The IFB Beat 5-26 Edition

A Message from the Editor

As we prepare to kick off IFB Solutions’ 90th anniversary celebration, this week’s IFB Beat is filled with updates, important reminders and inspiring stories from across our organization. From welcoming new team members and celebrating employee growth opportunities, to spotlighting the incredible people who make our mission possible, there is so much to be proud of. Thank you for everything you do each day to help continue IFB’s legacy of creating jobs and changing lives for people who are blind. Be sure to join us beginning June 2 as we officially launch Cheers to 90 Years and celebrate the people and moments that have shaped IFB Solutions through the decades.

Quote of the week:

“Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success.” — Unknown

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

– Cheers to 90 Years!
– Welcome New Team Members
– Human Resources — Social Services & Wellness Department Update
– IFB Ascend Program Update
– Safety and Security Reminders
– Eating and Drinking on the Manufacturing Floor
– Dress Code Reminder
– Appointments Available for Low Vision Employees: Schedule Your Low Vision Exam
– Braille and JAWS Training Update
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Gabriel Medina, Puerto Rico Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– NFB Second Chance Prom: Ready to Relive the Magic?
– Join the Fun at Gatsby’s Pub

HR & Opportunities

– Invest Today. Enjoy Tomorrow.
– Job Opportunities

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

 

Cheers to 90 Years!

🎉 This year, IFB Solutions proudly celebrates 90 years of creating jobs and changing lives for people who are blind. That’s nine decades of perseverance, growth and most importantly, YOU.

Beginning June 2, this special section of the Beat will take you on a journey through our history. Over the next several months, you’ll discover fun facts, inspiring milestones, employee spotlights, throwback moments and stories that show how far we’ve come and where we’re headed next.

Whether you’ve been here for decades or just joined the team, you are part of this legacy. Every shift worked, every order completed, every call answered and every act of teamwork has helped build 90 years of impact.

So mark your calendar and don’t miss a week! Starting June 2, be sure to check out Cheers to 90 Years in each edition of the Beat as we celebrate the past, honor the present and look toward the future.

Because the truth is we wouldn’t have 90 years to celebrate without you. 💙

 

Welcome New Team Members

We are excited to introduce our newest team members who have recently joined us across various locations:

• Winston-Salem facility/Manufacturing: Estefanie Gomez Martinez
• Workforce Services: Jordan Williams
• Base Supply Center: Warren Paul

Please join us in welcoming them to the team, and we look forward to their contributions and success!

 

Human Resources — Social Services & Wellness Department Update

Please join us in welcoming our new Social Services and Benefits Coordinator, Amber Frederick!

Having been with IFB Solutions for the past two years, Amber has enjoyed being part of the organization’s culture and mission. Her previous experience with the Forsyth County Department of Social Services helped build the knowledge and skills she now brings to this role, allowing her to make a meaningful and positive impact on employees.

She recently earned her Associate Degree in Business Administration and her SHRM-CP certification. She is excited to continue growing and learning in her new position.

A Winston-Salem native, she was born and raised in North Carolina and enjoys cooking, dancing and spending time with family outside of work.

One of her favorite quotes is: “Expect the unexpected, and whenever possible, be the unexpected.”

 

IFB Ascend Program Update

We’re excited to share some fantastic news! After a thoughtful selection process, we are proud to announce the first group of participants for IFB Ascend Cohort 1, launching in mid-June. These participants will be a part of  a hands on participant focused program to support their career growth at IFB.

Please join us in congratulating:

• Bobby Ashworth – Base Supply Center Sales
• Noah Davis – IT
• Brianna Glover – Human Resources
• Luis Quiles – Supply Chain

This group represents a strong start to the IFB Ascend program, and we are thrilled to support their growth and development as they begin this journey.

IFB Ascend is designed to empower and elevate our talent, providing participants with opportunities to expand their skills, build connections and accelerate their professional development. Cohort 1 sets the tone for what we know will be a highly impactful program.

Let’s cheer on this inaugural group as they take this next step, continuing their commitment to growth and excellence!

 

Safety and Security Reminders

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, secure and compliant workplace, we would like to remind everyone of the following policies and expectations.

Safety Glasses

For several years, we have not consistently complied with our PPE policy regarding sewing machine operators and the use of safety glasses or side shields while machines are in operation. All employees should be aware that safety glasses or side shields are required whenever operating sewing equipment or using an air hose. This requirement applies to all departments and positions without exception.

Operations leadership, along with members of the HR team, will be supporting efforts to improve compliance with this policy. Thank you to those who consistently follow these requirements. For anyone not currently in compliance, immediate improvement is expected moving forward.

Security Reminder

To ensure the safety and security of our building and employees, please ensure that all badge-restricted doors remain closed and are not left open. If you notice a door propped open or not securing properly, please report it immediately to your supervisor, facilities team member, or Angela Jordan. In addition, please refrain from opening the door or holding the door for anyone. Everyone coming into the building should use their own badge to enter. If they don’t own a badge, visitors should be directed to the main lobby to be let in by the receptionist. Your cooperation is essential in maintaining a secure workplace for everyone.

 

Eating and Drinking on the Manufacturing Floor

Per our general safety guidelines, beverages in production areas must be in a closed bottle or cup with a screw-on lid. Food is not permitted in production areas.

Moving forward, these guidelines will be actively enforced. Drinks must be in approved containers, and eating will no longer be permitted on the manufacturing floor. This applies to all departments and positions working in open production areas.

An exception may be made during a medical emergency for employees being actively assisted by their supervisor or the Code Yellow/Medical Team.

These reminders are intended to help us continually improve and remain compliant with our manufacturing and safety policies and procedures. We will be actively enforcing these policies moving forward and will use progressive disciplinary action, if necessary.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your supervisor or Travis Guerra. If additional discussion is needed, supervisors may submit a ticket to HR for follow-up support.

 

Dress Code Reminder

With the weather warming up, we wanted to send out a friendly reminder regarding IFB’s dress code policy. We understand everyone wants to stay cool and comfortable during the warmer months, but it is important that all employees continue to follow workplace dress code expectations based on their work environment.

IFB considers it very important that employees are well groomed, neat and dressed appropriately for their job function. Appropriate dress and hygiene help promote a positive company image both internally and externally, while also helping maintain a safe and professional work environment for everyone.

Acceptable attire includes:

• Pants, jeans, sweatpants, shorts, skirts and dresses that are an appropriate length
• T-shirts, pullovers, sweatshirts, athletic shirts and button-up shirts
• Work boots, tennis shoes, casual shoes, athletic shoes and dress shoes

Not acceptable:

• Shorts, skirts, or dresses exceeding 3 inches above the knee while standing
• Tank tops, strapless tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps
• Open-toe or open-heel shoes, sandals, flip flops or shoes with holes/spaces
• Tight-fitting/stretch clothing such as leggings, stretch pants, unless worn appropriately under longer attire that meets policy standards

Office Environment Reminders

Acceptable attire includes:

• Dress pants, khakis, corduroys, skirts or dresses
• Blouses, sweaters, polo shirts and dress jackets
• Dress shoes, loafers, boots, dress sandals, slides and tennis shoes

Not acceptable:

• Jeans, shorts, sweatpants, athletic attire or casual shorts
• Tank tops, sweatshirts, T-shirts, halter tops or spaghetti straps
• Sheer, ripped, revealing or excessively tight-fitting clothing
• Flip flops, hiking sandals or overly casual footwear

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and help in maintaining a professional, respectful and safe workplace for all employees. Thank you for everything you do each day!

 

Appointments Available for Low Vision Employees: Schedule Your Low Vision Exam

Time for your yearly exam? Need an updated eye report for your records? Well, the upcoming June clinic is a great opportunity to be seen by a low vision specialist.

The discounted employee cost for the exam is $40.

Clinic dates & locations:

• Asheville Low Vision Clinic — Wednesday, June 3
  Dr. Quilla
• Winston-Salem Low Vision Clinic — Thursday, June 4
  Dr. Street

To schedule an appointment, please have your supervisor contact the appropriate location:

• Asheville: Grant Weathers — 828-761-2468
• Winston-Salem: Charity Hampton — 336-245-5672

You may also email: lowvision@ifbsolutions.org

 

Braille and JAWS Training Update

Congratulations to Glen Pinkard and Julian Morales for successfully completing Basic JAWS training! Through this training, they have developed foundational screen reader and keyboard navigation skills that will support greater independence in the workplace, at home and in everyday life. JAWS (Job Access with Speech) is an adaptive technology that provides audio access to computers and digital information, helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired navigate tasks related to work, leisure and life with greater confidence and efficiency.

Congratulations also to Tracy Gould for successfully completing Uncontracted Braille training. Tracy can now use Braille skills for labeling, writing notes, organizing personal items and completing many other independent living tasks. Braille literacy opens the door to increased independence, communication and access to information. Tracy’s next step will be beginning the exciting journey of learning Contracted Braille to further expand her reading and writing skills.

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Gabriel Medina, Puerto Rico Facility

Welcome to Employee Spotlight. Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we are excited to feature Gabriel Medina, from the IWOL department.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: San Germán, Puerto Rico

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I have been with IFB for six months and was excited for the opportunity to be part of a company with strong values and teamwork.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: One of my strengths is working well in groups and collaborating with others to achieve goals.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy race cars and anything related to motorsports.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: My favorite meal is white rice and corned beef.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I enjoy the company’s objectives and how everyone works together to achieve goals as a team.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: “Trust in yourself and your abilities. Don’t give up when things become difficult or challenging. Staying organized is important in every aspect of life.”

Special thanks to Human Resources Representative/ Recruiter, Gladymar Aponte Quintana, 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

 

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)

IFB Solutions is excited to share a special opportunity for employees who are blind or low vision at the Winston-Salem and Clemmons facilities. Thanks to a generous donor from IFB, five lucky employees with your plus one will receive sponsored tickets to attend the NFB Second Chance Prom on Saturday, June 13, including transportation to and from the event.

Hosted by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), this unforgettable evening promises fun, fellowship, great food, music, and memories that will last a lifetime.

This year’s theme is “A Night of Royalty,” so pull out your favorite purple outfit and get ready to dance the night away. Guests will enjoy music from DJ Mix Match of Oaks 95, a delicious Southern-style dinner, and the chance to win exciting door prizes.

Event Details

• Saturday, June 13
  7–11 p.m.
• Hawthorne Inn, Winston-Salem
• Music by DJ Mix Match
• Dinner Provided
• Cash Bar Available

Tickets are valued at $50 each, and IFB Solutions is proud to help sponsor employees for this special evening.

How to Enter

To be considered for a sponsored ticket, please submit a short statement sharing:

• Why you would like to attend the Second Chance Prom
• What attending this event would mean to you

Your response can be heartfelt, meaningful, funny, or simply share why you’re excited about the opportunity. We want to hear from you.

Submit your statement by Friday, May 29 to: mdugan@ifbsolutions.org

Winners will be announced on Monday, June 1.

Whether it’s your chance to dress up, dance the night away, make new memories, or enjoy a special evening with friends or a loved one, we encourage you to apply.

 

Join the Fun at Gatsby’s Pub

Submitted by: Oryan Battis

Silent Disco at Gatsby’s Pub, featuring Oryan Battis

📍 1157 Burke St, Winston-Salem, NC
🗓 Saturday, June 6
⏰ 8–10 p.m.

Event highlights:

• Headphone rentals available for $5
• Multiple dance channels
• Live R&B & karaoke channel

Website: https://www.gatsbyspubws.com/

HR & Opportunities

Invest Today. Enjoy Tomorrow.

Your future is worth it.

Retirement may feel far away, but your future starts today. Make every paycheck count with the IFB Solutions 401(k) Plan. IFB boosts your savings with a 100% match on the first 5% you contribute for each pay period. Why participate in the 401(k) plan?

Build Your Future
Even small contributions today can grow into meaningful retirement savings over time.

Receive Company Match
If you are not contributing enough to receive the full company match, you could be leaving money on the table.

Grow Your Savings
Take advantage of tax benefits and the power of long-term investing.

Example 1:
$50/month total contribution
($25 employee + $25 employer match)

Assumptions:

• 7% average annual return
• 20 years of saving
• Compounding monthly

Results After 20 Years:

• Total contribution: $12,000
• Estimated account value: ~$26,000

Key takeaway: Your money more than doubles over time thanks to employer match + compound growth.

Example 2: Increased Savings Scenario
$150/month total contribution
($75 employee + $75 employer match)

Assumptions:

• 7% average annual return
• 20 years of saving
• Compounding monthly

Results After 20 Years:

• Total contribution: $36,000
• Estimated account value: ~$78,000

Key takeaway: Increasing contributions today can significantly increase retirement readiness later.

Remember, small steps today can create big rewards tomorrow. Consider taking one of these actions today:

✔ Enroll in the 401(k) plan
✔ Increase your contribution percentage
✔ Review your current savings goals
✔ Make sure you are receiving the full company match

If you have questions about enrollment or making changes, please call the Ascensus call center for personalized assistance at 855-593-7279, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. You may also contact Tammy Whitmire-Powers at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org .

 

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