The IFB Beat 5-12 Edition

A Message from the Editor

This week’s IFB Beat highlights important office moves, welcomes new team member Gabrielle Puig, and features William Fractichelly, Puerto Rico facility in Employee Spotlight. We also honor Volunteer of the Year Caroline Deheck, share updates on Open Enrollment, scholarships, community events, and more. Don’t miss your chance to get involved!

Quote of the Week:

“Accountability is the glue that bonds commitment to results.” – Bob Proctor

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

– Winston-Salem Facility HR Office Locations
– Welcome to our New Team Member!
– Employee Spotlight: William Fractichelly, Cabo Rojo PR Facility
– Programs Update: 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Reminder: NFB Second Chance Prom
– Reminder: BAPS Charities Walk/Run – Support IFB Solutions!
– Reminder: Winston-Salem Facility Blood Drive, Thursday May 29

HR and Opportunities

– NEW: 2025-2026 Open Enrollment
– The Tina Bess and Daniel J. Boucher Scholarship Information 2025-2026 Academic Year
– New Job Announcements

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

Winston-Salem Offices: HR Team Update/Reminder

Luyann Ledesma, Senior Director of Human Resources, has moved her office from the executive hallway to the HR/Finance side of the building. Her new location is the corner office near the parking lot, adjacent to the office of Natalya McCandless, Senior Director of Finance.

This relocation brings Luyann closer to the HR team, enhancing communication and collaboration to better support HR operations.

As a reminder, Morgan Dugan, Employee Relations Specialist, and Angela Jordan, Director of Compliance, EH&S, have also switched office locations. Morgan is now located on the manufacturing floor, while Angela is in the HR hallway.

Please continue to use the ticketing system for all benefits, HR, and payroll-related inquiries. Thank you for your attention to this update.

Welcome to our New Team Member!

We’re excited to announce that several talented individuals started with us on Monday, April 28th. Please join us in welcoming them to the team!

We’re excited to announce that a new member of the BSC Team started with us on Monday, April 28th. Please join us in welcoming them to the team!

BSC:

• Gabrielle Puig – BSC Vending Stock Clerk under the supervision of Zoie Forsyth

We are thrilled to have this new team member on board and are confident she will contribute greatly to our continued success. Please be sure to give her a warm welcome!

Employee Spotlight: Featuring William Fractichelly, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico Facility

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight! Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature William Fractichelly, 2025 PR Employee of the Year.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the Vista Hermosa neighborhood.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for more than seven years. I heard about the organization through the grapevine.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I used to play Goalball.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family.

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

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I enjoy feeling like I’m truly part of the workforce.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: Be loyal.

Special thanks to Gladymar Aponte, Human Resources Representative/ Recruiter, for supporting these highlights.

Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

IFB Programs Update: 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award

Congratulations to our 2025 Volunteer of the Year!

Volunteers are the heart of our mission, giving their time, energy, and talents to create lasting impact. The Kathryn Garner Volunteer of the Year Award honors an individual whose personal commitment has helped raise funds, expand our programs and services, and increase awareness of the work we do.

We are proud to recognize Caroline Deheck as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year. Caroline has been a dedicated part of the S.E.E. (Student Enrichment Experience) Program since her high school years, volunteering at both day and residential camps. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she stepped up as one of our teachers before leaving to pursue her master’s degree in special education at Vanderbilt University. Now a full-time teacher in Davie County, Caroline continues to find time to support our students, most recently playing a key role in organizing the S.E.E. trip to the Carolina Renaissance Festival on November 2.

Her unwavering dedication is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make through the gift of their time.

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

• Thursday, May 15 On the Spectrum support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in the boardroom

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Pharos Cane Light for $16.95

The Pharos cane light shines a bright 40 lumens and comes with multiple mounting brackets for use on many different cane sizes.

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

 

From Our Community

NFB Second Chance Prom: Ready to Relive the Magic?

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

Enter to win a chance to attend!

A generous donor is giving five lucky Winston-Salem and Clemmons facility employees who are blind or low vision the chance to attend the Second Chance Prom on Friday, June 7—with transportation included! This unforgettable night is hosted by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and promises fun, food, and fabulous memories.

This year’s theme is ‘Pretty in Pink”; pull out your best pink outfit and get ready to dance the night away! Enjoy live music by EZ Groove Band, jams from DJ Mix Match of Oaks 95, and a delicious spread of authentic Jamaican food. Plus—you might just go home with a door prize!

So, how do you snag this amazing opportunity? It’s simple: get excited and put your name in the mix by writing a short statement (1–2 paragraphs) titled “Why I Want to Go to the Prom” and send it to Anastasia Powell at apowell@ifbsolutions.org or call her at 336-245-5698 by Friday, May 16.

The winners will be selected and announced by Monday, May 19, and we’ll share all the details and logistics at that time. Don’t miss your chance to shine on prom night, we can’t wait to hear why YOU want to go!

Additional details:

📍 Location: The Hawthorne Inn & Conference Center (420 High St., Winston-Salem, NC)
📅 Date: June 7 ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $40

💃 Enjoy an evening filled with:
🎶 Live music by EZ Groove Band & DJ Mix Match from Oaks 95.3
🎁 Exciting door prizes
🍽️ Delicious Taste of Jamaica cuisine—back by popular demand!
🍹 Cash bar available

Get your tickets today! 🎟️ Contact:

• Angela Hanes (ACS Department)
• Winter Robison (Markers Department)
• Terry Norway (T-Shirt Department)

All proceeds support NFB educational and outreach services.

 

BAPS Walk / Run to Support IFB Solutions!

Submitted by the IFB Solutions Philanthropy and Communications Teams

We’re excited to share that IFB Solutions is a local beneficiary of the upcoming BAPS Charities Walk | Run, and we’d love to see our team show up strong in the spirit of service!

Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
🕘 Time: Event opens at 9:00 AM
📍 Location: Oak Ridge Heritage Farm Park
8515 Scoggins Rd, Oak Ridge, NC 27310

This is a great opportunity to support community causes, including IFB Solutions, while enjoying a morning of fun and movement with your coworkers, friends, and family.

How to Participate:

• Register: Visit bapscharities.org
• Donate: You can also make a contribution to support IFB Solutions using the donate button on the page link above

Interested? Contact Anastasia Powell at apowell@ifbsolutions.org to let her know you’d like your name added to the team list. Once you’re signed up, use the link above to register for the event.

Let’s come together to make a difference in our community—and have a great time doing it!

 

Winston-Salem Facility Blood Drive, Thursday May 29

Submitted by the AAA Committee at the Winston-Salem Facility

Winston-Salem Facility Red Cross Blood Drive Hosted by the AAA Committee will be Thursday, May 29, 2025. Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Your donations assist with heart surgeries, revitalizing accident victims, organ transplant recipients, and patients needing lifesaving procedures. So, will you raise your sleeve and help someone have a second chance in life?

When: May 29, 2025
Where: TAD’s Room (Winston-Salem Facility)
Time: 10:00 am-2:30 pm, Contact your supervisor to set up an appointment to donate.

Admin contact: Morgan Dugan at mdugan@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5612 or AAA President Marcia Harton at marcialharton2013@gmail.com.

 

HR & Opportunities

ACTION REQUIRED: 2025-2026 Open Enrollment is Coming Soon!

Enrollment Window: May 19 – May 30, 2025

It’s time to review, enroll, or make changes to your benefits for the upcoming plan year!

What’s New & Important

• Passive Enrollment: Most benefits will roll over automatically — EXCEPT for:
  • Medical Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Dependent Care FSA
  • Short-Term Disability (STD)
• No Premium Increases: All benefit premiums will remain the same!
• Medical Plan Update:
  • All plans start as non-wellness options during Open Enrollment.
  • To receive wellness premium rates, submit your preventive medical and dental exam forms by May 30.
    • Applies to spouse if covered under your plan.
    • Submit all forms to Tammy Powers — no exceptions after the deadline! Reach her at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org

• Spousal Affidavit: Required to cover your spouse on medical. Submit signed form to Tammy Powers by May 30. Twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org
• Short-Term Disability (STD):
  • You must re-enroll if you want coverage.
  • Worksite STD is switching to a flat 60% benefit ($0.89 per $10 of coverage; max $1,000/week).

Info Sessions – Thursday, May 15; stay tuned for more details!

NEW! Enroll with a Benefit Coach

Need help? Call 877-277-7476 (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM ET) to speak with a bilingual Benefit Coach—at no cost to you! Get answers to questions and will enroll you in benefits right over the phone!

How to Enroll:

• Log in to Paycom Employee Self Service
• Need help?
  • Speak with a bilingual Benefit Coach at 877-277-7476 (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM ET)
  • Email twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org with subject “OE Request.”
  • Manufacturing employees: Ask your supervisor to enter a ticket.

 

The Tina Bess and Daniel J. Boucher Scholarship Information 2025-2026 Academic Year

IFB offers its employees two scholarships to further their post-secondary education. The Tina Bess Scholarship and Daniel J. Boucher scholarship are offered to our employees and direct dependents to continue their education in accredited universities or colleges and is described below. There is a formal process that individuals must follow to be considered for a scholarship also described below:

1. The Tina Bess Scholarship is for blind, visually impaired, or sighted employees – who are full-time, are in good standing and have completed 1 year of service. Tina Bess was employed at IFB for 30 years as a Production Assistant. She was recognized as the 2001 Career Achiever and twice honored as the employee of the year. Tina was best remembered by her peers as a mentor, advisor, and friend. Tina did not allow her vision impairment to hold her back from being independent, instead using her circumstance to maintain a steadfast level of determination, perseverance, and courage. Countless employees during her time at IFB have told stories of Tina’s personal generosity, commitment, and loyalty to them and the organization. Tina’s excellence and inner drive to perform was the priceless personal character contributor to all who came in contact with her.
2. The Daniel J. Boucher Scholarship is for blind, visually impaired, or sighted employees and their direct dependents – the employee must be full-time, in good standing and have completed 1 year of service. Mr. Boucher served as the IFB President from 1996-2008 prior to working in the role of Executive Chairman from 2008 through 2016. During his time as President, he led IFB through tremendous growth establishing new business lines including Optical, BSC store locations, and services, resulting in tremendous growth of blind employment nation-wide. This scholarship was established by a friend of Mr. Bouchers to honor his legacy and provide opportunities for continued professional development for those Mr. Boucher worked with and held in the highest regard.

To be considered for either scholarship, each applicant must submit a completed application, an acceptance letter from the college or university, a copy of the student ID (front and back), and documentation of the tuition and associated costs.

The deadline for submitting applications and all supporting materials indicated above is Friday, June 6, 2025. Supporting materials should be submitted to Brent Burkholder at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org in an encrypted format. All applications should be completed at the following links:

Tina Bess Scholarship Application: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SQbDxA4fmESiHhoGX06NHOYPKmJQb4VLrwA3jsZJq_NURE5WQVY4NlBFSlJQTExHRUNaNVJSNE9OQS4u

Daniel Boucher Scholarship Application: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SQbDxA4fmESiHhoGX06NHOYPKmJQb4VLrwA3jsZJq_NUM1Y5RzFGQ0w3VlQ2UDFIQUROVlhQM1lLQS4u

Once all applications and supporting materials are received, the committee will consider each applicant for an award. If chosen, the recipient must show proof of class attendance and must complete all classes with at least a “C” to be considered for future funding. The amount of the scholarship awarded depends on tuition costs submitted, how many applicants are being considered for scholarships and funds being available in each scholarship fund.

For more information, please contact Brent Burkholder at 336-245-5611 or bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org

 

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