The IFB Beat 7-6 Edition

A Message from the Editor

This week’s IFB Beat is filled with stories that reflect the heart of our mission—our people. From Keila Rickett’s inspiring journey and aspirations for growth to Shawn White’s dedication to his family, faith and work, these stories remind us that every employee plays an important role in our shared success.

You’ll also find a reminder about the Atrium Health Clinic Open House on July 7, where you can tour the new space, meet the care team and learn more about the wellness resources available to you.

As always, thank you for all you do to make IFB Solutions such a special place.

Quote of the week:

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe

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!
Reminder: IFB Atrium Health Clinic Open House, July 7
Missed It? Catch Dan Kelly on the Blind and Beyond Radio Show
Employee Spotlight Featuring Shawn White, Winston-Salem Facility
Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

ADA36 Celebration

HR & Opportunities

Hot Summer Days, Hot Sun Rays, Sunburns and Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA)!
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!

In celebration of our 90th anniversary, we will be sharing new, untold stories about our team members. First, meet Keila Rickett.

Keila was born with Stargardt’s disease and understands firsthand the challenges of finding meaningful employment. In her role as a sewing machine operator in the t-shirts department, Keila helps produce Army combat shirts, sewing collars with a daily goal to meet production. Looking ahead, Keila is focused on advancing into an administrative position and is actively taking advantage of training programs to prepare for that next step.

Watch her inspiring story here.

 

Reminder: IFB Atrium Health Clinic Open House, July 7

Join us for an open house!

Tuesday, July 7, during first break, second break and lunch

Come tour the new clinic, meet the on-site Atrium Health nurse and the Social Services & Employee Resource Center team, ask questions, learn about available services and enjoy giveaways. We look forward to showing you the exciting enhancements designed to support your health and well-being.

 

Meet Your On-Site Nurse, Kayla H. Dowd

Headshot of Kayla Dowd

With over a decade of experience as a registered nurse, Kayla Dowd brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to every setting she serves. Her diverse background spans multiple health care environments, allowing her to adapt seamlessly and provide high-quality, patient-centered care.

Known for her dedication, clinical expertise, and collaborative spirit, Kayla is a trusted resource among peers and a strong advocate for patients and team members.

 

Missed It? Catch Dan Kelly on the Blind and Beyond Radio Show

IFB Solutions President and CEO Dan Kelly was recently featured on the nationally syndicated Blind and Beyond Radio Show, where he shared his journey to IFB Solutions, discussed our mission of creating life-changing opportunities for people who are blind and reflected on IFB’s 90 years of impact. If you missed the live broadcast, you can still listen to the interview!

How to listen: visit the Blind and Beyond Radio Show website, linked here and click “Shows 2026,” then select the June 21 episode featuring Dan Kelly.

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Shawn White, Winston-Salem Facility

Headshot of Shawn White

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

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born and raised in Georgetown, South Carolina.

Q: How long have you been with IFB Solutions, and what brought you here?
A: I’ve been with IFB Solutions for eight years. I was referred to IFB by coworkers from Lighthouse for the Blind in South Carolina, and I’m grateful they encouraged me to apply.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I love being involved in my church. We often prepare meals to share with people in our community. I also enjoy spending quality time with my wife, kids and the rest of my family.

Q: What’s your favorite meal?
A: A good roast is my favorite!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB Solutions?
A: I appreciate having the opportunity to work and provide for my family. I also really enjoy my role as a sewing machine operator and the work I do every day.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d share with others?
A: Always trust in the Lord and let Him lead your life. Show love and respect to everyone, always.

Special thanks to Employee Relations Specialist, Morgan Dugan, 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

ADA36 Celebration

Submitted by: Winston-Salem Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities

The Winston-Salem Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities is pleased to host the ADA36 Celebration, commemorating the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 1–4 p.m. at the Reynolda Manor Branch Library, 2839 Fairlawn Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106.

We invite you, your family, friends, colleagues and community members to join us in this special celebration.

The ADA36 Celebration honors a landmark civil rights law that has transformed opportunities and expanded access for millions of Americans with disabilities. As the world’s first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities, the ADA continues to shape a more inclusive and accessible society.

As we celebrate the progress achieved since the ADA’s passage, we will also engage in meaningful conversations about the barriers that individuals with disabilities continue to face and explore solutions that can strengthen accessibility and inclusion throughout our community.

A limited number of vendor spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The vendor registration fee is $25. *Vendors are asked to provide their own six-foot table.*

Admission to the ADA36 Celebration is no cost for attendees. Light refreshments will be provided.

Event activities include:

  • Panel discussions
  • Community vendors and exhibitors
  • ADA resources and information
  • Screening of the documentary Back on Track, click here for a preview of the film.

Please register using the link below:

RSVP for ADA36: https://pci.jotform.com/form/252324946309056

We greatly appreciate your support and participation in the ADA36 Celebration. Together, we can continue advancing accessibility, inclusion and equal opportunity for all.

 

 

HR & Opportunities

Hot Summer Days, Hot Sun Rays, Sunburns and Your Flexible Spending Account (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.

 

Job Opportunities

Quality Coordinator, Asheville

Education and Work Experience

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • 1–3 years previous quality inspection experience is preferred.
  • Experience working in an ISO 9001 quality management system environment is preferred.
  • Experience in planning and conducting ISO 9001 internal audits is preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/231179

BSC Store Operations Level 3

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/231210

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/231211?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

BSC Naval Academy Store Operations/Driver Level 4

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/231565

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/231566?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

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