The IFB Beat 10-6 Edition

A Message from the Editor

This October, IFB Solutions proudly joins the nation in celebrating the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The 2025 theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” is more than just a phrase—it’s what we experience every single day across our campuses.

In this issue, you’ll read stories that bring this theme to life. From Marvin Pearson’s journey from homelessness to helping others through Workforce Services, to the employee spotlight featuring Mike Richardson, these stories remind us of a powerful truth: talent knows no barriers. With the right opportunities, people who are blind or visually impaired not only succeed, but also strengthen our communities, workplaces, and future.

You’ll also find updates about Low Vision Services, a warm welcome to returning team member Mark Jackson in Asheville, details about upcoming community events like the White Cane Walk and Aktion Club Open House, and important health reminders—including flu shot clinics this month.

As we move through NDEAM, let’s continue to celebrate the value and talent that make IFB shine. Every story, every update, and every accomplishment is a reminder that our vision is working.

Quote of the week:

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt

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 Marvin Pearson: From Homelessness to Helping Others
– Low Vision Services: How Support Will Work, Effective Oct. 1, 2025
– Welcome to Our New Hire
– Employee Spotlight: Featuring Mike Richardson – Winston-Salem Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– White Cane Walk
– Join the Aktion Club

HR and Opportunities

– Save the Date for a Flu Shot
– Reminder: Review Your Beneficiary Designations
– 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 October, we join the nation in celebrating the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The 2025 theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” captures exactly what we experience at IFB Solutions every day.

In the next few issues, you’ll meet 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 Marvin Pearson: From Homelessness to Helping Others

Headshot of Marvin Pearson

“Eight years ago, I was on The Ellen Show, a blind and deaf teen in a varsity football jersey, proving people with disabilities can achieve anything when given a chance. But soon after, I became homeless facing a world that too often underestimates people like me. Thanks to IFB Solutions, that changed. Through their Workforce Services division, I now help others apply for public assistance or rebuild after incarceration or homelessness—struggles I know firsthand. This job isn’t just a paycheck; it’s purpose. IFB gave me the training and opportunity I needed to succeed. Now, I get to give back, showing others what’s possible when someone believes in you. All I ever needed was the chance, and IFB gave me that.” —Marvin Pearson

 

Low Vision Services: How Support Will Work, Effective Oct. 1, 2025

In a recent message, Dan Kelly shared how IFB is refocusing resources on our core mission: activity that most directly supports blind employment. As part of that plan, our Community Low Vision Centers will transition into Low Vision Services under the new Social Services and Employee Wellness Resource Team. The goal is simple: Make sure employees with low vision continue to get the help they need to succeed.

What’s changing (effective Oct. 1, 2025):

  • Services will now be by appointment only.
  • Appointment days/times may be limited each week since our Low Vision Services staff now have broader duties, but we’ll work with you to meet your needs.

What you can buy:

  • We will continue to sell items that directly support accessibility and job success (like magnifiers, task lighting, and screen-access tools).
  • Lifestyle aids (large-print household items, adapted kitchenware, etc.) will not be restocked once current inventory is sold, but staff can guide you to trusted online vendors and assist with purchases if needed.
  • Items such as phone chargers and headphones can be purchased only during a pre-planned appointment and won’t be restocked once sold out.

What stays the same:

  • Appointments will continue to be led by trained staff, including employees with low vision, who understand your needs and can connect you with the right tools and resources.
    • In Asheville: Grant Weathers
    • In Winston-Salem: Charity Hampton
  • Low vision exam clinics continue:
    • Winston-Salem with Dr. Dexter Street
    • Asheville with Dr. Jamin Quilla
  • Focus on literacy continues. This program provides free low-vision exams and assistive technology for K–12 students across North Carolina and is supported by grants and donations.

Questions or help:

  • Hourly employees: speak with your supervisor, who will submit the request on your behalf.
  • Admin employees: email LowVision@ifbsolutions.org or call (336) 245-5672.
  • More details about any physical space updates will be shared soon.

 

Welcome to Our New Hire

Headshot of Mark Jackson

The Asheville facility welcomes Mark Jackson back to the Contract Cutting team. Formerly a cutting manager, Mark, an excellent marker maker, has come out of retirement and returned to IFB to assist in contract cutting and teach marker making. Welcome back, Mark!

 

Employee Spotlight: Featuring Mike Richardson – 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 Mike Richardson from the T-shirt Department.

Headshot of Mike Richardson

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB since 2017. As someone who’s visually impaired, I heard about a place (IFB Solutions) that provides jobs for people who are blind, and it caught my interest.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I love spending time with my family and kids.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Chicken—hands down. Bojangles is always a hit.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: The people I work with.

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

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

White Cane Walk

Submitted by Grant Weathers, Low Vision Services Manager 

The Buncombe County Association for the Blind will be sponsoring a White Cane Walk at Pack Square Park in Asheville on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 1–3 p.m. Come build community with others!

  • Presentation on White Cane Awareness Day
  • Meet certified Orientation & Mobility (O&M) instructors
  • Light refreshments provided

Address: 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, N.C.

Join the Aktion Club

Submitted by Blind Power Company

Where development has no disability…

Aktion Club is a Service Leadership Program that provides adults living with disabilities opportunities to give back to their communities, build leadership and decision-making skills, and develop and use their talents. Aktion Club helps to improve their self-esteem. People living with disabilities—more than anything—want to be treated like everyone else, and Aktion Club allows that to happen.

  • Advocacy, Inclusion, Leadership, Independence, Socialization, Service Projects, Community Building

Open House/Drop-in

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Clemmons Library Auditorium, 6365 James St., Clemmons, N.C.

For more information please contact Chris Flynt at cflynt@blindpowercompany.org or 336-473-2170.

 

HR & Opportunities

Save the Date for a Flu Shot

Flu season is here, and IFB is making it easy to protect yourself and those around you.

  • Clemmons: Flu shots will be available on Tuesday, Oct. 7 (afternoon only). Please let Earline or Jordan know if you’d like to receive the vaccine.
  • Winston-Salem: Flu shots will be available on Wednesday, Oct. 8, and Thursday, Oct. 9. Hourly employees should notify their supervisors. Nurse Vanessa will be visiting administrative areas throughout the day. You may also let her know if you’d like to participate.

For individuals under 65, our health clinic will provide the standard dose (Inactivated Influenza Vaccine). If you’re 65 or older, please consult your primary care physician or pharmacy for a higher-dose vaccine tailored to your needs.

Why get vaccinated?

  • Strengthen your immune system against the flu.
  • Help protect your coworkers, friends, and family.
  • Reduce sick days and stay healthy.

Flu shots will also be available by appointment after Oct. 9, while supplies last. You can review the vaccine information statement below:

Note: A flu vaccine consent form is required and will be available on the day of vaccination. Let us team up and protect our health together—because staying healthy is a group effort!

 

Reminder: Review Your Beneficiary Designations

It’s a good practice to periodically review and update your beneficiary designations. If these are not kept current, your benefits—such as life insurance, retirement accounts, and your 403(b)—could go to someone you no longer intend.

  1. Beneficiary information did not transfer from Newport to Ascensus. Please log in here and assign your beneficiary. Instructions will be available upon logging in.
  2. Paycom: Be sure to review and add beneficiaries for your Basic Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance. Taking a few minutes now will ensure your benefits are directed according to your wishes.

Job Opportunities

Maintenance Mechanic II WS

Education and Work Experience

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Previous experience in physical plant maintenance is required.
  • Training and experience in mechanical, electrical and general plumbing is required.

External candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=175259&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=175260&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&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

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Support Group Zoom

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

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929

Passcode: 992614

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