The IFB Beat 2-3 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Hello everyone!

February is Low Vision Awareness Month! Let’s take a moment to recognize and celebrate the strength and perseverance of individuals who are blind or have low vision.

In this week’s issue:

• Meet our new hires
• Employee Spotlight: Howard Johnson
• Important benefits tips and updates
• New job openings

For those of you who might remember and have missed it, we’re bringing back the Quote of the Week! Leading off our first week in February:

“Individual commitment to a group effort–that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” – Vince Lombardi

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

– February is Low Vision Awareness Month
– Welcome to the Team: New Employees!
– IFB Beat Employee Spotlight
– Programs Update: S.E.E. Winter Camp
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Recognizing Disability Advocacy: A Powerful PBS Playlist

HR and Opportunities

– Reminder: Update your personal information!
– Reminder: Wellness Benefits and Tips for 2025-2026 Benefit Plan Year
– New Job Announcements

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

February is Low Vision Awareness Month

Millions of people in the United States are living with visual impairments, according to the National Eye Institute. These impairments can make everyday activities like driving, reading, or cooking more challenging, and they cannot be corrected with glasses, contacts, or standard treatments like medication or surgery.

The good news is that vision rehabilitation services can empower individuals with visual impairments to maximize their remaining vision and continue doing the things they love. However, many people diagnosed with eye diseases or conditions causing visual impairment may not know where to find these services.

This Low Vision Awareness Month, help spread the word about the exceptional customer care offered by IFB Solutions through the Community Low Vision Centers. Here’s how we can help:

• A Low Vision Specialist is available to meet your unique low vision needs.
• One-on-one training is provided to ensure you are equipped to properly use adaptive devices and equipment of your choice.
• Experienced Associates who are visually impaired offer firsthand insights and are ready to answer your questions.

Experience Visual Impairment Through Virtual Reality

The virtual reality (VR) app, See What I See, provides a firsthand look at what it’s like to live with vision loss from common eye diseases. Preview and download the app to explore more: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/see-what-i-see-virtual-reality-eye-disease-experience.

Take this opportunity to learn, share, and support low vision awareness Month!

 

Welcome to the Team!

We’re excited to welcome our newest team members to IFB Solutions! Please join us in extending a warm welcome as they begin their journey with us.

Maximus/Workforce Services (Supervised by Shannon Satterfield)

• Vecheryl Adams-Bennett
• Jeffery Melancon
• Domonique Whiting
• Renako Harper
• Taylor Perez
• Nikolas Koetting
• Curtis Perry
• Claudia Rubio
• Steven Salas

BSC (Supervised by Kelly Nutter)

• Kimberley Marie

We’re thrilled to have you on board and look forward to the great work we’ll accomplish together!

 

IFB Beat Employee Spotlight: Featuring Howard Johnson

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight! Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Howard Johnson (IWOL department).

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Jamaica and moved to the U.S. in 1993. I’ve lived in several places, including New York, Florida, and Arkansas, before returning to New York. I really enjoyed my time in Florida.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for nearly 10 years. At the time, I was looking for a job and found a great fit with IFB, especially since I am legally blind. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work here.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents?
A: I’m a big music lover and enjoy all types of music. My favorite instruments are the guitar, saxophone, and piano.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I love spending time at the beach, traveling, and dancing to my favorite music. I’m also a people person who enjoys meeting new people and making connections.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food?
A: I’m a big fan of seafood, especially shrimp. I also enjoy a good variety of veggies and meals that combine both.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I like that my job keeps me busy and active throughout the day. Operating different machines and staying on the move makes each day interesting.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: “Don’t let anything hold you back. If negativity comes your way, take it and turn it into positivity.”

Special thanks to Morgan Dugan, IFB’s Employee Relations Specialist, for supporting these highlights.

Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

IFB Programs Updates:

S.E.E Winter Day Camp

S.E.E. Winter Day Camp built houses for the 3 little pigs out of straw, sticks, and Lego bricks. Then they had to blow and blow on them to see if the big bad wolf could blow them down. Lucky for these pigs, the houses held up to the strong winter blasts. The campers had fun working together using their engineering skills and some imagination.

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

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

20% Off Sale – Extended Through January!

The Community Low Vision Center at both locations has, by popular demand, extended the 20% OFF everything in stock sale, through the month of January! If you need something, now is the time to get it!

 

CLVC Item of the Week:

Microwave with Rotary Dial

Price:  $89.95

This simple 700 watt microwave oven is perfect for a person with low vision, with 2 simple dials for power level and cooking time.  It has 6 power levels, a 30 minute timer, speed defrost and push button door release. Measures 10.75″ H x 17.75″ W x 12.75″ D and can hold a 10″ plate.

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

 

From Our Community

Recognizing Disability Advocacy: A Powerful PBS Playlist

Submitted by Winter Robinson

This incredible playlist created by PBS, highlights the stories of Black disabled individuals and Indigenous people, shedding light on their lives, struggles, and contributions. Each video in this playlist includes audio description and ASL, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience. One of the audio-described videos in the playlist caught my attention—it featured the story of Thomas Wiggins, a blind, enslaved piano player. It made me realize how valuable this playlist could be for others at IFB Solutions, especially those of us who are blind or visually impaired.

This remarkable miniseries features stories of disability activists and celebrates their courage and achievements. Hosted by award-winning musician and disability rights advocate Lachi, the series showcases the lives and cultural contributions of lesser-known historical figures with disabilities.

Not only is it informative, but it also serves as a powerful tool for disability advocacy. I encourage everyone to explore this playlist and learn from these inspiring stories: PBS Playlist on YouTube.

 

HR & Opportunities

Reminder: Update your Personal Information!

Stay connected and keep it current! 🎉 Take a moment to verify your personal address and phone number in Paycom—it’s quick and easy!

Prefer a different way? You can also share your updated contact information with your supervisor, who will forward it to Tammy Powers to make the changes for you.

Paycom – Personal Information Changes

Log into Paycom

Navigate to Information

Select Address and Contact Information

Make changes.

Select Update

 

Reminder: Wellness Benefits and Tips for 2025-2026 Benefit Plan Year

For more information, reach out to Tammy Whitmire-Powers at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5644. 

Our Wellness Program will continue, giving you the chance to enjoy discounted medical premiums for the 2025-2026 benefit plan year. Here is how to qualify:

• Step 1: Complete a routine physical with labs.
• Step 2: Schedule and attend a preventative dental cleaning.
• Step 3: Submit an itemized receipt, confirmation letter, or Proof of Physical form to Tammy Powers’ office, or email them to twhitmire-powers@ifbsolution.org.  Deadline to submit is May 31, 2025.

What’s in it for you and your covered spouse:

• Save on medical premiums—keep more money in your pocket!
• Build a strong relationship with your primary care physician.
• Catch potential health issues early and stay ahead with proactive treatments.
• Enjoy no out-of-pocket costs for your physical and labs—preventive care is covered at 100%.

Don’t wait—Your health and savings are worth it!

 

New Job Announcements

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

Utility Person – Textiles – Winston-Salem Facility

Education and Work Experience

• Two years’ sewing experience is required.
• Working knowledge of computers is required.

External Candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=118828&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=118829&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Production Supervisor – Winston-Salem Facility

Education and Work Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A minimum of three years’ production supervisory experience is required.
• Knowledge in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma is preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=118883&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=118884&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

Pricing and Data Analyst – Winston-Salem Facility

Education and Work Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in economics, statistics, data analytics, business, or a related field is required.
• 2-4 years’ experience in pricing analysis, data analytics, or a similar role, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization is required.
• Familiarity with D365 or similar ERP system is preferred.
• An advanced degree or certification in data analysis or a related field is preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=118697&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=118698&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/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

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929