The IFB Beat 3-2 Edition

A Message from the Editor

As we continue the great work at IFB Solutions, I’m reminded how much momentum is created by the people behind the mission. Each new hire, evolving role and shared story adds to the heartbeat of our organization, and that’s exactly what the IFB Beat is all about.

First, please join me in welcoming Breanna Wynn and Brandy Schreiner, who joined our Workforce Services division. We are thrilled to have them onboard and look forward to the impact they will make.

We’re also excited to announce that Grant Weathers has stepped into a newly realigned role as Donor Engagement Manager. Grant’s leadership and heart for service continue to strengthen our organization.

Storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways we connect our mission to our community. Our Spring 2026 IFB Impact Newsletter is now available, featuring Marvin Pearson’s inspiring journey of perseverance. If you haven’t yet subscribed, I encourage you to sign up and invite others to do the same.

This week’s Employee Spotlight features Jessica Hannah from our Asheville facility. Jessica’s five-year journey with IFB highlights the importance of connection and community.

As always, thank you to everyone who contributes to the IFB Beat, from HR updates to retirement tips to employee features. Staying informed empowers each of us to stay connected, engaged and inspired.

Like riddles? Well, the Beat has one for you this week: What is seen in the middle of March and April that can’t be seen at the beginning or end of either month? Stroll the Beat to find the answer.

Quote of the week:

“You are who you are meant to be. Dance as if no one’s watching. Love as if it’s all you know. Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today!” — James Dean

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

– Welcome New Hires
– Sign Up to Receive the IFB Impact Newsletter
– Grant Weathers’ New Role
– Employee Spotlight, Featuring Jessica Hannah, Asheville Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups
– The Beat Riddle

From Our Community

– Queen’s Corner Women’s Group: Everyone is Welcome!
– HEART & Vision: A Peer Vision Loss Group

HR & Opportunities

– IFB Retirement 401(k) Account
– Max Out Your 401(k): How to Calculate Contributions
– 403(b) Rollovers
– Zizzl Monthly Reimbursements
– Job Opportunities

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

 

Welcome New Hires

Please join us in warmly welcoming the newest team members to the Workforce Services division: Breanna Wynn and Brandy Schreiner.

Breanna and Brandy officially joined the Workforce Services team on Feb. 23, and we are excited to have them onboard. Please take a moment to introduce yourself, share a warm welcome and support them as they get settled into their new roles. Welcome, Breanna and Brandy!

 

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

 

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!

 

Employee Spotlight, Featuring Jessica Hannah, Asheville Facility

Headshot of Jessica Hannah

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight. Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Jessica Hannah.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Asheville, NC

Q: How long have you been at IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: This December will mark my 5th anniversary at IFB. I first heard about the opportunity from Richard, our maintenance supervisor. He mentioned to my mom that IFB was hiring, so I applied—and the rest is history!

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I’m a proud (and slightly crazy!) cat lady.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I love watching documentaries on a variety of topics, especially true crime stories.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: It’s a tie between Mexican and Italian food—I can’t choose just one!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I love the people here. I really enjoy getting to know my coworkers and learning more about and understanding blind culture.

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: “It’s not about the journey; it’s the trip to get there.”

Special thanks to Administrative Assistant, Denise Drake, 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.

 

The Beat Riddle

You’ve found the answer!

Question: What is seen in the middle of March and April that can’t be seen at the beginning or end of either month?
Answer: The letter “R”

 

 

From Our Community

Source: The Wise Eye

Queen’s Corner Women’s Group: Everyone is Welcome!

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.

 

Max Out Your 401(k): How to Calculate Contributions

2026 401(k) Contribution Example

Employees under 50:

  • IRS 401(k) limit: $24,500
  • Year-to-date contributions: $10,000
  • Remaining contribution: $14,500
  • Pay periods remaining: 10
  • Contribution per pay period needed: $1,450

For employees age 50 or older (catch-up contributions):

  • 2026 catch-up limit: $7,500
  • Total possible contribution: $24,500 + $7,500 = $32,000
  • Using the same year-to-date contributions of $10,000 over 10 remaining pay periods:
    • Remaining contribution: $32,000 − $10,000 = $22,000
    • Contribution per pay period needed: $22,000 ÷ 10 = $2,200

Contribute wisely each pay period to stay on track with your retirement savings goals and reach your full 401(k) potential—whether you’re under 50 or taking advantage of catch-up contributions!

 

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