The IFB Beat 10-27 Edition

A Message from the Editor

This month, we proudly join the nation in celebrating the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)—a time to honor the resilience, talent, and value of people with disabilities in the workplace.

We highlighted inspiring stories that bring that theme to life, and we wrap up with one final spotlight—Joshua Denton, our 2024 Overall Employee of the Year, whose journey of perseverance continues to motivate everyone around him. We also welcome new team members, highlight upcoming events like our staff giving campaign, and share Halloween fun from the Asheville and Winston-Salem facilities.

Don’t miss our Employee Spotlight featuring Janette Apreza-Sanchez, whose positivity reminds us that every fresh start begins with courage.

Thank you for all you do to make IFB better!

Quote of the week:

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.” —Albert Schweitzer

Thank you for strolling The IFB Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

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

 

Quick Links:

New this Week

– 80th Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
– Meet Joshua Denton: IFB Solutions, Asheville 2024 Overall Employee of the Year
– Welcome to Our New Hires
– Attention Veterans
– IFB Annual Staff Giving Campaign
– 2025 5S Champion: Asheville Facility
– Asheville and Winston-Salem Facility Halloween Festivities
– Employee Spotlight: Featuring Janette Apreza-Sanchez, Winston-Salem Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– Walking for Blind Equality

HR and Opportunities

– Job Opportunities

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

 

 

80th Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

This month, we join the nation in celebrating the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The 2025 theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” captures exactly what we experience at IFB Solutions every day.

This week, we are wrapping up featuring remarkable individuals who bring this theme to life. Together, these stories remind us that talent knows no barriers—and that with the right opportunities, people who are blind or visually impaired enrich workplaces, strengthen communities, and lead with impact.

 

Meet Joshua Denton: IFB Solutions, Asheville 2024 Overall Employee of the Year

In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, IFB Solutions proudly celebrates employees like Joshua Denton, whose resilience and dedication inspire us all.

Before joining IFB Solutions, Joshua worked as a manager at a local Walmart. His career took an unexpected turn when he began experiencing significant vision loss caused by Retinitis Pigmentosa and Coats disease. Despite the challenges, Joshua’s determination never wavered.

In 2022, Joshua joined IFB Solutions Asheville, quickly mastering multiple sewing operations across our manufacturing departments, including work on military market products, woobie ponchos, poncho liners, and fuel handler suits. Known for his versatility and teamwork, Joshua also steps in as a front desk receptionist whenever needed.

Beyond IFB, Joshua serves his community as Chair of the North Carolina Commission for the Blind’s Council, and formerly as Chairman of both the North Carolina State Independent Living Council and Thrive Mental Health Board of Directors. He enjoys time with his wife and two children, supporting local bands and breweries.

Joshua’s humor, compassion, and drive have made him a cornerstone of our Asheville team. His story embodies IFB’s mission and the spirit of possibility that NDEAM celebrates.

Watch/listen to Joshua’s inspiring story here.

 

Welcome to Our New Hires

We’re excited to announce that two talented individuals started with us on October 20. Please join us in welcoming them to the team!

Customer service representatives under the supervision of Shannon Satterfield: Ricardo Aguinaga and Elizabeth Bowden.

 

Attention Veterans

Each year around Veterans Day, IFB Solutions honors individuals who have identified as veterans with our HR department. Please report your veteran status to HR by Thursday, November 6, so that we can recognize your service. If we don’t have you on the list, we can’t honor you. Stop by the office of a member of HR or send an email to HR@ifbsolutions.org.

 

IFB Annual Staff Giving Campaign

The annual campaign kicks off on November 12, 2025.

Each year, we invite our employees to take part in something meaningful: an opportunity to give back to the organization that continues to invest in them. At IFB Solutions, we’re proud to offer more than just jobs. We provide pathways to independence, skill development, career growth, and lasting connections.

This mission is supported through services like transportation and medical care, as well as programs like Focus on Literacy, which equips K–12 students with the assistive technology they need to overcome challenges and exceed expectations. We also provide our employees with adaptive equipment and essential training, empowering them to grow and succeed.

On November 12 and 13, all Winston-Salem employees are invited to attend an in-person session in the TADS room, and on November 19, all Asheville employees are invited to gather for the general assembly. We will share more about what your gifts support.

For remote folks, all IFB email users will receive two calendar invites—one for December 2 at 10 a.m. and another one for December 3 at 3 p.m., inviting you to attend a Zoom session dedicated to the staff giving campaign. Please accept only one calendar invitation for the session you want to attend. Please decline the other invitation. As always, everyone is invited to participate in staff campaign sessions, but giving is not mandatory.

There will be volunteers in the TADS room during all in-person sessions on November 12 and 13 to assist employees with completing donation forms.

All donors who donate $25 or more will receive a blanket with the IFB logo. We also encourage you to ask your family to participate in the staff giving campaign, and your family member will get an IFB blanket, and you will automatically be entered into the drawing for a chance to win a lovely camp chair and table on December 18.

Supervisors: you will receive a separate email about in-person sessions and help needed with filling out staff campaign donation forms.

If you would like to support today, here’s how you can do that:

• Fill out and sign a payroll deduction form (supervisors will have forms) before November 12, 2025.
• Donate with cash or a check.
• Donate online at https://ifbsolutions.org/donate/

Questions? Contact Naomi Venable at nvenable@ifbsolutions.org. Thank you for your support!

 

2025 5S Champion: Asheville Facility

We’d like to recognize and congratulate the Winston-Salem and Asheville facilities for the outstanding progress made with the 5S program: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain. We’ve seen a noticeable improvement in organization, and it’s clear that team members are taking pride in keeping their workspaces clean and orderly. We truly appreciate everyone’s efforts in maintaining our work areas to such a high standard.

With that said, we’re excited to announce that our 5S champion for 2025 is the Asheville facility! It was a tight competition, with Asheville slightly surpassing the Winston-Salem facility with an impressive yearly average score of 98%.

Thank you all for your continued commitment to making IFB a clean, safe, and organized place to work.

What is 5S, and why are we doing it? 

5S is a Lean method that focuses on workplace organization and cleanliness in support of improved quality and efficiency. 5S also supports our blind and visually impaired team members by assuring everything has a place and is properly and consistently stored.

Let’s all work together to help our 5S program be successful. The trophy and belt are up for grabs for the 2026. Good luck to all.

 

Asheville and Winston-Salem Facility Halloween Festivities

Halloween is right around the corner, and we invite all interested employees to dress up and have a little fun!

Asheville: On Thursday, October 30, Asheville employees are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and tour the “Haunted Room” where ghostly tricks and ghoulish treats will await them. More haunted details to come.

Winston-Salem: On Thursday, October 30, the Winston-Salem facility will have a costume contest and parade at 10 a.m. Treat bags filled with candy will be distributed to all employees.

Categories for the costume contest are:

• Scariest
• Most creative
• Best group
• Best overall

In addition to the festivities, we’re excited to bring back the Candy Corn Count game. Participants can guess how many candy corns are in a jar located in the break room. You are welcome to touch and feel the jar to help make your estimate. The employee who guesses closest will win the jar of candy corns! For any employees needing support with participation or those who would like to enter the game, an HR representative and/or Claudia will be available to assist.

New this year: Those who participate in the Halloween parade and costume contest are invited to attend “Boo” party in the TADS room. The room will be filled with Halloween treats, not tricks. So, dress up and let’s have fun!

 

Employee Spotlight: Featuring Janette Apreza-Sanchez, Winston-Salem Facility

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight. Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Janette Apreza-Sanchez from the t-shirts department.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Acapulco, Mexico

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for almost nine months. I started working here because I was looking for a fresh start.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy watching anime series.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Definitely Mexican food—of course! Barbacoa is my favorite.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I love my workstation, but what I enjoy most is being with my friends and getting to talk with them. Friends at IFB make work fun!

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: Never give up! Always follow your dreams!

Special thanks to Morgan Dugan, Employee Relations Specialist, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

Winston-Salem Facility 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

 

 

From Our Community

Walking for Blind Equality

Submitted by Morgan Dugan, IFB Solutions Employee Relations Specialist

In celebration of Blind Equality Achievement Awareness Month, the Forsyth Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) hosted its annual awareness walk on October 18 at Kimberly Park in Winston-Salem. The event brought together community members, advocates, and volunteers to promote greater understanding and inclusion for people who are blind or visually impaired.

This national observance, recognized each October, honors the achievements of blind individuals and reinforces the importance of equal access, opportunity, and independence in all areas of life.

The weather was perfect for the occasion, and many volunteers came out to assist participants along the route, including IFB Solutions Employee Relations Specialist Morgan Dugan and her son, Jeremiah Dugan. Among the walkers was Derrick Graham, an IFB sewing machine operator, who expressed his gratitude for the community’s support in raising awareness.

“It’s inspiring to see so many people walking beside us,” Derrick shared. “Events like this remind us that blindness doesn’t define ability—it strengthens it.”

 

HR & Opportunities

We’re expanding our ways to stay connected. 🎉 Please add your personal email to Paycom to make sure you don’t miss any updates.

Need help creating a personal email or updating Paycom? Contact Morgan Dugan at mdugan@ifbsolutions.org. Hourly employees should ask their supervisor to submit a ticket.

Job Opportunities

Software and E-commerce Manager

Education and Work Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in information technology, business administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of experience in software management, e-commerce operations, or IT leadership is required.

External candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=178738&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=178739&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 Group Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/86167111929?pwd=G9vSBWcnTFrMHixqb19TpU7q8sQW1N.1

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929

Passcode: 992614

One tap mobile

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