The IFB Beat 7-20 Edition

From the Editor

This week’s Beat features an inspiring video starring Skyler Mejia and exciting news about the Winston-Salem campus expansion. You’ll meet Jorge O. Cosme, learn about a sensitivity to blindness training at the Asheville facility and find helpful tips to stay safe during hot summer months.

I also want to take a moment to highlight one of our newest employee benefits—the Employee Wellness Clinic. I recently used the clinic for the first time, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Scheduling my appointment by phone was simple, with very few prompts to navigate and I was connected quickly. The staff was welcoming, professional and made the entire visit easy from start to finish.

Having convenient, no-cost healthcare available at work is an incredible resource for our employees and their families. If you’ve been curious about the clinic, be sure to check out this week’s FAQ section to learn who is eligible, what services are available and how easy it is to schedule an appointment. I encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful benefit. As always, thank you for everything you do to make IFB a special place.

Quote of the week:

“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” — Scott Hamilton

Thank you for strolling the Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell, Communications Manager
apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

 

Quick Links:

The Weekly Rundown

– Reflections on 90
– Winston-Salem Facility is Expanding!
– Social Services & Wellness
– Wellness Tips: Heat Exhaustion
– Walking in a Coworker’s Footsteps
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Jorge O. Cosme, Fort Buchanan Base Supply Center
– Winston-Salem Support Groups

Community Corner

– NC Lions VIP Fishing Tournament

HR & Opportunities

– Summer Days and Your FSA
– Jobs

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

 

Reflections on 90

This year, IFB proudly celebrates 90 years of creating jobs and changing lives for people who are blind. In celebration, we are sharing new, untold stories about team members. This week, meet Skyler Mejia.

 

Winston-Salem Facility is Expanding!

We have exciting news! The Reynolds American Foundation has approved a $100,000 grant to support the expansion of the Winston-Salem facility. This significant investment will help advance our plans to grow our campus and strengthen our ability to create more opportunities for people who are blind.

A few weeks ago, President and CEO Dan Kelly presented IFB’s vision for the expansion to the foundation’s board of directors. As a result of his presentation and the foundation’s confidence in our mission, they awarded twice the amount they have provided to IFB in previous years.

We are grateful to the Reynolds American Foundation for their continued partnership and belief in our mission. Their support brings us one step closer to expanding our campus and creating even greater impact for the people and communities we serve.

 

Social Services & Wellness

Below are FAQs regarding the Employee Wellness Clinic.

Q: Who can use the clinic?
A: The clinic is available to employees, qualified dependents ages 18–26, spouses and temporary employees. Dependents and spouses do not have to be enrolled in an IFB Solutions health insurance plan to use the clinic. Dependents of temporary employees are not eligible for services.

Q: What are the clinic hours?
A: The clinic is open Monday–Thursday from 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. and is closed for lunch from 12–1 p.m.

Q: Is there a co-pay?
A: No. There is no co-pay for services provided at the on-site clinic.

Q: Is it really free?
A: Yes. Medical services provided at the on-site clinic are available at no cost to qualified individuals. Please note that virtual healthcare visits and referrals to outside providers are billed through your health insurance.

Q: Do I have to be part of the Atrium Health network to use the clinic?
A: No. You do not have to be an Atrium Health patient or receive care within the Atrium Health network to use the on-site clinic.

Q: If I need additional care or emergency treatment, can I go to an in-network provider?
A: Yes. If you require follow-up care, specialty care or emergency treatment, the clinic staff will help coordinate referrals within your health insurance network whenever possible.

Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: Appointments are encouraged to ensure you have a reserved time with the nurse. Walk-in visits are welcome and will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis, as scheduling permits.

Q: Is the nurse a Registered Nurse (RN)?
A: Yes. Kayla Dowd is a registered nurse with more than 10 years of clinical experience.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: Schedule your appointment by visiting this website (AssetHealth.com/IFB) or calling 336-716-8301. Before your appointment, please notify your supervisor that you have a scheduled clinic visit. After your appointment, the nurse will provide documentation confirming your visit. Share this with your supervisor.

Q: What services are available?
A: The clinic offers a variety of healthcare and wellness services, including: health screenings, treatment for colds, flu, sore throat, and cough, seasonal allergy care, sinus infection treatment, urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment, care for minor injuries, sprains and strains, chronic condition management, including diabetes and high blood pressure, vaccinations, workplace injury assessments, first aid, healthcare navigation and referrals and more.

Q: Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
A: If you have questions about the clinic or its services, please contact Amber Frederick at the Social Services & Employee Resource Center, or Tammy Whitmire-Powers, Benefits Manager. We’re excited to offer this new benefit and hope you’ll take advantage of this convenient healthcare resource.

 

Wellness Tips: Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion happens when your body gets too hot and loses too much water and salt, typically through sweating. This can happen when you are in the heat for a long time, especially if you are not drinking enough fluids.

How to prevent heat exhaustion

• Drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich sports drinks
• Wear light, loose clothing
• Stay in the shade or air conditioning when you can
• Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
• Take breaks if you are working or exercising in the heat
• Use a fan
• Take a cool shower if you start to feel overheated

Signs of heat exhaustion, early symptoms

• Heavy sweating
• Feeling weak or tired
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Muscle cramps

More serious symptoms. If these signs are not treated, heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, which is very serious.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Cool, pale or clammy skin
• Fast but weak pulse
• Fainting or near fainting
• Confusion or irritability

What to do if you have these symptoms

• Move to a cooler area immediately
• Sit down and rest
• Drink water or a sports drink
• Use a cool, wet cloth in your skin
• Loosen or remove extra clothing

 

Walking in a Coworker’s Footsteps

Our newest employees at the Asheville facility recently had the opportunity to experience our sensitivity to blindness training, giving them a chance to better understand what many of their blind coworkers navigate every day.

During the session, participants wore blindfolds, learned basic white cane techniques and practiced traveling independently through our facility—including finding their way to the employee break room using the skills they had just learned. The experience offered a new perspective on the confidence, adaptability and independence that our blind employees demonstrate every day.

Because all of the participants were Spanish-speaking, Asheville Plant Manager Alina Ravelo generously translated throughout the training, ensuring everyone could fully participate and engage in the experience.

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Jorge O. Cosme, Fort Buchanan Base Supply Center

Welcome to Employee Spotlight. This week, we are excited to feature Jorge O. Cosme, a cashier.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up on the east coast of Puerto Rico in the town of Las Piedras.

Q: How long have you been with IFB Solutions, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for 23 years. I first learned about the job opportunity through my cousin, Ana. Someone had turned down the position and mentioned it to her, and she encouraged me to apply.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy reading, especially fantasy and science fiction, watching movies and TV series, playing video games, spending time with my dogs, brewing kombucha (and more recently beer) and cooking—although I’ll admit I’m not very good at it!

Q: What’s your all-time favorite meal?
A: A classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich made with provolone cheese—the real kind!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB Solutions?
A: I enjoy staying busy, working alongside great people, and knowing that I’m doing my part to support our Armed Forces and the federal government.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d share with others?
A: “Be honest and keep your word.”

Special thanks to Fort Buchanan Base Supply Store Manager, Jorge I. Contreras Reyes, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

Winston-Salem Support Groups

Meeting for the week: Veterans group, Tuesday, July 21, 12–1 p.m. in TADS room

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 Corner

NC Lions VIP Fishing Tournament

Source: THE WISE EYE

The NC Lions VIP Fishing Tournament brings participants from across the state for three days of fishing recreation, fellowship and independent living workshops. More than 350 visually impaired persons (VIPs) and 300 volunteers participate each year. This year’s tournament will be held Oct. 19–21 in the Outer Banks. VIPs, sighted guests and volunteers can find more information and registration forms at this link. The registration deadline is Aug. 15.

 

 

HR & Opportunities

Summer Days and Your FSA

What? Your FSA? Absolutely! With summer temperatures heating up, don’t forget that your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can help you stay protected while enjoying the sunshine.

Sunscreen
Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is FSA eligible, including children’s sunscreen and suntan lotion.

Sunburn Relief
Too much fun in the sun? Your FSA can help cover eligible products like aloe, hydrocortisone cream and other medicated burn relief items.

SPF Lip Balm
Don’t forget your lips! Lip balm with SPF 15 or higher is also an FSA-eligible expense.

Prescription Sunglasses
Protect your eyes in style. Your FSA can be used for prescription sunglasses that provide both vision correction and UV protection. (Non-prescription sunglasses are not eligible.)

Remember Before You Head Out!

✔️ Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
✔️ Sunburn relief products
✔️ SPF lip balm (SPF 15+)
✔️ Prescription sunglasses

These summer essentials may be eligible for reimbursement through your FSA! So stay safe, stay cool and make the most of your FSA while enjoying everything summer has to offer! ☀️ *Information provided by CBIZ.

 

Jobs

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)
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888 475 4499 US Toll-free
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