The IFB Beat 5-19 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Welcome to this week’s IFB Beat! Open Enrollment is here, act now to avoid missing key benefits, and submit wellness forms and spousal affidavits by May 30. Scholarship applications are due by June 6. Don’t forget our May 29 Blood Drive and the May 31 BAPS Walk/Run. Stay informed and connected!

Quote of the Week:

“I’m sorry is a statement. I won’t do it again is a promise. How do I make it up to you? is a responsibility.” ~ Anonymous

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

– Reminder: Winston-Salem Facility HR Office Locations
– Welcome to our New Team Members
– Winston-Salem Facility – Important Safety Reminder
– Employee Spotlight: Kathleen Barrett, Winston-Salem Facility
– Programs Update: Western NC Braille Challenge and Beyond!
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

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

HR and Opportunities

– UPDATED: 2025-2026 Open Enrollment
– Reminder: 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

Reminder: Winston-Salem Offices: HR Team Update

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 Members!

We’re excited to announce that several talented individuals started with us on Monday, May 12th. Please join us in welcoming them to the team!

BSC:

  • Joe Hicks – Customer Care Coordinator, under the supervision of Sheryl Cooks, at MacDill AFB BSC

Winston-Salem:

  • William Carson – Material Coordinator under the supervision of Dale Baker

Winston-Salem Facility – Important Safety Reminder

For the safety of our blind and low-vision employees, please keep all walkways clear of obstructions. Avoid stopping to talk or gathering in walkways and always travel on the correct side, which is on the right.

If you notice any hazards or obstructions that could pose a risk, address them if you can. If not, make others in the area aware and then report them immediately to your supervisor, PA, team lead, or Angela Jordan, Director of Compliance, Environmental Health, and Safety.

Your cooperation is vital to maintaining a safe and accessible workplace. Thank you for your attention and support.

 

Employee Spotlight: Featuring Kathleen Barrett, Winston-Salem Facility

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

Kathleen Barrett with guide dog.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Alabama, Texas, and Florida before moving to North Carolina in 2015 to join IFB.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB since 2015. I found the organization through the Division of Blind Services in Florida. After searching for work for over a decade, IFB gave me a chance—and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I enjoy working in my garden, it’s my go-to way to relax!

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I’m always reading! I also have a deep love for music and enjoy listening to all kinds of genres.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Christmas ham and mac and cheese, it’s my comfort food!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: What I appreciate most is having a fulfilling job where I’m not judged for being blind. After more than ten years of trying to find work, I’m thankful every day for the opportunity IFB gave me.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: I always tell my friends: You are never alone.

Special thanks to Morgan Dugan, Employee Relations Specialist, for supporting these highlights.

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

 

IFB Programs Update: Western NC Braille Challenge and Beyond!

Participants in the Western NC Braille Challenge pose with Kim Schoffner

Three S.E.E. Students Headed to National Braille Challenge Finals!

We are thrilled to announce that three students from our S.E.E. (Student Enrichment Experience) Program are finalists in the 2025 National Braille Challenge! Jack, Luke, and Layla earned top scores at the Western North Carolina Regional Braille Challenge, held in February at Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse, securing their places to compete on the national stage this June in Los Angeles, California.

Jack will compete in the Apprentice level, Luke in the Sophomore level, and Layla in the Junior Varsity level. They are among 50 students selected from across the country to advance to the national finals—an incredible accomplishment that reflects their outstanding Braille literacy, academic excellence, and dedication.

The Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind in the United States for students who are blind or visually impaired. It tests students’ proficiency in vital literacy skills such as Braille reading comprehension, spelling, speed and accuracy, proofreading, and use of Braille technology. Competitors are divided by age and skill level, and the event emphasizes both achievement and community.

Mastering Braille is a critical part of academic success and independence for blind students. It opens the door to literacy, learning, and opportunity—and these three S.E.E. students are proving just how far strong Braille skills can take you.

Congratulations, Jack, Luke, and Layla! We are so proud to have you represent North Carolina in this prestigious national competition. Your hard work and determination are an inspiration to us all.

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

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Cane tip closeup

ALL TIPS IN STOCK, 10% OFF! Prices vary – if you need a new cane tip, now is the best time to get one!

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

 

From Our Community

Reminder: 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!

 

Reminder: 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 here!

Enrollment Window: May 19 – May 30, 2025

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

View an overview flyer here.

What to Know:

  • Most benefits roll over — but you must re-enroll for Medical FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and Short-Term Disability.
  • No premium increases this year!
  • Medical plans start as non-wellness — submit your medical & dental forms by May 30 to get the wellness rate.
  • Spousal Affidavit required to cover your spouse — submit to Tammy Powers by May 30 at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org

Short-Term Disability Update:

  • Re-enrollment is required for all employees
  • New flat 60% STD benefit for hourly employees, with a max of $1,000/week. No EOI required if currently covered however you must enroll.

How to Enroll:

Enroll by phone – Benefits Center opens 5/19. Get answers to your benefit questions, help deciding, and complete your enrollment in one easy phone call. Call 1-888-392-4505 Mon – Fri, 11am 8pm ET

Enroll online – Log into Paycom / Employee Self Service (ESS). View step-by-step instructions here. 

Resources and Documents:

Use the following links:

 

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

Team Leader (ACS) – Winston-Salem, NC Facility

Education and Work Experience

  • Three years’ experience within the area of responsibility is required.
  • Prior team leadership experience is preferred.

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=136608&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

BSC Delivery Driver – Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL BSC Store

Education and work experience:

  • High School graduate or equivalent

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=136873&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=136874&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Pricing Analyst – Winston-Salem, NC Facility

Education and Work Experience

  • A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field is required. Experience may be substituted.
  • A minimum of 3 years’ experience in retail pricing analysis, preferably in a retail or e-commerce setting is required.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=137135&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=137136&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

Receiving Clerk – Winston-Salem, NC Facility

Education and Work Experience

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Experience in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel is required.
  • Experience with material/inventory control software systems is preferred.
  • Must have a valid NC driver’s license with a driving record that will allow company insurability.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=137210&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=137211&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