The IFB Beat 6-8 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Welcome to this week’s edition of the IFB Beat! As we continue celebrating 90 years of creating jobs and changing lives for people who are blind, we are reminded that our story is built by the people who make IFB Solutions special—our employees, customers, partners and community.

This week, we celebrate milestones past and present: from reflecting on nine decades of impact, to recognizing our Employees of the Month, spotlighting teammates like Joyce Clark, celebrating JAWS graduates and sharing opportunities that help us grow together.

As Dan shared, while we honor our history, our focus remains on building the future. Thank you for being part of the legacy, the mission and the momentum that continues to move IFB forward. Here’s to 90 years strong!

Quote of the week:

“Teamwork makes the dream work.” — John C. Maxwell

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!
– Congratulations to Winston-Salem Employees of the Month: February–April
– JAWS Training Graduates
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Joyce Clark, Asheville Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– Shop Rainbow Tarts!

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.

This special section of the IFB Beat will take you on a journey through our history. Over the next several months, you’ll discover fun facts, inspiring milestones, employee spotlights and throwback moments. So don’t miss a week!

Dan Kelly

Message from Dan Kelly, President & CEO, IFB Solutions

Ninety years ago, community leaders in Winston-Salem made a decision that would change lives for generations. What began in a church basement with six employees caning chairs and building mattresses has grown into IFB Solutions, one of the largest employers of people who are blind in the United States.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are not slowing down. We are building forward. We’re celebrating a culture of performance powered by people who are blind. We’re celebrating nine decades of removing barriers and challenging the myth that blindness limits a person’s potential. And we’re celebrating the belief that ability drives success.

Through innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence, IFB Solutions continues to deliver meaningful work for our employees, trusted value for our customers, and lasting impact in the communities we serve. What started small now employs hundreds of people who are blind in our manufacturing locations and through remote work careers, jobs that create life-changing opportunities.

Our team manufactures more than one million mission-critical garments each year for the U.S. Armed Services, operates retail Base Supply Centers across the nation, and provides professional contract staffing services for customers from California to North Carolina.

While we have much to celebrate, our focus remains firmly on the future and expanding possibilities for the next generation of people who are blind.

And so, we say thank you.

To our employees: You are the heartbeat of this organization. To our customers and partners: You fuel this mission. To our community: You helped build this legacy. And to the next generation of people who are blind and wondering what is possible, know we are building the future with you in mind.

IFB Solutions: ninety years strong and just getting started.

Dan Kelly
President & CEO

 

Congratulations to Winston-Salem Employees of the Month: February–April

February Runner-up: Janetra Jeter
Since joining IFB in 2025, Janetra has shown a Mission Possible mindset with her positive attitude and willingness to jump in wherever needed as a material handler.

February Winner: Alena Kadol
Since joining IFB in 2006, Alena has continuously demonstrated a Commitment to Excellence through her dedication and hard work as a pick and pack shipping clerk.

March Runner-up: Aisha Barnes
Since joining IFB in 2014, Aisha has demonstrated Business with a Heart through her teamwork, reliability and positive impact as an assembler packer.

March Winner: Shawn White
Since 2018, Shawn has represented Commitment to Excellence through consistent quality and dedication as a sewing machine operator II.

April Runner-up: Dennisha Scales
Since joining IFB in 2023, Dennisha has shown Creative Solutions through her leadership and support as a production trainer.

April Winner: Akiva Snipes
Since 2017, Akiva has exemplified a Mission Possible mindset through hard work, determination and dependability as an assembler packer.

Congratulations to all and keep up the good work!

 

JAWS Training Graduates

Congratulations to our May JAWS training graduates! Please join us in celebrating our May graduates who successfully completed Basic JAWS training. Their hard work, dedication and commitment to building new skills are helping create greater independence and success in the workplace and beyond.

Congratulations to:

  • Cohiscan Thomas
  • Sarah Comella
  • Cleiton Johnston
  • Hannah Hakes
  • Paul Tandy

Thank you for your dedication and willingness to continue learning and growing. We are proud of your accomplishment and excited to see how you use these new skills moving forward!

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Joyce Clark, Asheville Facility

Headshot of Joyce Clark

Welcome to Employee Spotlight. Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we are excited to feature Joyce Clark.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Greenville, Tennessee, and raised in Madison County, North Carolina.

Q: How long have you been at IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I learned about IFB through Services for the Blind. I have worked at IFB on and off for 25 years. I tried retirement but realized I didn’t enjoy it, so I came back to IFB.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy shopping and dancing, especially clogging. I used to bowl but eventually gave it up.

Q: What is your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: I’d have to say fish.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I enjoy being around my friends, staying busy instead of being bored at home and of course, the paycheck!

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: “Enjoy life.”

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

 

 

From Our Community

Shop Rainbow Tarts!

Submitted by Carl Williams

Interested in supporting a blind-owned business? Looking for an easy and affordable way to bring your favorite smells to your home or give as a gift?

Look no further. We have wax melts, warmers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners and much more. See Carl Williams (Tina Jolly’s department), call: 336-970-0650, email info@rainbowtarts.com or visit https://www.rainbowtarts.com.

Check back often for sales!

We Braille products upon request at no charge and ship within the US via priority flat rate mail. Rainbow Tarts – where everything makes scents!

 

 

HR & Opportunities

Invest Today. Enjoy Tomorrow.

Your future is worth it.

Don’t pass up a chance to double your money! With the IFB Solutions 401(k) Plan, IFB Solutions matches 100% of the first 5% of pay you contribute each pay period. Review your contribution rate today and take full advantage of the company match!

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

Employer match + investment growth + compound growth = a strong financial future. 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.

Need help with enrollment or account changes? Contact the Ascensus Call Center at 855-593-7279, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., or email Tammy Whitmire-Powers at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

Job Opportunities

BSC Receiving Clerk, MacDill AFB

Education and Work Experience

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Training while on the job will be provided.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/225736

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/225737?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

For more information, please contact a member of the recruitment team at careers@ifbsolutions.org.

For all current openings, visit https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909.

 

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