The IFB Beat 2-23 Edition

A Message from the Editor

February is Low Vision Awareness Month—a time to increase understanding, reduce stigma and promote accessibility for individuals living with vision loss. With millions worldwide experiencing low vision or blindness, awareness and education matter more than ever. At IFB Solutions, we are reminded daily that respect, communication and partnership create environments where people can thrive with confidence and independence.

This month, we encourage you to lead with empathy: introduce yourself, ask before assisting, provide clear directions and ensure accessible materials and spaces. Small actions make a meaningful difference.

In this issue, you’ll meet new team members, celebrate Grant Weathers’ new role and read Patsy Ford-Holmes’ inspiring spotlight. Don’t forget to check out Marvin Pearson’s powerful story in our Spring 2026 IFB Impact Newsletter.

Thank you for being part of a community that believes in opportunity for all.

Quote of the week:

“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible!'” — Audrey Hepburn

Thank you for strolling the Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

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

 

Quick Links:

New this Week

– February is Low Vision Awareness Month
– Sign Up to Receive the IFB Impact Newsletter
– Welcome New Hires
– Grant Weathers’ New Role
– Appointments Available, Schedule a Low Vision Exam
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Patsy Ford-Holmes, BSC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– Queen’s Corner Women’s Group
– HEART & Vision: A Peer Vision Loss Group

HR & Opportunities

– IFB Retirement 401(k) Account
– 403(b) Rollovers
– Zizzl Monthly Reimbursements
– Job Opportunities

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

 

February is Low Vision Awareness Month

Low Vision Awareness Month is a time to increase understanding, reduce stigma and promote accessibility for individuals living with vision loss.

According to OCLI Vision, in 2002 more than 161 million people worldwide were visually impaired. Of those, 124 million people had low vision and 27 million were blind—a reminder that vision loss affects millions of families across the globe.

If you know someone experiencing vision loss, your support matters. An encouraging, patient and understanding support system can make a meaningful difference as someone adapts to changes in vision. Because every individual’s experience is unique, open communication is essential. The most important rule? Always ask before offering assistance.

Below are general tips shared by individuals with vision loss:

  • Introduce yourself by name and let the person know when you enter or leave a room.
  • Speak directly to the person and address them by name—there’s no need to raise your voice.
  • Ask before helping, and follow their guidance.
  • Give clear, specific directions (e.g., “The chair is on your right”).
  • Provide large print materials (16-point font or larger, bold black letters on white paper).
  • Ensure good lighting and high-contrast markings on steps and edges.
  • Use proper sighted guide technique—allow the person to take your arm rather than grabbing them.
  • Keep environments consistent and free of unexpected obstacles.
  • Use contrasting colors for food and identify placement using a “clock” method if helpful.
  • Remember that adjusting to vision loss can bring many emotions—listening and patience go a long way.

These suggestions are not one-size-fits-all. Each person has unique needs and preferences. The key is respect, communication and partnership. This February, let’s commit to creating environments at work, home and in our communities where people with low vision can succeed with confidence and independence.

 

Sign Up to Receive the IFB Impact Newsletter

Marvin Pearson’s journey of perseverance and overcoming hardship is truly inspiring. You can read his powerful story in our Spring 2026 Impact Newsletter—now arriving in mailboxes and available online at: ifbsolutions.org/our-news/newsletter/spring-2026-impact-newsletter/.

Stay connected with IFB Solutions in our quarterly Impact Newsletter, where we share meaningful stories, program updates and the latest news about how we’re creating employment opportunities for people who are blind. It’s a simple way to stay informed about the life-changing work happening across our organization and in the communities we serve.

Join our mailing list today and invite your friends and family to sign up as well:
https://ifbsolutions.org/our-news/newsletter/. Explore archived editions at the same link.

Follow us on social media to stay engaged year-round:
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn

 

Welcome New Hires

Please join us in warmly welcoming the newest team members to the military markets division: Roger Gadawski and Ana Santoyo.

Roger and Ana officially joined the Asheville team on Feb. 16, and we are excited to have them onboard. Their talents and dedication will help strengthen our military markets operations. Please take a moment to introduce yourself, share a warm welcome and support them as they get settled into their new roles. Welcome, Roger and Ana!

 

Grant Weathers’ New Role

We are excited to share that Grant Weathers has stepped into a newly realigned position as Donor Engagement Manager, reporting to Tatiana Russell, Grants and Development Manager.

As Low Vision Center Services continues to refocus and evolve, Grant’s skills and talents have been thoughtfully aligned to strengthen both our employee services and philanthropic efforts. In this role, Grant will continue supporting internal Low Vision Services for employees and coordinating our impactful Focus on Literacy initiatives. In addition, he will now play an integral role in development efforts including donor stewardship, grant support and sponsorship engagement. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Grant to the philanthropy team!

 

Appointments Available, Schedule a Low Vision Exam

Appointments are now available for the March low vision clinic. The discounted employee cost is $40.

Clinic dates & locations:
Dr. Quilla — Asheville: March 4
Dr. Street — Winston-Salem: March 12

Book your exam:
Asheville: Grant Weathers — 828-761-2468
Winston-Salem: Charity Hampton — 336-245-5672
Email: lowvision@ifbsolutions.org

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Patsy Ford-Holmes, BSC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Headshot of Patsy Ford-Holmes at a base supply center

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight. Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Patsy Ford-Holmes.

Q: Where did you grow up?
Brandywine, Maryland

Q: How long have you been at IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A friend noticed an employment ad for a blind agency and thought it would be a great opportunity for me. Thanks to that recommendation, I found my way to IFB—and I’m so glad I did.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
I love being actively involved in my church and ministry. I also enjoy cooking, building and putting things together, traveling and spending quality time with my family and friends.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
Anything with strawberries! I also love lamb chops with asparagus and mashed sweet potatoes.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
Definitely the customers—their conversations, smiles and encouragement. Being visually impaired myself, those interactions give me a true sense of purpose and remind me why the work we do matters.

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
When people leave and it feels like all hope is gone, don’t give up or give in. Stand tall—you are not alone. God sees you, and He is always with you. He will never leave or forsake you. Remember: LOVE (God). Now, move forward.

Special thanks to BSC Manager, James Logan, 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

Source: The Wise Eye

Queen’s Corner Women’s Group

Queen’s Corner is a group for women in the Charlotte area who have vision loss. It hosts virtual meetings throughout the month, including a movie night on the first Monday, a technology talk on the second Tuesday and much more. Contact Erin for more information and meeting links at e.geddis@queenscorner.org or 704-277-8966.

 

HEART & Vision: A Peer Vision Loss Group

Living with vision loss can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The HEART & Vision support group offers a safe, inclusive and judgment-free space to connect with others who understand the emotional, mental and everyday realities of vision loss. Whether you are newly adjusting or have lived with vision loss for years, you are welcome here.

What to expect:

  • Peer connection and shared experiences
  • Conversations focused on mental wellness and resilience
  • A respectful, supportive environment
  • Come as you are and participation is always optional

The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. every fourth Tuesday. RSVP here.

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87696836181?pwd=S3tRnFCaNaRj9koF0lU9WwwlIAELDv.1
Meeting ID: 876 9683 6181 Passcode: 644707

 

 

HR & Opportunities

IFB Retirement 401(k) Account

Managing your retirement account is easy. You can connect with your account in the way that works best for you:

1. Contact the Ascensus call center: 855-593-7279, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

2. Access your account online. Visit firstcitizens.com/retirement.

First-time login instructions:

  • User ID: Your Social Security number (format: 999009999 — no dashes)
  • Password: Your date of birth (MonthDDYYYY), Example: June 4, 1982 = June041982

3. Manage your 401(k) on the go. Download the READYSAVE mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere.

 

403(b) Rollovers

Need to rollover your Invesco or Voya Financial 403(b) into your IFB Solutions 401(k) account?

  1. Contact the institution that currently manages your 403(b) to request rollover instructions:
    1. Invesco: 800-959-4246
    2. Voya Financial: 800-584-6001
  2. Complete the First Citizens Wealth Rollover Acceptance Form. Instructions are included with the form.
  3. Send the completed rollover form and check by regular or overnight mail to First Citizens Wealth. The mailing address is included in the Rollover Acceptance Form linked above.

 

Zizzl Monthly Reimbursements

Reimbursements must be submitted each month. Documentation must include the following:

  1. Proof of payment
  2. Plan document that includes:
    1. The name of the insured
    2. The plan name
    3. The plan type (often included in the plan name, but not always)
    4. The premium amount
    5. Coverage dates

 

Job Opportunities

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

One tap mobile:
+13126266799,86167111929# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,86167111929# US (New York)
888 475 4499 US Toll-free
877 853 5257 US Toll-free