The IFB Beat 3-3 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Greetings, everyone!

This edition is packed with exciting news and celebrations! We’re shining a spotlight on our 2025 Award Winners, honoring our Employees of the Month, and featuring an inspiring Employee Spotlight. You’ll also find important updates on office changes, helpful weather safety tips, and details on how to apply for Camp Hanes. Plus, the Programs department is now offering Independent Living Classes, and there’s still time to grab a ticket for the National Federation of the Blind’s “Lucky Me” basket raffle—don’t miss your chance to support a great cause!

Quote of the week:

“When you point the finger, you miss the point.” ~ Bruce D Schneider

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 Skyler Mejia
– Winston-Salem Facility Employee of the Month Winners
– Asheville and Winston-Salem Facilities: Statewide Tornado Drill
– Employee Spotlight: Umesh Mangar
– Winston-Salem Facility YMCA Camp Hanes Opportunity
– Programs Update: Independent Living Skills for Adults
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Support NFB: Lucky Me Basket Raffle

HR and Opportunities

– Now Available: 1095-C Tax Forms
– 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 Skyler Mejia

In the next few editions of The IFB Beat, we will be highlighting our 2025 Award Winners! This issue features: Skyler Mejia – Overall 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.

Skyler Mejia has been a dedicated member of the IFB family for nine years, fully embracing the opportunities IFB provides. He actively participates in programs like Business Essentials and leadership training, consistently working to improve himself and prepare for future growth.

Skyler’s positive personality and strong leadership skills make him an asset wherever he is. He exemplifies the phrase “bloom where you are planted,” contributing significantly to the success of the stapler assembly line in Winston-Salem. Previously, he was a valued teammate in both the T-shirt and staple departments, always demonstrating teamwork and a willingness to support others.

Known for his ever-present smile and readiness to lend a hand, Skyler embodies the spirit of collaboration and dedication. When he’s not at work, Skyler enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling and watching sports with his kids.

We are thrilled to recognize Skyler Mejia as the 2025 IFB Solutions Overall Employee of the Year, honoring his hard work, positive attitude, and contributions to our success.

 

Winston-Salem Facility Employee of the Month Winners

Congratulations to our Employees of the Month for November, December, and January at the Winston-Salem Facility!

November Runner Up – Robert Guerard

Robert works in the Rags and Wipes department, and exhibits the core value of Mission Possible, tackling every challenge with determination.

November Winner – Elvin Clement

Elvin works in the ACH Pads department and exhibits the core value of Mission Possible, always striving to deliver the best in every task.

December Runner Up – John Huitt

John works in the EWOL department and exhibits the core value of Commitment to Excellence, always striving to improve and deliver high-quality results.

December Winner – Tonya Johnson

Tonya works in the FHS department and embodies the core value of Ethical to the Core, consistently demonstrating integrity in all aspects of her work.

January Runner Up – Barbara Weavil

Barbara works in the Shipping department and exhibits the core value of Mission Possible, always taking on challenges with a positive, can-do attitude and a focus on solutions.

January Winner – Ron Richardson

Ron works in the T-shirt department and exemplifies the core value of Ethical to the Core, consistently demonstrating integrity and accountability in every aspect of his work.

 

Asheville and Winston-Salem Facilities: Statewide Tornado Drill, Part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week (NC)

March 2nd – 8th, is NC Severe Weather Preparedness Week. On Wednesday, March 5th at 9:30am our NC locations will participate in a statewide tornado drill. Please get with your supervisor, PA, lead, safety team member, or safety director for assistance with your shelter-in-place location. This link will take you to the National Weather Service page where you can find more information on severe weather safety for your specific area: https://www.weather.gov/rah/severeprep#:~:text=Severe%20Weather%20Preparedness%20Week&text=The%202025%20Statewide%20Tornado%20Drill,March%202%2D8%2C%202025.

An essential step for your safety and the safety of your family is being prepared. This link will take you to the Ready.gov site where you can find information on the types of disasters that could affect your area and how to put together a plan: https://www.ready.gov/plan

 

IFB Beat Employee Spotlight: Featuring Umesh Mangar

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

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Nepal and moved to the U.S. in 2008. I’ve been here ever since and have made this my home.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I joined IFB in October 2024. Before coming here, I became familiar with the organization through my previous experience in Greensboro. The opportunity to be part of a great team at IFB was something I was excited about.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: A fun fact about me is that I’ve been told I have a good sense of humor! I enjoy making people laugh.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: Outside of work, I love playing soccer and traveling. I’m passionate about exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: My all-time favorite meal is chicken curry.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: What I enjoy most about working at IFB is the opportunity to meet and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. I also love trying different types of food that my new friends bring from their cultures.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: One piece of advice I would give is to stay focused and take your time learning what you’re doing. It’s important to stay true to yourself!

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.

 

Winston-Salem Facility YMCA Camp Hanes Opportunity

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:

• If you have any questions, please contact Brent Burkholder at 336-245-5611 or bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org

 

IFB Programs Updates:

The Programs Department is now offering Independent Living Skills training for adults!

February was the beginning of a new training opportunity for employees to practice independent living skills in the schoolhouse on Fridays. Participants learned from the instructors and each other to cook, clean, do laundry, and socialize in a fun and safe experience. Making omelets with a spatula as a cane, sweeping a large area picking up the dirt in a dustpan with a long handle, sorting clothes for loads of laundry, and wiping tables using the grid pattern were just a sampling of skills participants could take away from the month’s training.

March will give the opportunity for a new group of employees to participate in this training. If interested contact Kim Shoffner at kshoffner@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5669.

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Braille 2025 Calendar with Braille Pocket Calendar for $34.95

Nice calendar to hang on the wall; each page shows the raised image of a scene or object. The calendar also includes moon phases at the bottom of each page, and the Braille pocket calendar lists holidays from many traditions.

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

 

From Our Community

Support NFB: Lucky Me Basket Raffle!

Submitted by Angela Hanes, National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Forsyth County Chapter President 

Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with the NFB Lucky Me Basket raffle! Try your luck for just $3 per ticket and enter for a chance to win a festive basket.

• Drawing Date: March 12
• Proceeds Benefit National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Programs
• Get Your Tickets From: Terry Norway or Riki Gray in the ACS Department

Don’t miss out—grab your tickets today and support a great cause! 🍀✨

 

HR & Opportunities

Now Available: 1095-C Tax Forms

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

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