The IFB Beat 7-28 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Welcome back to The IFB Beat! This week we’re welcoming new faces, honoring long-standing team members, and sharing important reminders.

We’re thrilled to welcome our newest hires at the Winston-Salem facility—Yane Zapada and Thomas Case! Please take a moment to greet them and help them feel at home. You’ll also notice some updates on key processes, like the ticketing system for manufacturing employees, and the return of the lost and found service. These tools are here to support you—so don’t hesitate to use them.

Our Employee Spotlight recognizes the energetic and inspiring Johnnie Mae Keith from the rags and wipes department. Her love for dancing reminds us to embrace what makes us happy!

And don’t miss this month’s Independence Day sale at the Winston-Salem and Asheville Community Low Vision Centers or the chance to shop and support Rainbow Tarts—a blind-owned business by our very own Carl Williams.

Lastly, a friendly reminder: the deadline to complete your Evidence of Insurability (EOI) is July 31, 2025. If you need assistance, please reach out to Tammy Powers.

Quote of the week:

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” — Henry Ford

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

– Welcome, New Hires!
– Ticketing System Process and Procedures Reminder for Manufacturing Employees
– Lost and Found Service at the Winston-Salem Facility
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Johnnie Mae Keith, Winston-Salem Facility
– Programs Update: S.E.E. Summer Day Camp Visits Homeland Creamery
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Shop Rainbow Tarts
– You’re Invited: Forsyth Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind Barbecue Fundraiser

HR and Opportunities

– 2025–2026 Evidence of Insurability
– Caregiving Support
– Job Opportunities

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

Welcome, New Hires!

Two talented individuals joined the Winston-Salem team on Monday, July 21. We are thrilled to have these new team members on board and are confident they will contribute greatly to our continued success. Please be sure to give them a warm welcome!

• Yane Zapada—Utility Operator under the supervision of Bill Dennis
• Thomas Case—General Maintenance Technician under the supervision of Frank Ellison

Ticketing System Process and Procedures Reminder for Manufacturing Employees

At IFB, we are committed to ensuring that employee needs are addressed promptly and effectively. One of the key processes in place to achieve this is our ticketing system, which is designed to handle concerns, support, and questions related to Human Resources, Payroll, Marketing, Low Vision, Finance, IT, and other departments. Below is a detailed overview of how this process works:

Initiating a ticket:
-Employees should first contact their supervisor to report any needs or concerns.
-Supervisors will then create a ticket on behalf of the employee by selecting the appropriate department and adding as much detail as possible, including the name of the employee.

Timeliness and efficiency:
-Supervisors are expected to submit tickets within 24 hours of being notified by the employee.
-The responsible department should review and respond to the ticket as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours of submission to ensure timely resolution. Response times may vary depending on the type of request and department/team availability.

Submission and review:
-Once the ticket is submitted, it is logged and queued for review by the relevant department staff.
-The department responsible for the ticket will review it to understand the issue and determine the necessary actions.

Response and resolution:
-After reviewing the ticket, the department will either contact the supervisor to schedule an appointment with the employee for further discussion or directly resolve the issue if an appointment is not needed.
-The supervisor will be informed of the resolution or the scheduled appointment details through the ticket.

We appreciate the cooperation of all supervisors, managers, and department heads in adhering to this process. Your efforts help ensure that all employee needs are met efficiently and that any issues are resolved without unnecessary delays.

Note: If the employee’s need or concern is such that the employee would prefer to keep it confidential or anonymous, IFB employees have access to an employee hotline that is available 24/7. If there is a critical situation that needs complete confidentiality, employees can call the Employee Hotline at 866-494-3161 and use pen number 4160. A Compliance Officer on staff with IFB will review the report and address the situation or contact the employee directly if employee name is provided. The Employee Hotline number is posted in the executive breakroom, and the “safety” wall near the HR hallway, and the timeclock near the T-shirt department. It is also available in braille and large print in the middle information box on the Employee Information Wall, located in the employee entrance. If there are any questions or further clarification needed regarding the ticketing system, please do not hesitate to contact your supervisor. Thank you for your continued dedication to maintaining a supportive and responsive workplace environment.

Lost and Found Service at the Winston-Salem Facility

As a reminder, the lost and found service has been reinstated at the Winston-Salem facility. If you find any lost items, please inform your supervisor so they can be turned in to Morgan Dugan, Employee Relations Specialist. If you have lost an item and wish to check the lost and found, please use the ticketing system to schedule a time to review the lost item bin with Morgan.

Employee Spotlight Featuring Johnnie Mae Keith, 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 Johnnie Mae Keith from the rags and wipes department at our Winston-Salem Facility.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Bronx, New York. I’ve been living in the Winston-Salem area since 1993, and it’s truly become home.

Q: How long have you been at IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for 14 years. I was originally working in Greensboro, but I began working with IFB to pursue a new opportunity.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I really enjoy dancing!

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Mac and cheese—comfort food at its best!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: The people. Being surrounded by such a supportive community makes a big difference.

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: “Don’t second-guess yourself.”

Special thanks to Morgan Dunn, Employee Relations Specialist, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

Programs Update: S.E.E. Summer Day Camp Visits Homeland Creamery

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

Independence Day (Month) Sale!

For the month of July, everything in stock at our Community Low Vision Centers is marked down by an extra 10%. Come on in while supplies last!

CLVC Item of the Week:

Adjustable Color Floor Lamp for $159.95

This charming floor lamp provides illumination in two different color temperatures—depending on the user’s needs or the room condition.

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

From Our Community

Shop Rainbow Tarts

Submitted by Carl Williams IFB employee—Winston-Salem Facility

Want to support a blind-owned business? Looking for an easy and affordable way to bring your favorite smells to your home or give them as a gift?

Rainbow Tarts produces and sells wax melts, warmers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and more. For more information see Carl Williams (Tina Jolly’s department), call 336-970-0650, email info@rainbowtarts.com or visit rainbowtarts.com.

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

You’re Invited: Forsyth Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind Barbecue Fundraiser

Submitted by NFB President Angela Hanes—Winston-Salem Facility

Get ready for a finger-lickin’ good time! The Forsyth Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind invites you to its delicious barbecue dinner—a community favorite you won’t want to miss. Come and enjoy music, games, and have lots of fun!

Menu: Chopped barbecue, barbecue chicken, coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and more!

• Saturday, August 16 at 2 p.m.
• South Fork Community Center, 4403 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC
• $12 per plate

If you desire to pre-purchase tickets contact NFB members Teresa Norway, Winter Robinson, or Riki Gray. Every bite supports a brighter future. Proceeds benefit educational programs, conference experiences, and membership open house events that empower individuals who are blind.

Come hungry and leave inspired—support a great cause and enjoy a great meal!

HR & Opportunities

2025–2026 Evidence of Insurability (EOI)

Don’t forget to complete your EOI by July 31, 2025!

What is EOI?

EOI is a health questionnaire used by Guardian to determine if you or your covered dependents qualify for life insurance (for yourself, your spouse, or child), increases to existing coverage, or short-term disability.

Keep in mind:

Your election will not take effect until the EOI is reviewed and approved by Guardian.

What you will need to complete EOI:

• The client number: 00056230
• The coverage(s) you’re requesting
• The current insured amount and the additional amount requested
• Health history and doctor information
• Height and weight
• Date of birth

How to complete your EOI:

• Visit guardiananytime.com/eoi and use client number: 00056230. Complete a printed EOI form and mail it directly to Guardian. Click here to access the form.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Tammy Powers at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

Caregiving Support

Guardian has partnered with Wellthy to offer free, personalized caregiving support as part of your disability benefits.

Whether you’re caring for aging parents, children, or managing your own health, Wellthy helps with tasks like care coordination, planning, and connecting with trusted resources.

Support includes:

• Help with senior care, childcare, and complex medical needs
• Personalized care plans and expert guidance
• Access to the Wellthy community for peer support

Take care of others—without forgetting your own well-being! Visit join.wellthy.com/guardian-members to learn more, or click here to view an informational flyer. First-time users will need to register.

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)

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888 475 4499 US Toll-free

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