The IFB Beat 3-17 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! May the luck of the holiday stay with you all week!

In this week’s edition of The Beat, we celebrate IFB Puerto Rico’s Employee of the Year, William Fractichelly, and welcome our newest team members. Don’t miss the final call to apply for Camp Hanes 2025 and get the latest update from the Winston-Salem Canteen. Plus, check out our Employee Spotlight featuring Mildred Mercado!

Quote of the week:

“Accountability breeds response-ability” – Stephen R. Covey

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

– 2025 Award Winners: Meet William Fractichelly
– Welcome to our Newest Team Members!
– Winston-Salem Facility Canteen Update
– Reminder: Blackboard Communication System Update
– Employee Spotlight: Mildred Mercado
– Reminder: Winston-Salem Facility YMCA Camp Hanes Opportunity
– Programs Update: Veteran’s Support Group
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– 2025 Adaptive Recreation and Active Living Expo

HR and Opportunities

– Reminder: 1095-C Tax Forms Now Available
– Reminder: Discounted Medical Premiums for ’25-’26
– New Job Announcements

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

2025 Award Winners: Meet William Fractichelly

William Fractichelly headshot

In the next few editions of The IFB Beat, we will be highlighting our 2025 Award Winners! This issue features: William Fractichelly – Puerto Rico Employee of the Year.

Each year, we nominate employees who demonstrate excellence in their jobs and live out IFB Solutions’ 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.

William Fractichelly has been an outstanding member of the IFB Solutions-Puerto Rico team for three years. Blind due to detached retina of both eyes, William’s unwavering positivity and proactive nature set him apart. He consistently takes the initiative, identifying where he can contribute without needing direction.

Operating 1-needle machines with precision and efficiency, William embodies reliability and dedication. He never hesitates to step up when needed and even gets restless when his tasks are complete, driven by a strong desire to remain productive.

William’s commitment extends beyond his responsibilities. He eagerly supports his teammates and trainers, often sharing his knowledge to help coworkers succeed in various roles and operations. When colleagues are absent, William ensures production continues smoothly by taking on the additional workload.

Outside of work, William enjoys spending time with his baby, family and friends.

We are thrilled to recognize William Fractichelly as the 2025 Employee of the Year for IFB Solutions-Puerto Rico. His hard work and remarkable attitude inspire us all.

Welcome to our newest team members!

We are excited to introduce our newest team members who have recently joined us across various locations:

  • Jeffery Odom as a Maintenance Mechanic – Asheville, under the supervision of Alina Ravelo
  • Tatyana Vladimirovna Mokritskaya as a Sewing Machine Operator– Asheville, under the supervision of Becky Branch
  • Herbin Leiva as a Mattress Closer – Clemmons, under the supervision of Bill Dennis
  • Brandon Buie as a Mattress Closer – Clemmons, under the supervision of Bill Dennis
  • Annalyn Wiens as a Sewing Machine Operator – Winston-Salem, under the supervision of William Lindsay
  •  Katie Hall Nicolas as a Workforce Services Business Development Manager – Winston-Salem, under the supervision of Seth Anderson

Please join us in welcoming them to the team, and we look forward to their contributions and success!

 

Winston-Salem Canteen Courtesy: Help us keep things running smoothly!

We appreciate everyone’s help in maintaining an organized and efficient canteen experience. Please keep these guidelines in mind:

  • Keep Doorways Clear: Avoid blocking entrances and exits to ensure a smooth flow.
  • Keep the Line Moving: Be mindful of time so everyone gets served quickly.
  • Use the Correct Doors: Enter through the designated entry and exit through the correct doors for safety and efficiency.

Your cooperation ensures a positive experience for all employees. If you have any questions, please contact Claudia, our Canteen Attendant.

Thank you for your attention and support!

 

Reminder: Blackboard Communication System Update

To ensure you receive emergency and outreach communications, please provide your cell phone number to your supervisor. They will provide it to HR to be entered into our Blackboard employee communications system.

If you previously opted out of Blackboard messages—whether by accident or intentionally—you can now opt back in. How to opt back in:

  • For emergency notifications (e.g., weather updates): Text “START 1190341” to 23177.
  • For outreach notifications (e.g., The Beat): Text “START 1190341” to 53291.
  • For phone notifications: Call the Outreach Opt-Out/In Hotline at 855-502-7867 from the number you used to opt out. Follow the automated prompts to opt back in.

Stay informed—make sure you’re signed up!

 

Employee Spotlight: Featuring Mildred Mercado, PR Facility

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight! Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Mildred Mercado at the Puerto Rico facility.

Mildred Mercado headshot

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: San German, Puerto Rico.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB Solutions PR for one year. As a legally blind person, the opportunity to work for a company that provides employment to people like me is what brought me here.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I’m a very active person and enjoy walking to stay healthy.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Pasta—I really love eating pasta!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I feel happy every day because I was given a job opportunity. I also really like my work environment and my co-workers. I truly enjoy my time here.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: In Puerto Rico, I always say for every situation, “Esta apretao.” It means that even if a situation is difficult, I’m going to work through it.

Special thanks to Gladymar Aponte Quintana, IFB Puerto Rico Human Resources Representative/ Recruiter, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

Reminder: Winston-Salem Facility YMCA Camp Hanes Opportunity

Kid goes down waterslide at camp hanes

A generous donor to IFB Solutions is again fully sponsoring kids of our employees in the Winston-Salem community to attend one week of the traditional residential camp at the YMCA Camp Hanes (camphanes.org) this summer! The Camp is located 400 acres at the base of the Sauratown Mountain in King just 30 minutes north of Winston-Salem. From archery to hiking, alpine wall to zip-lining, swimming to kayaking, your kids are sure to learn new skills and make lifelong friends in a safe environment.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Campers must be 6 years of age or be attending the 1st grade in the fall of 2025, all the way up to age 15 AND
  • Children or grandchildren of full or part-time IFB employees who are past their first 90 days of service OR
  • Children or grandchildren of IFB Solutions contract employees who have been working for IFB through one of our contract labor partners for at least 12 months.

Please note: IFB Solutions is only facilitating the sponsorships; if you have specific questions about the camp, call them directly at 336-983-3131. IFB Solutions cannot provide transportation to and from the camp.

To Apply:

  1. Fill out the Camp Hanes IFB registration form (here) to be considered for the IFB scholarship.
  2. Apply online and save your completed application as a PDF. Online applications can be completed at this link: https://camphanes.campbrainregistration.com/. Simply select the week your child or grandchild wishes to attend.
  3. Write a one-page essay by you as a parent or grandparent about why you would like your child or grandchild to join the camp this summer.
  4. Provide a statement or short essay by your child or grandchild about why they would like to attend.
  5. Submit  the IFB registration form and all essays to Brent Burkholder by 5:00 PM on Thursday, March 20 via email at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org

Selection and Notice:

  • Selection will be made on a first-come-first-served basis from applicants who provide complete information and documents.
  • All selected campers are asked to be ready to write a donor thank you card (to be provided by IFB) about the camp experience at the end of summer.

For Questions and Support:

 

IFB Programs Update: Veteran’s Support Group

The Veterans support group is reconnecting and getting involved!

A group of veterans pose at IFB's Winston-Salem Facility

The IFB Solutions veterans in Winston-Salem and Clemmons are reconnecting with Operation North State to support fellow veterans across North Carolina. They are also looking forward to a fishing tournament in May, providing an opportunity for camaraderie and fellowship. Plans are underway to purchase Wounded Warrior red T-shirts to show their support. President Rick Gaefe encourages all IFB veterans to participate and attend the meetings.

 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

  • Tuesday, March 18 Veterans support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room
  • Thursday, March 20 On the Spectrum support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Bold Line Paper in Neon Yellow

Bold Line Paper in Neon Yellow for $7.95

Boldest lines and largest writing spaces available! Writing on standard lined paper can be extremely difficult. It’s hard to see the thin lines (usually in light blue ink).

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

 

From Our Community

2025 Adaptive Recreation and Active Living Expo

Submitted by Solutions for Independence

Join us on Saturday March 29, 10:00- 2:00 at JDL Fast Track in Winston Salem

Come try out all of your favorite adaptive recreation and sports with our awesome vendors, including adaptive cycling, tennis, archery, gaming, and more!

Vendors will also be on-site so you can check out their resources and programs, and ask questions!

All ages and ABILITIES are welcome!

Register to attend Here:  Attend Expo

Register to Volunteer Here: Volunteer for Expo

 

HR & Opportunities

Reminder: 1095-C Tax Forms Now Available

The 1095-C forms are now available electronically in Paycom under the Payroll section. Follow the steps below to access your form:

  1. Log into Paycom.
  2. Select Year-End Tax Forms under Payroll.
  3. Click on the 1095 tab.
  4. Set the reporting year 2024.
  5. Click the Download link directly under View.
  6. Click on the document when it pops up under Downloads

If you need a hard copy, please ask your supervisor to submit a ticket to Tammy Powers. A printed copy will be provided within 24 hours.

Alternatively, you can request an emailed copy by contacting twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

Reminder: Give yourself the chance to enjoy discounted medical premiums for the 2025-2026 benefit plan year.

Give yourself the chance to enjoy discounted medical premiums for the 2025-2026 benefit plan year.

  • Step 1: Complete a routine physical with labs.
  • Step 2: Schedule and attend a preventative dental cleaning.
  • Step 3: Don’t wait to submit a Proof of Physical form, itemized receipt, or confirmation letter—along with proof of a dental cleaning—to Tammy Powers’ office or via email at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolution.org. The submission deadline is May 31, 2025
  • Don’t wait – Your health and savings are worth it!

Links to Wellness Forms:

Wellness Routine Preventive Care Form

Dental Routine Preventive Care

 

New Job Announcements

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

BSC Vending Stock Clerk – Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL

Education and work experience:

  • High School graduate or equivalent GED.
  • Inventory/stockroom experience preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=125904&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=125905&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

BSC Customer Care Coordinator – MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL

Education and work experience:

  • Must have high school diploma or GED.
  • Knowledge/experience in handling placement/fulfillment orders, quotes, inventory/inventory systems, and POS systems required.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=126166&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=126167&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Shipping Packer – Asheville Facility, Asheville, NC

Education and Work Experience

  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • On-the-job-training will be provided.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=126207&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=126208&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