The IFB Beat 2-9 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Welcome to this week’s IFB Beat. February is Low Vision Awareness Month, a time to recognize the millions of people living with visual impairments and the power of vision rehabilitation to support independence and quality of life. We’re proud to celebrate our final 2026 award winner, Gladymar Aponte Quintana, whose leadership and compassion exemplify IFB’s mission. This issue includes a warm welcome to our newest team member, Lance Fenter as Vice President of Government & Base Supply Operations, important health and benefits updates, employee celebrations, training milestones and community news. Thank you for all you do each day to move our mission forward and support one another across IFB.

Quote of the week:

“Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you’re willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it.” — Lou Holtz

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
– 2026 Award Winner: Gladymar Aponte Quintana
– Welcome New Hire
– Electronic Copies of 2025 Tax Donation Receipts Available
– Annual Mammogram Clinic, New Date
– Valentine’s Day Rose Surprise
– Congratulations JAWS Training Graduates
– Low Vision 50% Off Sale
– Appointments Available, Schedule a Low Vision Exam
– iPhone Training
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– WSTA (Trans-Aid) Update: The UMO Mobility App is Now Live
– National Federation for the Blind Valentine’s Day Raffle
– American Foundation for the Blind Scholars Program

HR & Opportunities

– IFB Retirement 401(k) Account
– Zizzl Health Medical Benefits
– Medicare Reimbursements
– Job Opportunities

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

 

February is Low Vision Awareness Month

According to the National Eye Institute, millions of people in the United States are living with visual impairments. 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.

This Low Vision Awareness Month, sense what life is like with a visual impairment using the National Eye Institute See What I See app. The app also features four quizzes about age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. To download the app on the Apple Store or Google Play, visit nei.nih.gov/about/education-and-outreach/see-what-i-see-virtual-reality-eye-disease-experience

 

2026 Award Winner: Gladymar Aponte Quintana

This week we feature our last 2026 award winner. Read about Gladymar Aponte Quintana, the 2026 recipient of the Delmer Wall Outstanding Service Award.

Each year, we nominate employees who demonstrate excellence in their jobs and live out IFB’s core values of Commitment to Excellence, Creative Solutions, Business with a Heart, Mission Possible and Ethical to the Core. These employees represent the great work being done to grow IFB’s mission of creating employment, training and services for people who are blind.

This distinguished award is named in honor of Delmer Wall, who served as president of IFB Solutions from 1987 to 1996. A sighted leader with a deep passion for helping those who are blind, Mr. Wall guided IFB through challenging times and left a legacy of resilience and compassion. The award recognizes a sighted employee who embodies that same spirit—going above and beyond their role to make a lasting impact on the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired.

Gladymar is a shining example of this legacy. As one of the original team members in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment, wisdom and leadership over the past four years. In her role as Employee Labor Relations Specialist, Gladymar manages a wide range of responsibilities including recruitment, onboarding, disciplinary actions, payroll approvals, benefits enrollment and vendor processing. Her knowledge and dedication ensure that HR functions operate seamlessly, directly supporting both employees and production teams.

Beyond her technical expertise, what truly sets Gladymar apart is her empathy, fairness and leadership with heart. She listens intently, treats everyone with respect and leads with compassion—qualities that have earned her admiration from colleagues and strengthened our mission in Puerto Rico. During times of transition, Gladymar has been a steady and inspiring presence, keeping our mission and core values at the forefront of her work.

Reflecting on her time at IFB, Gladymar shares: “The best experience that can be applied to every aspect of my life has been working with IFB Solutions.”

Gladymar holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in human resources and a master’s degree in management of technology. Outside of work, she is a proud mother of two sons, enjoys swimming and treasures time spent with family and loved ones.

We are honored to recognize Gladymar Aponte Quintana as the 2026 Delmer Wall Outstanding Service Award recipient. She exemplifies the best of IFB’s mission—combining professionalism with compassion and leadership with service.

 

Welcome New Hire

We are pleased to welcome Lance Fenter as Vice President of Government & Base Supply Operations, starting Feb. 9. He will report to Ken Edwards, Chief Operating Officer. Lance brings more than 20 years of experience in federal and state government business development, AbilityOne program execution and Base Supply Center operations, with deep expertise across DoD, VA, DHS, BOP, state use programs and military markets. In this role, Lance will provide executive leadership over IFB’s 13 AbilityOne Base Supply Centers, overseeing operations, compliance and revenue growth while expanding MORD, TLS, MILSTRIP and other federal funding streams. He will also lead identification of new base supply center locations and Product Line (PL) assignments, expand textiles and manufacturing sales and support service contract growth that creates employment for people who are blind or visually impaired. Lance’s background includes senior leadership roles at Concordance Healthcare Solutions, LCI and multiple AbilityOne nonprofits, where he consistently exceeded revenue targets, led government sales teams and built trusted relationships with federal agencies and military installations nationwide.

 

Electronic Copies of 2025 Tax Donation Receipts Available

If you would like to receive an electronic copy of your 2025 tax donation receipt, please contact Naomi Venable at nvenable@ifbsolutions.org, and she will be happy to send it to you promptly. Printed copies will also be available and mailed to donors. Thank you for your continued support. We truly appreciate it.

 

Annual Mammogram Clinic, New Date

The annual mammogram clinic sponsored by Novant Health Breast Center at the Winston-Salem and Clemmons locations has been rescheduled for March 25.

Were you already scheduled? Your appointment will remain the same! Need an appointment? There are five appointment slots available. Book your appointment now. How to schedule:

Manufacturing employees: Let your supervisor know you would like an appointment. They will submit a ticket for you.
Administrative & salaried employees: Complete the mobile mammogram sign-up form here and email it to Morgan Dugan at mdugan@ifbsolutions.org.

Take a moment for your health—sign up today and make your wellness a priority!

 

Valentine’s Day Rose Surprise

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and we’re spreading love around IFB! Employees at the Winston-Salem facility are invited to purchase a long-stem red rose for $4 to be delivered as a surprise to a secret admirer, friend, coworker or valentine.

How it works:

• Roses are $4 each (no limit on how many you can purchase!)
• You may choose to include your name or send it anonymously
• Roses will be hand-delivered randomly throughout the day on Thursday, Feb. 12

To sign up, please submit a ticket to your supervisor to meet with Morgan to complete payment and the sign-up process. Important: The deadline to sign up is Monday, Feb. 9. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Let’s make this Valentine’s Day a little brighter for someone!

 

Congratulations JAWS Training Graduates

Congratulations to six participants in our Cohort 2 JAWS training for Workforce Development class as they successfully completed JAWS training on Jan. 29 and 30. Shirin Aghaee, Tylaher Dailey, Caleb Church, Heather Foster, David Denne and Felipe Rodriguez Vaalezques are now eligible for employment in our Workforce Services positions where they can put their JAWS skills into practice. Best wishes to all of them as they use their JAWS skills for work, leisure and independent living.

 

Low Vision 50% Off Sale

Don’t miss this special sale on household items and daily living aids—all marked 50% off for a limited time. Stop by and take advantage of these great savings while supplies last!

📍 Winston-Salem — TADS Room, Feb. 9–12

 

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

 

iPhone Training

Want to learn more about using your iPhone? Let your supervisor know that you are interested in attending the iPhone training class and they will put in a ticket to Morgan Dugan to get the process started. Bring your iPhone to each session to practice using this device with voice over and Siri. Change the iPhone from an expensive paper weight to an important independent living tool through training with Kim Shoffner and Mike Mote. Let the iPhone be a help and not a frustration.

 

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

WSTA (Trans-Aid) Update: The UMO Mobility App is Now Live

Submitted by Winston-Salem Transit Authority

The wait is over! WSTA is transitioning to a cashless system, and the UMO Mobility app is now available, eliminating the need for paper bus passes. Please review the key details below. For additional details, visit the WSTA website: https://www.wstransit.com/umo.

• Current bus passes remain valid through late summer/early fall.
• You may download the UMO Mobility app on any compatible smartphone from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  • QR codes for easy download are available in the canteen and on the employee information board.
• No smartphone? No problem. Reloadable transit cards will be available once released.
  • Cards can be purchased at the Clark Campbell Transportation Center and at participating retailers throughout the city.
  • Please note: Cards will not be sold at IFB.
  • To protect your balance, WSTA recommends linking your card to an email address or phone number.
• You may use either the mobile app or a reloadable card, not both.
• WSTA representatives will be onsite in mid-March to host an information session and assist employees with account setup.

 

National Federation for the Blind Valentine’s Day Raffle

Submitted by NFB President Angela Hanes

The NFB Winston-Salem chapter will be raffling a couples Valentine’s basket valued at $175. Tickets are $5. The drawing will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14. The winner will be contacted and the basket will be delivered.

If interested in purchasing a ticket, contact NFB president Angela Hanes in the ACS department, Winter Robinson in the markers department or Tracy Ghoul in the FHS department. All proceeds will support educational and social opportunities for people who are blind.

 

American Foundation for the Blind Scholars Program

Submitted by American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)

Investing in today’s scholars to transform tomorrow’s world. Apply for the 2026-2027 academic year.

AFB is excited to present our AFB Scholars Program, a bold investment in the next generation of blind leaders! Through the generosity of the Lulu J. Alonso Scholarship Fund, this program empowers blind students to pursue their education and serve as change agents in creating a more equal and inclusive world.

Scholarship Pathways

• Science & Technology Scholarship: Supporting inclusive technology innovations.
  • For undergraduate students who are pursuing studies in STEM fields, such as computer science, engineering, biology, mathematics, or information technology.
• Research Scholarship: Advancing knowledge through inquiry and evidence.
  • For graduate students (undergraduates considered) who are conducting research during the academic year under the supervision of a university advisor.
• Aging & Vision Loss Scholarship: Empowering professionals to serve older adults with vision loss.
  • For students pursuing a degree in Gerontology OR a degree in Public Health, Vision Rehabilitation, Social Work, or Psychology along with a certificate in Gerontology.

Scholar Expectations

AFB’s goal is to cultivate future blind leaders. During the academic year, AFB scholars will be required to:

• Be enrolled or accepted in a full-time post-secondary program
• Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Participating in mentorship activities with AFB leaders
• Participate in one approved annual conference with staff
• Submit an end-of-year narrative reflecting on academic and professional growth

Award Levels

The Lulu J. Alonso Scholarship Fund provides three financial tiers to support postsecondary education for blind students: renewable annually.

• Community College — $8,000
• Undergraduate — $20,000
• Graduate — $28,000

Mark Your Calendar

• Applications opened: Tuesday, Jan. 6
• Application deadline: Tuesday, Feb. 17
• Interviews scheduled and conducted: April
• Selected winners notified: late May

Questions about the application process? You can reach out to us at inclusivefuture@afb.org or send us a message online.

 

HR & Opportunities

IFB Retirement 401(k) Account

Now is a good time to enroll in your 401(k) account—whether you are enrolling for the first time or making updates to your existing elections.

Ways to access your account:
1. Contact the Ascensus call center for personalized assistance at 855-593-7279. Their hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. They can help if you have never logged into your account, need assistance choosing a deferral percentage, forgot your username or password or have questions about or want to change your investments
2. Access your account online by visiting 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 using the READYSAVE mobile app. Download the app to:

• Log in securely using Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode
• Use the same credentials as the website
• Access financial insights and My Forecast, a tool that estimates your retirement income

Take advantage of these tools and resources to make the most of your 401(k). If you’ve been waiting for the right time to start—or to make changes—now is the time by phone or online!

For more information refer to the helpful documents below:

IFB Solutions 401(k) Plan Highlights

Anytime Access Online & READYSAVE App

Ascensus READYSAVE Flyer

Change Your Investments

If you have questions, please contact Tammy Whitmire-Powers at 336 245-5644 or twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

403(b) Rollover Instructions
Call the institution that currently manages your 403(b) for rollover instructions: Invesco at 800-959-4246 or Voya at 800-584-6001

401(k) Rollover Instructions
Complete the First Citizens Wealth rollover acceptance form. Instructions are included with the form. Send the completed rollover form and check by regular mail or overnight mail. Mailing addresses are included on the form.

 

Zizzl Health Medical Benefits

Have questions? Contact Zizzl Health at support@zizzlhealth.com or (414) 800-2278. Visit this link for answers to common questions.

 

Medicare Reimbursements

• Enroll in Medicare or Medicare Supplemental Plan(s) and pay your first premium payment.
• Employee pays for service/premium.
• Employee completes off-platform form at: Non-Zizzl health (Off-Platform) Enrollment Notification
• Allow five business days for the form to be processed and your Non-Zizzl Health (Off-Platform) account to be created in Zizzl.
• Log into Off-Platform account in Zizzl: Welcome – Winston Salem Industries for the Blind Inc.
• Upload receipt. This step MUST be completed each month. Please note: Medicare claims will require receipt of your Medicare premium payment.
• Add
• Claim is reviewed for approval and employee is reimbursed via direct deposit.

How to Get Medicare Verification for Reimbursement

1. Log in to your Social Security (SSA) online account.
2. Select Benefit Verification Letter
3. Download or print the letter
4. The letter will automatically show the current date and your monthly Medicare deduction amount.
5. Submit the letter for reimbursement

Note: As long as you are eligible for Medicare, the Benefit Verification Letter updates automatically each time it is accessed.

 

Job Opportunities

Customer Service Representative, CSC

Education and Work Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Two years customer service experience is preferred.
• If applicable, demonstrated proficiency in the use of assistive technology is required with either JAWS and/or ZOOM text for visual adaptation.
• Being bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/200894
Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/200895?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

In Line Inspector, Asheville

Education and Work Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 1–3 years previous inspection experience preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/201129
Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/201130?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

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