The IFB Beat 4-13 Edition

A Message from the Editor

This week’s IFB Beat highlights exciting momentum across our organization. We are excited to share that the Winston-Salem Expansion Project is underway. We also celebrate Communications Manager Anastasia Powell on being named a 2026 Profiles of Prominence honoree, a recognition of leadership and service. From extended opportunities like the YMCA Camp Hanes scholarship for employees’ families to continued growth through Braille training achievements, our community remains strong and forward-focused. Finally, we’re inspired by this week’s Employee Spotlight, featuring Isabel Canseco, reminding us that talent and dedication drive our mission every day. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Quote of the week:

“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” — Stephen Covey

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

– Winston-Salem Expansion Project Update
– Anastasia Powell, 2026 Profiles of Prominence Award Honoree
– Winston-Salem Facility YMCA Camp Hanes Opportunity, Deadline Extended
– IFB Solutions Training and Services Update
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Isabel Canseco, Asheville Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– Mardi Gras Casino Night for Sight

HR & Opportunities

– IFB Retirement 401(k) Account
– Job Opportunities

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

 

Winston-Salem Expansion Project Update

We’re excited to share that our long-anticipated expansion of the Winston-Salem facility is officially moving forward. Thanks to a grant from the federal government, this vision is now becoming a reality.

If you’ve noticed unfamiliar faces, vehicles or colorful markings across the campus grounds in recent weeks, those are part of Phase 1 of the project. Our civil engineering partner, McAdams, is currently conducting site surveys to prepare for construction.

Over the next few weeks, you’ll continue to see new visitors on campus as we begin the process of selecting a general contractor. Contractor teams, along with their project and architectural partners, will tour the site to prepare their proposals.

We expect to select our general contractor within the next 45 days and then move forward into the construction phase. The full project is estimated to take approximately 15 to 18 months from start to finish.

This expansion represents an exciting opportunity for IFB to grow and create additional employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Stay tuned to the IFB Beat for ongoing updates as the project progresses.

 

Anastasia Powell, 2026 Profiles of Prominence Award Honoree

 

Congratulations to IFB Communications Manager Anastasia Powell for being named a 2026 Profiles of Prominence award honoree. Presented by the Kernersville Chapter of the National Women of Achievement Inc., this award celebrates individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership, community service and commitment to professional development. National Women of Achievement is a service-oriented nonprofit empowering women, youth and seniors nationwide.

“Being named a Profiles of Prominence honoree is deeply meaningful to me,” Powell said. “It reflects not just my journey, but the impact of a community that believes in service, growth and lifting up others.”

 

Winston-Salem Facility YMCA Camp Hanes Opportunity, Deadline Extended

Deadline extended to Wednesday, April 15

A generous donor to IFB Solutions is again fully sponsoring tuition for our employees’ children to attend one week of the camp at YMCA Camp Hanes (camphanes.org) this summer! The camp is located on 400 acres at the base of the Sauratown Mountain in King, just 30 minutes north of Winston-Salem. Camp offerings include archery, hiking, an alpine wall, zip-lining, swimming and 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 first grade in the fall of 2026, 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 sponsorship; 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 (linked 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: 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 Morgan Dugan, Employee Relations Specialist, by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 via email at mdugan@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.

If you have any questions, please contact Morgan Dugan at 336-245-5612 or mdugan@ifbsolutions.org.

 

IFB Solutions Training and Services Update

Two IFB employees have successfully completed Basic Uncontracted Braille training and are now advancing to Basic Contracted Unified English Braille (UEB), an important next step in building literacy and independence.

Uncontracted Braille introduces the alphabet, numbers and punctuation in their full form, creating a strong foundation for reading and writing. Contracted UEB builds on this by incorporating abbreviations and contractions, allowing readers to process information more efficiently, similar to how sighted readers use shorthand and context for speed. These skills are critical for everyday communication.

We congratulate the following employees on their achievement and continued growth:

• Bri Glover, T-shirt Department, Winston-Salem facility (Supervisor: William “JoJo” Lindsey)
• Debbie Adjei, Base Supply Center, Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. (Supervisor: Sean Blanks)

Their dedication to learning Braille strengthens not only their own independence but also advances IFB’s mission to create meaningful employment opportunities and accessible work environments for people who are blind.

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Isabel Canseco, Asheville Facility

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

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Mexico.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been at IFB for 13 years. I came for a new experience and the opportunity to try something different.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I can sew anything!

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy hiking.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: I love spicy food.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I enjoy being able to move around and take on multiple jobs throughout the day.

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: “Treat people how you want to be treated.”

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

Support group meeting for the week: On the Spectrum support group, Thursday, April 16, 12–1 p.m. in TADS Room.

 

From Our Community

Mardi Gras Casino Night for Sight

Submitted by Metrolina Association for the Blind

Join Metrolina Association for the Blind and the Charlotte Area Delta Gamma Alumnae for the 4th annual Mardi Gras Casino Night for Sight!

Saturday, April 18, 7–11 p.m.
Griffith Hall | 3000 S. Tryon Rd | Charlotte (next to Lenny Boy Brewing Co.)

The Mardi Gras Casino Night for Sight is a high-spirited and fun-filled evening that will benefit Metrolina Association for the Blind. There will be live music by the Noel Frieidline & Maria Howell Jazz Band, New Orleans-style food, beads and masks. Chiffon, sequins, tiaras, boas and black tie optional. There will be casino-style games, but no cash prizes will be issued. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the following link: link to Mardi Gras Ball tickets and sponsorship information.

Questions? Contact Stefanie Groot at sgroot@mabnc.org or (704) 372-3870, ext. 103.

 

 

HR & Opportunities

IFB Retirement 401(k) Account

There are three ways to connect with your retirement account in a 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.

 

Job Opportunities

Presser/Tester, Asheville

Education and Work Experience

• On the job training will be provided.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/214544

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/214545?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

Customer Service Representative, NC Department Vital Statistics

Education and Work Experience

• A minimum of one year of call center experience is preferred.
• An associate’s degree or higher in a related field is preferred.
• The ability to speak both English and Spanish is a plus.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/214680

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/214681?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

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