansky will serve as Assistant Secretary.  He is senior vice president/general manager for Shelco, LLC.

Mike Faircloth will serve as Assistant Treasurer. He is group president of global operations for Hanesbrands.  

In addition, IFB announces three appointments to its Board of Directors.

Tom Serrin is joining the Board’s executive committee as head of the new Development and Awareness Committee. Serrin, who is visually impaired, is the Triad Chapter President of the Foundation Fighting Blindness and retired (Medical) Major with the U.S. Marine Corps.

John Rowland, a retired CPA from Little Rock, Ark., will return to the Board of Directors as chair of the Audit Committee and represent the nonprofit’s strategic interests in Arkansas.

Samuel Richardson is joining the IFB Board of Directors. Richardson is Director of Human Resources for Academic Affairs at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro.

 

ABOUT IFB SOLUTIONS

IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., in addition to operating nearly 20 office supply stores across the country and producing mattresses. IFB produces eyewear under its Twenty200 brand at its Winston-Salem lab and operates a retail location in Winston-Salem. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible summer camps, afterschool programs and activities for children who are blind, and Community Low Vision services through its low-vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark. ifbsolutions.org

 

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Seeking Employment at IFB Solutions: Opportunity Provider for People who are Blind

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Written By: Brent Burkholder

 

Headshot photo of Brent smilingSometimes in today’s workforce, we cross paths with individuals who formulate negative perceptions towards others based on their own limited ideas. I am very familiar with this perception.

I was born Premature at 26 weeks, which resulted in vision loss that has ultimately created some obstacles in my life. Most of which I have overcome.

For people who are blind, employment opportunities aren’t readily available.  In my case, my vision loss took an opportunity away.

After graduating from Penn State University and then later obtaining my master’s degree from the University of Baltimore Maryland, I gained employment but later my vision lost would limit opportunities for job advancements. I didn’t want my career to end when my vision deteriorated.

I heard about a program that would later lead to a full-time job at IFB Solutions. I currently work at IFB as a Human Resources Project Specialist/Recruiter, and I help people who are blind overcome the challenges of finding a job. It brings me joy to play such a huge part in their work lives.

Whether it’s helping them to enhance their upward mobility, increase their confidence in workmanship, or just assisting with finding resources. If you know you are capable, never be afraid to put yourself out there. We are more than just a company at IFB Solutions… We are a family!

IFB Solutions is the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States. Our mission is to provide opportunities for employment, services, and training for people who are blind or visually impaired to succeed in every area of life. Our vision is thriving with a workforce dedicated to our mission. We cannot wait for you to be a part of IFB Solutions, America’s leader in providing life-changing opportunities to people who are blind or visually impaired. Work culture is our foundation. IFB provides many resources and benefits for its employees to cultivate growth and confidence. It is truly a business with a heart.  The cohesiveness and comradery demonstrated throughout the organization is remarkable and one of IFB Solutions’ greatest benefits.

Our Values

 

Values listed Ethical to the Core Commitment to Excellence -Business with a Heart -Mission Possible Creative Solutions

IFB Solutions is Different

The HR team has created a robust process with the goal of providing a smooth transition for employees. During the onboarding process, the certified Workforce Transition Coordinator works with candidates around relocation, establishing community resources, and transportation options when necessary. the dedicated training team extensively provides hands-on assessments and job-related preparation ensuring success.  All new employees are required to complete a new hire orientation with the benefits team. Safety training and a facility tour are provided on the first day of work.  Sensitivity to Blindness Training is given to all new employees with vision. In addition, on day one IFB offers mentors for workers who are blind to ensure comfort with the facility’s layout and its policies.

What Does the Hiring Process Look Like?

IFB Solutions has a proven process to start the path to earning competitive wages:

-Candidates will interview with several members of the recruitment team and the Certified Workforce Transition Coordinator.

-Upon successful completion of the interview process applicants are scheduled for an in-person interview and job assessment.

-After completion of the in-person interview/assessment, candidates will work with the Certified Workforce Transition Coordinator to begin the onboarding process.

To apply for one of our job opportunities you can find us on the various platforms; Indeed, LinkedIn, State job Boards, job fairs, IFB Solutions social media pages, and our website.

 

IFB Solutions: Full Circle Support Powered by Inclusion

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Written By: Brenda Diggs

Headshot photo of Brenda Diggs smilingOctober is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).  This is a special time of year for IFB Solutions.   It is a time when we can educate our country about including people with disabilities in the workplace. As the new Chairperson of the IFB Solutions Board of Directors, I hope I inspire you to help make a difference.

 

Where It Began

I am a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and actively involved in the local community. During my professional career, I was a senior vice president of Wachovia Bank and served as manager of Sales Performance Services supporting the retail financial services group. Although I am officially retired, I sometimes provide consulting in the areas of leadership and board development, operational and financial management. I have always had a passion for service and helping others.

I am also involved in my church as well as other civic and community activities. It has been a pleasure to support IFB Solutions throughout the years.  I am proud of the impact IFB has across the communities in North Carolina and beyond. I am equally pleased and proud to be the new Chair of the IFB Solutions Board of Directors.

Inspired By IFB Solutions

I learned about IFB Solutions when I served on the board of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. The Trust approved a grant for Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, now known as IFB Solutions. It was the practice of the Trust to do an onsite visit of some of the organizations receiving grants. The visit to Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, now IFB Solutions, gave me a much deeper appreciation and respect for people with visual disabilities.  I was amazed by the abilities of people who are blind or visually impaired. While I knew of the organization, what I learned during that visit was just how widespread the work done by the employees who were blind impacted the U.S.  I was not aware of the work that was being done to support the military.  All I could say was wow!

My husband, who is visually impaired due to Optic Neuropathy, first learned about low vision products by visiting IFB’s Community Low Vision Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.  His visit presented another opportunity to learn about the resources provided by IFB and the value that they bring to the blind/low vision community. The Center and IFB helped my husband continue to lead an independent life.

I am inspired by the commitment of IFB’s management team, Board of Directors, and the employees who contribute to the overall economy, employment base, and overall well-being of the Winston-Salem community.  It is also inspiring to see the commitment of employees who take pride in doing work that benefits others while enriching their lives.  Lastly, it is very inspiring to help people who sometimes feel that they may be overlooked simply because they have vision loss. I have witnessed the skill, talent, and ability of many employees at IFB Solutions, and they are amazing.

A Look into the Future

Headshot of Brenda Diggs smiling at cameraMy support for IFB has come full circle.

After having so many fulfilling and personal experiences with this incredible non-profit, I am now leading the Board of Directors.  Each member of the board believes in the work of this great organization and sees the value that it holds in this community.  Board members believe that the work of IFB Solutions is making an impact and changing the lives of people who in some instances would not have the opportunity to work, earn a decent salary and live an independent life due to so many workforce barriers.

For me, IFB Solutions is doing what I know is most important in my life, that is, to make a positive difference in the life of someone else. It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to continue to serve IFB Solutions with a dedicated board, great management team, and staff who are all committed to doing just that. Some of my plans for this position are to make sure the employees get to know the board. I would like to stay connected and engaged. I will continue to advocate my passion and love for the mission of IFB Solutions.

Here are a few key takeaways when considering workplace inclusion and people with disabilities:

 

-According to the Society for Human Resource Management, prior to COVID-19, the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities was double that of their peers, and more than *1 million U.S. workers with disabilities have lost their jobs since the pandemic began.

-Given the number of jobs available in the country right now, it is a prime opportunity to bring about the awareness of this very talented, committed, and productive segment of our society.

-For 1/3 of our workforce, IFB Solutions is their first job. Misconceptions of people who are blind cause barriers to employment. It’s our mission to change that.

-Inclusion is operating in a way that allows people of diverse backgrounds, skills, and yes, disabilities to use their skills in a manner that leverages fair, healthy, and high-performing organizations, or communities.  It enables individuals and groups to feel safe, respected, engaged, motivated and valued for who they are and for their contributions toward an organization, community, and society.

 

LONG-TIME IFB SOLUTIONS CEO DAVID HORTON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AT END OF 2022

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headshot photo of David Horton
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nicole Ducouer, IFB Solutions
nducouer@ifbsolutions.org or 304-685-2393

 

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Sept. 16, 2021) – IFB Solutions, a non-profit organization based in Winston-Salem and the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the country, announced today that its long-time CEO David Horton will retire effective December 31, 2022.

Horton joined IFB in 2001 as Controller and was promoted to Sr. Vice President of Operations before being named Executive Director in 2008 and later President and CEO in 2015. While at the helm, he has guided the organization through unprecedented mission growth while navigating challenges. Under his leadership, IFB saw its sales more than double from $80 million to $200 million and, closer to Horton’s heart, grew its employment to nearly 1,000 with the majority of positions held by people who are blind or visually impaired. IFB is headquartered in Winston-Salem with additional facilities in Asheville, N.C. and Little Rock, Ark. Horton oversaw the merger and integration of the Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind operations into the IFB Solutions family in 2014, which helped grow additional job opportunities for people who are blind in Arkansas.

“David has been a transformational leader in our organization,” said Bob Newell, Chair of the IFB Solutions Board of Directors. “He has led us through periods of great change, including adding new locations and opening new businesses all while keeping the mission intact of creating life-changing opportunities for people who are blind.”

Recognizing that many people who are blind do not live near an organization like IFB, Horton also led the establishment of IFB’s Workforce Services division in 2011 which provides remote work opportunities for people who are blind all over the country. He also helped IFB create additional jobs with the expansion of its BSC (Base Supply Centers) division in Maryland, Illinois and Florida. The BSC division manages and staffs office supply retail stores serving military bases and government locations.

Another significant driver of IFB’s employment growth is “job conversion” which Horton has championed since joining the organization. By re-engineering manufacturing operations, equipment and services previously limited to sighted workers and making them accessible to those who are blind or low vision, IFB has created new and often ground-breaking opportunities for its employees.

“David’s passion and commitment to IFB Solutions is clearly evident from the first time you meet him,” said Brenda Diggs, incoming Chair of the IFB Board of Directors. “He has an unwavering drive and determination to make a positive difference by raising awareness for the critical importance of providing meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.”

Horton’s leadership also is evident in the growth of IFB’s community involvement and programming. The organization’s Community Low Vision Centers have expanded beyond Winston-Salem to include locations at its campuses in Asheville and Little Rock. IFB’s S.E.E. (Student Enrichment Experience) program works with children in grades K-12 who are blind or visually impaired to build their confidence and independent living skills. Under Horton’s leadership, the program was given a permanent home when Tracy’s Little Red School House opened its doors in Winston-Salem in 2012. Since then, S.E.E. has expanded to serve children and families not only in Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Asheville, but all over the country reaching kids through summer camps and after-school programs.

On a state and national level, Horton is a recognized leader. He works closely with National Industries for the Blind and served on the board of the National Association for Employment of People Who Are Blind (NAEPB). In North Carolina, Horton served until very recently as Board Chairman of the NC State Commission for the Blind, which is a governor-appointed position and serves as an advisory council to the NC Division of Services for the Blind.

Prior to retirement, David will continue to build out IFB’s manufacturing and services capability developed over decades of working with the federal government and The AbilityOne Program, and strategically expand IFB’s footprint into emerging opportunities to serve new commercial business channels.

IFB Solutions and its Board of Directors have appointed a search committee from the board representing diverse leaders with a long history of service to the organization. The search committee, which is chaired by current Board Chair Bob Newell, has engaged a search firm and expects to make a selection in the 3rd quarter of 2022.

ABOUT IFB SOLUTIONS
IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., in addition to operating nearly 20 office supply stores across the country and producing mattresses. IFB produces eyewear under its Twenty200 brand at its Winston-Salem lab and operates a retail location in Winston-Salem. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible summer camps, afterschool programs and activities for children who are blind, and Community Low Vision services through its low-vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark. ifbsolutions.org

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Opening a Window of Independence: Having a Guide Dog

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Written By: Lee Hartline

Photo of Lee walking with his guide dog TexBeing independent became a challenge 30 years ago when I became visually and hearing impaired due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP). I was unemployed for 20 years because people saw my disability as a risk.  Seven years ago, IFB Solutions hired me as a trainee in the optical lab.  I earned a promotion to lab tech. Then I took advantage of more job training opportunities. I currently work in the Advanced Combat Shirt department as a sewing machine operator where I make products for the U.S. Military. Having a guide dog has been a step closer to living an independent life!

Qualifying For My Guide Dog

It was essential for me to feel independent, so I decided to acquire a specially trained dog to serve as a guide. There are several schools that train the dogs and pair you with the right one. I chose Guiding Eye Dogs in New York.

The first step was to apply to the school of my choice. Once I was accepted, they sent an instructor from the school to evaluate me and make sure I was a good candidate to receive a dog. The following criteria were evaluated:

-Cane skills

-Knowledge of Cardinal directions

-Speed/ stride

-My health/physical shape

-Personality

Guide Dog Training

Once I qualified to receive a guide dog, I was trained for four weeks. They evaluated where I would be needed the dog. I live in the country and work in the city. The guide dog training school has dogs of different breeds, sizes, and behaviors. They determine which dog best suits you. In my case, I have an 80-pound moderate gait German Shepherd that works with my stride and height. There are hypoallergenic options like poodles.

Benefits of having a Guide Dog

There are a lot of responsibilities that come with having a guide dog like taking the dog to the vet regularly, making sure the vaccinations are up to date and having a feeding routine. There are also many benefits. The guide dog learns to look for doors, walk on sidewalks, stop in front of stairs that go up or down, avoids obstacles, among other things. Your guide dog becomes your eyes. You learn to trust each other. If you interact with a guide dog while it is working, there could be danger involved for the handler.

Tips to Interacting with guide dogs:

-Dogs are fed only by their owner

-Ignore a working Guide dog

-Do not pet the dog without the owner’s permission

-Speak directly to the guide dog handler and not the guide dog

Guide Dogs: Work and Play

-The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) stipulates that the guide dog is allowed to enter wherever its owner goes. They can also board airplanes and sit in front of their owner without incurring any additional expense. The same applies to parks, taxis, hotels, etc.

-Guide dogs are great companions. When they are not wearing a harness, they can play like any pet. On the other hand, they must behave very well so that their owner does not lose the right to enter any place with their guide dog.

-Guide dogs have a career life just like adults.  Like us, puppies age and their productivity declines. We must be compassionate and give them the opportunity to enjoy being full-time pets.

My first puppy started working when she was two years old and retired after nine years. Then she became the pet of the people who raised her, and I acquired Tex, my current guide dog. I am very satisfied with the work they do and the independence they provide. Thanks to my guide dog Tex, I recommend a guide dog one hundred and ten percent! Having a guide dog by my side has been another step closer to living an independent life!

 

WISE EYES FAMILY EYE CARE NOW OPEN IN WINSTON-SALEM, PARTNERING WITH TWENTY200 EYEWEAR TO HELP GROW JOBS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND

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Wise Eyes Family Care logo that has an owl on a branch

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Nicole Ducouer

nducouer@ifbsolutions.org

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (August 24, 2021) – Wise Eyes Family Eye Care is now open at 631
Coliseum Drive in Winston-Salem with a special connection to its next-door neighbor Twenty200
Eyewear operated by local nonprofit IFB Solutions. IFB Solutions is the largest employer of people
who are blind in the country.

Wise Eyes optometrist Dr. Lindsay Totten wants her practice to have a broader community impact
by making it convenient for her patients to purchase stylish and affordable eyeglasses and also
help create local jobs for people who are blind. Eyeglasses purchased at Twenty200 Eyewear are
made by IFB Solutions employees at the nonprofit’s optical lab just a few miles away on the IFB
campus off Silas Creek Parkway.

“When I began planning for my own practice after many years of working for larger eyecare
companies, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the community,” said Dr. Totten. “As someone
who cares deeply about vision, I cannot think of a better local partner than IFB Solutions who is
doing so much for children and adults who are blind or low vision.”

Dr. Totten is currently taking new patients and encourages all adults and children to have regular,
annual eye exams. Information about her practice can be found at www.WiseEyesOfWinston.com
or by calling Wise Eyes Family Eye Care at (336) 830-8061. In addition to providing primary eye
care, Wise Eyes specializes in emergency eye care, eye disease and contact lenses.

“The pandemic has strained all of us mentally and physically, and that is especially true for our
vision,” she said. “For students who spent so many months as virtual learners and adults working
remotely, it’s very hard on the eyes to stay focused on screens for long periods of time. I’m seeing
more patients with headaches from eyestrain as well as those who now need corrective lenses.”
Many people have put off their annual eye exams creating delays in early detection of eye
diseases and conditions. “I’m a strong proponent of early detection,” said Dr. Totten. “Every Wise
Eyes patient receives a baseline scan using specialized equipment designed to identify cellular
changes to the eye otherwise not visible to the naked eye. By catching eye diseases early, we can
begin treatment and save a lot of vision.”

ABOUT WISE EYES FAMILY EYE CARE
Wise Eyes Family Eye Care is located at 631Coliseum Drive in Winston-Salem and provides
comprehensive eye care for the entire family, including pediatrics, contact lenses, and ocular
emergencies. Independent optometrist Dr. Lindsay Totten specializes in managing ocular diseases
such as glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, and dry eyes. Dr. Totten is trained in the areas of
primary care optometry, emergency eye care, ocular disease, contact lenses and pediatrics. She
believes that the best health care relationships are built on mutual trust and strives to involve patients in
personal decisions about their care. To book your appointment, call (336) 830-8061. Wise Eyes Family
Eye Care is open 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m., Monday through Friday. More at www.WiseEyesOfWinston.com.

ABOUT TWENTY200 EYEWEAR
Twenty200 is a brand of IFB Solutions that offers a range of eyewear in approachable styles with a
focus on kind, patient service. The Twenty200 name reflects the mission powering the brand: while
20/20 is perfect vision, 20/200 is the threshold for legal blindness. Our brand is a proud declaration of
our purpose: supporting your vision while creating opportunities for people who are blind.
Our available lens brands include Varilux®, Transitions®, Crizal®, with Kate Spade®, RayBan®, Oakley®, and Costa® frames. Eye exams available next door at Wise Eyes Family Eye Care. Located at 631
Coliseum Drive in Winston-Salem. twenty200.org.

ABOUT IFB SOLUTIONS
IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and
services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind
in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and
Little Rock, Ark., in addition to operating nearly 20 office supply stores across the country and
producing mattresses. IFB produces eyewear under its Twenty200 brand at its Winston-Salem lab and
operates a retail location in Winston-Salem. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well
as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible summer camps,
afterschool programs and activities for children who are blind, and Community Low Vision services
through its low-vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark. ifbsolutions.org
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